Delhi govt to provide free rooftop solar panels to 2.3 lakh families in first phase

In a bid to promote solar power adoption in Delhi, the city's government plans to distribute free rooftop solar panels to over 2.3 lakh households in the initial phase of the 'Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana'. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated an online portal for applications, following the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' in celebration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday.

The Central government offers a subsidy of up to Rs 78,000 for systems up to 3 kW, while the Delhi government matches this with a state subsidy of the same amount, totaling up to Rs 1.56 lakh per household. Eligible Delhi consumers with an average monthly electricity usage of up to 400 units will receive free rooftop solar systems.

If necessary, the government will also cover the remaining cost. This initiative aims to address three primary reasons for the city's low solar rooftop installation rate: free electricity for low consumers, difficulties in coordinating installations in group housing, and high upfront costs for bigger systems.