Delhi’s 2025 solar rooftop initiative, backed by a Rs 30,000 subsidy, aims to equip 230,000 homes with solar panels in three years, slashing electricity bills by up to Rs 4,200 monthly. Combined with the PM Surya Ghar scheme, it offers Rs 1.08 lakh in total subsidies, promoting green energy and affordability.
Delhi’s Solar Revolution: Empowering Homes with Rooftop Panels
In a transformative move to make Delhi a hub for renewable energy, the Delhi government has rolled out the ‘PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana State Top-Up’ scheme, approving a Rs 30,000 subsidy for installing 3 kW rooftop solar panels. Announced by Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on May 20, 2025, this initiative complements the central government’s PM Surya Ghar scheme, which provides a Rs 78,000 subsidy, bringing the total financial support to Rs 1.08 lakh per household. The ambitious plan targets equipping 230,000 residential units with solar panels over the next three years, with an investment of Rs 50 crore.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized that the scheme enables Delhi residents to adopt solar power at zero initial cost, potentially saving an average of Rs 4,200 on monthly electricity bills. To further ease adoption, the government is collaborating with financial institutions to offer loans covering the remaining installation costs, estimated at Rs 90,000. This initiative aligns with Delhi’s broader goal of promoting sustainable energy and reducing dependence on conventional power sources, especially amid rising electricity demands and environmental concerns.
The application process is streamlined for accessibility. Residents can apply online using their mobile numbers, receiving an application number via SMS. The respective distribution company (discom) processes the application, notifying applicants about the subsidy release. Only Delhi residents or those domiciled in the capital are eligible, ensuring the benefits are targeted locally.
This push comes at a time when India’s renewable energy sector is witnessing rapid growth. A Reuters analysis noted that India’s renewable power output grew at its fastest pace since 2022 in the first half of 2025, with 16.3 GW of wind and solar capacity added by May. Delhi’s initiative is part of this national momentum, building on the success of states like Gujarat, which leads with a 32% share in PM Surya Ghar installations, having set up 3.73 lakh solar rooftops since February 2024.
However, challenges remain. Industry experts highlight that public awareness and ease of installation are critical for success. In Karnataka, for instance, the PM Surya Ghar scheme faced hurdles due to misconceptions about fully subsidized systems and the complexity of the installation process. Delhi aims to avoid such pitfalls by simplifying procedures and offering robust financial support.
The initiative also ties into broader environmental goals. Alongside the solar subsidy, the Delhi government is investing in anti-pollution measures, including litter machines, anti-smog guns, and water sprinklers, to combat winter pollution. The state’s commitment to green energy is further evidenced by plans to make the Delhi Assembly fully solar-powered, with a 500 kW plant’s foundation stone laid recently.
Nationally, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is bolstering rooftop solar adoption through a Rs 2.3 crore startup challenge launched in June 2025. This program, supported by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) and Startup India, encourages innovations in affordability, resilience, and sustainability, with applications open until August 20, 2025. Such efforts underscore the synergy between local and national policies to drive India toward its target of 10 million rooftop solar installations by 2027, with one million already achieved by March 2025.
Delhi’s solar push is not just about energy but also empowerment. By reducing electricity costs and promoting clean energy, the initiative promises to make households energy-independent while contributing to a greener, more sustainable capital.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and government announcements. Information is sourced from credible outlets like The Indian Express, ET Now, and Reuters. For the latest updates, refer to official government portals or contact local discoms.