Delhi has introduced a subsidy-backed rooftop solar programme designed to make installations accessible to households that would otherwise struggle with the upfront cost. Under the initiative, eligible domestic consumers with average monthly electricity consumption of up to 400 units can receive rooftop solar systems of up to 3 kW without an initial payment, subject to technical feasibility and the scheme’s conditions. The government aims to expand residential solar adoption through a combination of central assistance, state support and a government-coordinated installation model.
The central government provides financial assistance of up to ₹78,000 for eligible residential systems under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Delhi’s amended policy provides additional state capital support of up to ₹78,000, while the government can cover any remaining eligible installation cost under the applicable utility-led arrangement. The intention is to remove the need for qualifying households to finance the entire system before receiving assistance.
The revised policy also changes how installations are delivered. Under the utility-led model, authorised agencies coordinate vendors and route eligible financial support towards installation costs. The amended framework provides for government ownership of systems during the initial five-year period, with consumers receiving the right to use them during that time. This arrangement is intended to ease access for households that cannot afford the initial investment, while assigning responsibilities for installation and maintenance under the scheme.
The initiative began accepting registrations on September 21, 2026, on a first-come, first-served basis. The Delhi government’s official solar website recorded 102,962 applications as of October 21, indicating substantial early interest in the programme. Applications, however, are not completed installations; the final impact will depend on technical assessments, vendor deployment, commissioning and the delivery of eligible subsidies.
The policy’s target requires careful distinction. The government publicly announced a first-phase ambition to provide systems to more than 2.30 lakh families, while the September 17, 2026 amendment to the Delhi Solar Energy Policy specifies 2.20 lakh new residential rooftop installations under the state capital-subsidy provision. These figures relate to the announced programme and the formal amended policy, respectively, and should not be treated as identical targets without further clarification from the government.
The scheme addresses several barriers to rooftop solar adoption in Delhi, including the initial purchase cost, limited roof access in apartment buildings and the challenge of coordinating installations in shared residential spaces. The policy provides for community solar and group net metering, which can help eligible consumers benefit where individual rooftop installation is impractical. It also includes support for common facilities in group housing societies and residential welfare associations.
Delhi’s early application numbers suggest that reducing upfront costs can encourage households to consider rooftop solar. Yet registrations alone do not establish how many families will receive systems or how much electricity they will generate. Installation and commissioning data, subsidy delivery and actual household savings will be the more meaningful indicators of the programme’s progress.