Government is Providing 40% Subsidy for Rooftop Solar Panels; Apply Now

The Union government's 40% subsidy is now directly available to anybody wishing to install rooftop solar panels on their terraces. Customers can apply for rooftop solar panels on the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy's (MNRE) national roof solar portal using their Aadhaar number and bank account information (solarrooftoppanel.gov.in). The subsidy will be applied to the customer's account if MNRE accepts the application.

Consumers previously had to contact TEDA or Tangedco for solar panel installation, after which TEDA would obtain the subsidy (up to 3 kW) from the Center and give it to the applicants, according to a senior Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA) official. According to the new approach, the official continued, MNRE will solely inform TEDA of the installation's consumer Details.

According to a different official, solar panels with a power output of 3 to 10 KW are eligible for a 20 percent subsidy under the Center's rooftop solar subsidy scheme. The official further stated that "group housing societies and residential welfare associations with solar panels for common facilities up to 500 kW (10 kW per house) may also apply for the 20% subsidy."

Although many customers intended to install solar rooftops in the State, according to N Logu, secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Voice, they are being forced to wait at least three months to do so because there are only three authorized solar panel companies in Tamil Nadu.  

Logu encouraged TEDA to approve a few additional solar panel manufacturing enterprises in the State. Officials from TEDA stated that after receiving consent from the State government, they will begin the necessary measures.

About MNRE

The nodal ministry of the Indian government for all issues pertaining to new and renewable energy is the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The Ministry's primary goal is to create and implement new, renewable energy sources to support the nation's energy needs.