Delhi CM launches solar portal for citizens to register for rooftop solar scheme

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday launched the registration portal for the ‘Delhi PM Surya Ghar’ scheme, offering households subsidies of up to ₹1.56 lakh for rooftop solar systems under the Centre’s PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. 

Ms. Gupta said applications would be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Under the scheme, the Centre provides a subsidy of up to ₹78,000 for rooftop solar systems of up to 3 kW, while the Delhi government will provide an additional ₹78,000. Domestic consumers with average monthly electricity consumption of up to 400 units will be eligible for systems of up to 3 kW without upfront payment, with any gap in the cost covered through assistance arranged under the scheme. 

The government has increased assistance for solar installations in group housing societies from ₹2,000 per kW to ₹11,000 per kW. Systems of up to 2 kW are being encouraged for smaller rooftops, with a target that 50% of consumers opt for them. 

Financial incentive

Consumers in the 0–200-unit category who reduce consumption after installing solar panels will receive a financial incentive equivalent to half the units saved. 

Under the Utility Led Aggregation model, eligible low-income and economically weaker households can receive rooftop solar systems without upfront payment. Authorised vendors will install and maintain the systems for five years, after which maintenance will be arranged through discoms. 

The government has set a target of installing rooftop solar systems free of cost at 2.30 lakh homes. Power Minister Ashish Sood said, “Delhi will become the country’s ‘Solar Capital’.” 

The portal provides information on applications, subsidies, authorised vendors and complaints, and allows consumers to register using their Contract Account number. 

150 e-buses to hit roads 

Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said the government would launch 150 electric buses next month under the National Electric Bus Programme and PM E-Drive. 

Delhi currently has 5,088 electric buses across 40 depots, with charger installation under way at three more. Five depots with capacity for 768 buses are being readied under the national programme. New depots are also being developed at Daurala and Jhuljhuli, with capacities of 250 and 500 buses, respectively. 

The Transport Department has sought land from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) at five locations and space from the DDA, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation for charging stations and depot expansion.