Puducherry has started releasing its share of the rooftop solar subsidy to households that have installed solar plants of 3 kW or more. The Union Territory government will pay ₹30,000 to each eligible consumer under the scheme.
Minister for Home and Electricity A. Namassivayam began the disbursement at an event held at Kamarajar Manimandam. About 3,333 consumers are set to receive the payment. The total cost to the Puducherry government is close to ₹10 crore.
How much subsidy can consumers receive?
Residents who install rooftop solar systems can receive support from both the Central government and the Puducherry government. The amount depends on the size of the plant.
- 1 kW system: Around ₹40,000 in total subsidy, including ₹30,000 from the Centre and ₹10,000 from Puducherry.
- 2 kW system: Around ₹80,000 in total subsidy, including ₹60,000 from the Centre and ₹20,000 from Puducherry.
- 3 kW system: ₹78,000 from the Centre and ₹30,000 from Puducherry, giving a total subsidy of ₹1.08 lakh.
The Central support comes under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. The scheme aims to help households produce power on their own rooftops and reduce their monthly electricity bills.
What can a 3 kW solar plant produce?
A 3 kW rooftop solar system can generate about 4,500 units of electricity each year. The actual output depends on sunlight, roof space, shade, panel direction and the quality of the installation.
This works out to an average of about 12 units a day, though solar power output will change with the weather and season. A home may use the electricity it produces, while extra power can be sent to the grid under the applicable net-metering rules.
The solar panels are designed to work for 25 years or more. That gives households a long period to use the system after installation. The panels do not need daily attention, but they do need cleaning and basic checks. Dust is not a good power source, unless your goal is to grow a very small rooftop garden.
Progress of the rooftop solar scheme in Puducherry
The Electricity Department has received 8,135 applications for rooftop solar systems. Of these, 6,452 installations had been completed, with a reported total capacity of 23.32 MW.
The department has disbursed ₹40.99 crore in subsidies to 5,295 beneficiaries. It has also registered 80 vendors to install rooftop solar systems across the Union Territory.
Government figures shared at the event also put the total installed capacity at 20.85 MW. The difference between the two figures may relate to the date or group of installations counted in each statement. Consumers should check the latest figures with the Electricity Department before making financial plans.
More households may be included
Power Secretary A. Muthamma said that about 13,000 residential consumers would be enrolled under the subsidy scheme on a first-come-first-served basis. The government expects more than 6,000 additional consumers to join the programme.
The government has already installed solar panels at 79 buildings. More public buildings are expected to receive rooftop solar systems as the programme expands.
Loan support for eligible consumers
Eligible beneficiaries can apply for a bank loan at an interest rate of 5.75%, according to the government release. A loan can help families manage the upfront installation cost while the subsidy reduces the total amount they need to pay.
Before choosing a vendor, consumers should check whether the installer is registered under the scheme. They should also confirm the system size, panel quality, warranty, estimated power output and the process for receiving the subsidy.
Applicants should keep copies of the application, payment receipts, installation report and electricity connection details. These records can help if the subsidy payment is delayed or if the department asks for more information.
Why the subsidy matters
The subsidy lowers the cost of installing solar panels for homes in Puducherry. It can also reduce the need to buy all electricity from the grid. For households with suitable roofs and steady power use during the day, a 3 kW system may offer a useful way to manage future electricity costs.
Consumers who plan to apply should check the current guidelines, available quota, approved vendors and subsidy status through the Puducherry Electricity Department or the official PM Surya Ghar portal. Rules, payment schedules and application limits may change as more households join the scheme.
