MNRE launches new guidelines for residential rooftop solar installations

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched new guidelines to foster residential rooftop solar installations across India. This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy.

The Indian government has released a rooftop solar scheme offering low-cost electricity to ten million households.

MNRE has issued new guidelines in which, the PM – Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana scheme has an investment budget of INR 750.2 billion (US$8.97 billion) and will be implemented until FY2026-27. Out of the total budget, INR 675 billion will be used as Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for residential households, while INR 49.5 billion will be allocated as incentives for distribution companies.

MNRE stated that for CFA, residential rooftop solar systems will connect to the grid. These systems will be linked to a residential power connection of a local distribution company and will include installations on roofs, terraces, balconies, or elevated structures.

The modules used in the scheme must meet India’s domestic content requirement, meaning they must be made from domestically manufactured cells.

Earlier this year, PV Tech Premium examined India’s residential rooftop solar additions announced in the interim budget and discussed the importance of clear policies for achieving the country’s energy transition goals.

The PM – Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana scheme aims to provide this clarity, offer free or low-cost electricity to one million households, and develop the necessary ecosystem for rooftop solar projects, including regulatory support, manufacturing facilities, a supply chain, vendor network, and operation and maintenance facilities.