As India continues to battle climate change and rising energy demands, solar energy is becoming a central solution. To accelerate this transition, the Indian government has introduced several solar subsidy schemes that make it easier and more affordable for households, farmers, and institutions to adopt solar power.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the latest solar panel government schemes, what benefits they offer, how to apply, and why now is the best time to go solar in India.
In Key Government Solar Schemes You Should Know
1. PM Surya Ghar Yojana (Rooftop Solar Scheme) – For Homeowners
This is the government’s flagship initiative for residential rooftop solar. With rising electricity costs, this scheme helps homeowners offset bills and contribute to clean energy goals.
What’s in it for you?
- Up to ₹78,000 subsidy for installing rooftop solar panels (for systems up to 3kW)
- Net metering: Sell excess electricity back to the grid and earn credits
- No permit hassles – simplified approval & installation
2. PM-KUSUM Scheme – Empowering Farmers with Solar Pumps
Launched in 2019, PM-KUSUM provides financial support for farmers to adopt solar irrigation systems, reducing their dependency on expensive diesel and unreliable grid power.
Scheme Highlights:
- 60–70% subsidy for solar pump installation
- Can be used on-grid or off-grid
- Additional income opportunity by selling surplus power
Goal: Add 10,000 MW solar capacity through farm-level installations.
3. National Solar Mission – India’s Long-Term Solar Roadmap
Started in 2010 under the National Action Plan on Climate Change, this mission lays the foundation for India’s clean energy revolution.
Objectives:
- Achieve 280 GW solar capacity by 2030
- Promote solar R&D for cheaper, efficient tech
- Support both large solar parks and decentralized rural installations
4. Solar Parks & Ultra Mega Projects – For Utility-Scale Solar Growth
To meet large energy demands, the government supports mega solar parks with shared infrastructure like transmission lines, roads, and water access.
Key Features:
- Target capacity: 20,000 MW
- Use of barren/degraded lands to avoid land-use conflicts
- Encourages foreign and domestic investments
5. Atmanirbhar Bharat Solar Push – Boosting Made-in-India Panels
To reduce reliance on Chinese imports and promote domestic manufacturing, the government has rolled out incentives for local solar panel and component production.
Initiative Goals:
- Foster self-reliance in clean tech
- Strengthen India’s position as a solar hardware exporter
- Improve supply chain security for future growth
Who Is Eligible & How to Apply?
Most schemes are open to:
- Homeowners
- Farmers
- Commercial/institutional buildings
- Housing societies
Real-Life Example: How Much Can You Save?
Feature | CAPEX Model | OPEX Model |
System Size | Subsidy (Approx.) | Monthly Savings |
2 kW | ₹38,000 | ₹1,800 – ₹2,200 |
3 kW | ₹78,000 | ₹2,500 – ₹3,500 |
5 kW | ₹1,18,000 | ₹4,000 – ₹5,500 |