Subsidy payout begins for 3 kW rooftop solar systems
The Puducherry government on Saturday began distributing its share of subsidy payments to consumers who have installed rooftop solar systems of 3 kW and above, a move officials say will accelerate household adoption of distributed solar and reduce dependence on grid power.
At a function held at Kamarajar Manimandam, Minister for Home and Electricity A. Namassivayam inaugurated the disbursement, under which each eligible 3 kW installation receives the Union Territory’s portion of ₹30,000. The state contribution complements the Central subsidy of ₹78,000 provided under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana for 3 kW systems.
Officials said the UT expended ₹10 crore to provide subsidies to about 3,333 consumers who opted for 3 kW plants. Minister for Adi Dravidar Welfare P. Rajavelu was also present at the event.
Programme progress and scope
According to a government release, the electricity department has received 8,135 applications under the rooftop solar scheme and completed 6,452 installations to date, delivering a combined installed capacity of 23.32 MW. So far a total subsidy of ₹40.99 crore has been disbursed to 5,295 beneficiaries across capacity bands.
- 3 kW systems: UT subsidy ₹30,000 plus Central support ₹78,000.
- 2 kW systems: Combined subsidy around ₹80,000 (Centre ₹60,000; UT ₹20,000).
- 1 kW systems: Combined subsidy around ₹40,000 (Centre ₹30,000; UT ₹10,000).
Officials estimate that a typical 3 kW rooftop installation can generate roughly 4,500 units (kWh) of electricity annually, subject to local solar radiation and site-specific factors. The installed systems are designed with an expected service life of at least 25 years, the statement added.
Vendors, finance and future enrolment
The release noted that 80 vendors are currently registered to carry out rooftop solar installations across the Union Territory. Eligible beneficiaries may also access bank finance for installations at an interest rate of 5.75%, the statement said.
Power secretary A. Muthamma told The Hindu that around 13,000 residential consumers are likely to be enrolled for solar plant installation under the subsidy scheme on a first-come-first-served basis.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Applications received | 8,135 |
| Installations completed | 6,452 |
| Installed capacity | 23.32 MW |
| Beneficiaries subsidised | 5,295 |
| Total subsidy disbursed | ₹40.99 crore |
| UT payout for 3 kW | ₹30,000 per consumer |
What this means locally
For Puducherry residents, the combined central and UT subsidies substantially lower the upfront cost of small rooftop plants, making household solar financially accessible for many. With national support under the Surya Ghar scheme and complementary territory funds, the policy aims to expand distributed renewable generation and ease load on the distribution network during peak daytime demand.
Practical considerations for consumers include roof orientation, shading, wiring compatibility for net-metering (if pursued) and vendor selection from the registered list. The government’s provision of low-interest bank finance is intended to help those who need additional capital to complete installation quickly.
Officials’ next steps
The power department will continue processing applications and disbursing subsidies in phases. The rollout’s stated target — enrolling about 13,000 households — suggests further rounds of subsidy payments as more installations are completed and validated.
Officials will also monitor performance of rooftop systems over time and the participation of registered vendors to ensure installations meet required standards and output expectations.
