In a bid to bolster sustainability and combat environmental challenges, the Delhi government has announced the ‘Delhi Solar Power Policy 2024.’ The policy, unveiled by the Chief Minister, marks a significant stride towards a greener energy landscape.
The initiative primarily targets the reduction of air pollution and aims to alleviate economic strains by encouraging the adoption of solar power solutions. Under the policy, individuals opting for rooftop solar panels stand to benefit substantially, particularly in residential sectors where electricity bills could be reduced to zero.
Residential consumers are set to gain the most, with the installation of rooftop solar panels promising significant savings. The policy introduces a generation-based incentive (GBI) scheme, potentially amounting to Rs 700-900 per month for individuals with monthly consumption up to 200 units. Moreover, commercial and industrial customers can anticipate a 50 percent reduction in electricity expenses upon installing rooftop solar panels.
Key incentives include a capital subsidy of Rs 2,000 per kW for residential users, capped at Rs 10,000 per consumer. Additionally, the GBI scheme promises an additional monthly income for solar panel adopters, offering Rs 3 per unit for solar plants up to 3 kW and Rs 2 per unit for plants ranging from 3 to 5 kW, over a five-year period.
Currently, Delhi boasts a solar power capacity of 1,500 MW, with 250 MW generated from rooftop installations. The government aims to triple this capacity to 4,500 MW by March 2027, constituting approximately 20 percent of the city’s total power consumption from solar sources.
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Under the new policy, government buildings covering an area of 500 sq m must install rooftop solar panels within three years. Additionally, a community solar concept has been introduced to accommodate customers with limited rooftop space or financial resources.
The Delhi government has allocated Rs 5.7 billion for the full implementation of the policy, underscoring its commitment to fostering a sustainable and eco-friendly future for the city.