Tamil Nadu Solar Power Subsidies: Everything You Need to Know

The shift towards sustainable energy has propelled India to be a global force in solar energy initiatives, offering exciting possibilities for homeowners in Tamil Nadu. With registered solar panel dealers across the state providing competitive prices in 2024, the reduced installation costs and government subsidies and support systems have made solar power a viable option. The state's increasing focus on clean energy alternatives with a lower carbon footprint has made solar energy a popular choice for many households.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Tamil Nadu's solar power subsidies, helping you make an informed decision about your home's energy use.

Understanding Solar Power Subsidy in Tamil Nadu

The Tamil Nadu Government has inaugurated a Rooftop Solar Subsidy Scheme in partnership with the Government of India (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy—MNRE). This scheme has made solar power more accessible to Tamil Nadu consumers through the services of handpicked dealers. The solar power subsidy in Tamil Nadu is available for grid-connected systems. An on-grid solar system is more affordable since it does not require solar batteries. Consumers can also opt for a hybrid model system with solar batteries for on-site power reserves. However, this off-grid hybrid system is not eligible for subsidy.

Current Subsidy Rates & System Costs

Here's a detailed breakdown of solar power subsidy and system costs in Tamil Nadu:

Also Read: A Step-by-Step Guide to Solar Savings for Your Home

Key Features & Eligibility Criteria

• Key features: Here are the key components and implementation details of Tamil Nadu's solar subsidy scheme:
  • The Central Ministry of New and Renewable Energy provides the solar subsidy in Tamil Nadu.
  • The subsidy is calculated as a percentage of the benchmark cost set by the MNRE.
  • The State Government (Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency—TEDA) offers support for successfully implementing the rooftop scheme.
  • The scheme is implemented through empanelled vendors authorised by TEDA and TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited).
• Eligibility criteria: The following categories of consumers are eligible to register for the solar rooftop subsidy in Tamil Nadu:
• Individual households
• Group Housing Society (GHS)
• Resident Welfare Association (RWA)

Note: The scheme does not cover commercial or industrial consumers.

Complete Solar Subsidy Process Guide

Getting a solar panel subsidy in Tamil Nadu is simple through the MNRE’s portal, the Rooftop Solar National Portal. The portal offers a user-friendly interface with simplified pricing and subsidy calculations across different slabs, making the application process straightforward. Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana scheme, over one crore households in Tamil Nadu already get monthly free electricity.

Step-by-step process: The National Portal for Rooftop Solar has outlined the process on its website. Here's how to get your solar installation with a subsidy:

1. Register on the SANDES App.
2. Provide your details and documents.
3. Submit your subsidy application.
4. Wait for approval from the State Electricity Company.
5. Get your solar system installed by an authorised vendor.
6. Get subsidy money in your bank account within a month.

Advantages of Solar Panel Installation With Subsidy

Installing solar panels with government subsidies offers multiple benefits, from environmental impact to financial savings. Here's what you can expect:

• Environmental benefits:
  • Uses free and endless sunlight for electricity.
  • Reduces the use of limited energy sources like coal.
  • Reduces pollution and impact on the environment.
  • Minimise carbon footprint.
• Protection & service:
  • Consumers are protected under the subsidy guidelines.
  • Only empanelled vendors can undertake the implementation work and maintain the Grid Connected Rooftop Solar (RTS) photovoltaic (PV) panels for at least 5 years.
• Subsidy benefits:
  • Expect up to a 60% subsidy for solar installations up to 2 kW capacity.
  • For systems between 2–3 kW capacity, get a 40% subsidy on the additional system cost.

Transform Your Home With Expert Solar Solutions

Though residential rooftop solar adoption has been slow, improved subsidy policies by the state government are set to accelerate home solar installations in the coming years.
Tamil Nadu's rooftop solar subsidy scheme, in partnership with the Indian government, presents an excellent opportunity for households to switch to solar energy. Nantech Power Systems Pvt. Ltd., one of the trusted inverter dealers in Chennai offering complete solar solutions, can help you design a solar energy system tailored to your needs. We are authorised to undertake government-subsidised installations and provide comprehensive services, from site inspection and customised system design to professional installation for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Contact us today to begin your solar journey and benefit from government subsidies.