Image Source: Avaada
India's solar dreams received a massive boost on June 16, 2025, when the government announced a Rs 4 billion fund for a historic rooftop solar panel scheme, and a package of fresh schemes and policy measures to propel the nation's clean energy drive.
Key Highlights
Rs 4 Billion J&K Rooftop Solar Project:
The Jammu & Kashmir government sanctioned a Rs 4 billion scheme to commission grid-connected rooftop solar power plants in all government offices, 70 MW capacity in capital expenditure mode and 200 MW through renewable energy service companies. JAKEDA will lead the project, including bi-directional smart meters and virtual net metering, and will accrue to various government departments. The deadline for completion is December 2025 with five years of free maintenance.
National Solar Rooftop Drive:
The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana with an expenditure of Rs 75,021 crore plans to install rooftop solar on 1 crore houses by 2026-27 with 40% subsidy and free power of maximum 300 units per month per household. The scheme plans to save the government Rs 75,000 crore on electricity bills every year and massive cut in carbon emission.
Union Budget 2025 Solar Surge
The Union Budget 2025 has provided Rs 10,000 crore for solar infrastructure, Rs 24,000 crore for the overall Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to drive domestic solar manufacturing, and Rs 2,600 crore for the PM-KUSUM scheme empowering farmers with solar pumps and agrivoltaic systems.
Streamlined Subsidies and Financing: Families are now able to get collateral-free, low-interest loans for rooftop solar installation, with reduced paperwork and ease of eligibility. Urban Local Bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions are incentivized directly to encourage adoption.
Policy Push for Domestic Manufacturing:
Half of the duty on solar modules and solar cells has been cut, and from June 2026, all clean energy projects will utilize locally manufactured solar PV modules, providing a huge fillip to "Make in India" and creating millions of green jobs.
SECI Mega Tender:
The Solar Energy Corporation of India issued an invitation for 2 GW solar plans with 4 GWh of energy storage, further confirming India's commitment towards solar adoption at large scales. What This Means India is not just looking for energy independence but also preparing to become a world solar giant. The twin announcement shows a robust policy regime, financial muscle, and people-friendly strategy to provide clean and affordable solar power to crores of citizens.
Source: Renewable Watch, Waaree, Soleos Energy, myScheme, VisionIAS, Vajiram & Ravi, Government of India press releases.
Advertisement
Advertisement
