The Delhi Government has notified the first amendment to the Delhi Solar Energy Policy 2023, increasing the state capital subsidy for residential rooftop solar systems. The revised subsidy now stands at ₹10,000 (~$116.28)/kW, capped at ₹30,000 (~$348.84) for systems with a capacity of up to 3 kW.

In the draft Delhi Solar Energy Policy, 2023, the Delhi government offered a state capital subsidy of ₹2,000 (~$23.26)/kW with a cap of ₹10,000 (~$116.28)/consumer.

The amendment also introduces a new capital subsidy for group housing societies (GHS) and resident welfare associations (RWAs). A subsidy of ₹2,000 (~$23.26)/kW will now be provided for solar capacity installed for common facilities, including electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, up to 500 kW. This 500 kW cap includes both common facilities and rooftop solar systems installed by individual households within the society.

Subsidy disbursements will be carried out through the direct benefit transfer (DBT) system. Data for installations registered through the national PM Surya Ghar portal will be automatically sourced for DBT. In cases where applications are submitted outside the national portal, details will be collected via the Delhi Solar Portal.

Subsidy will be paid to distribution companies (DISCOMs) after the net meter installation and submission of claim documents if they act as companies (RESCOs).

The amendment also modifies the hybrid RESCO model. Under the updated structure, RESCO developers will install rooftop solar systems on consumer premises, and consumers will receive a single consolidated electricity bill from the DISCOMs.

Under the amendment, solar project installation in the RESCO model will be combined with solar bill payment to the RESCO developer through DISCOMs at a predetermined tariff.  This contrasts with the previous model, where consumers signed separate agreements with RESCO developers and DISCOMs.

A generation-based early-bird incentive has been introduced for commercial and industrial consumers adopting the hybrid RESCO model. This incentive will apply to the first 200 MW of installed capacity and will be paid to the RESCO developer.

Last March, the Delhi Government announced plans to install 4,500 MW of solar capacity, including 750 MW of rooftop solar within the state and approximately 3,750 MW of utility-scale solar outside the state, by 2027.