With the advanced solar photovoltaic solar systems, solar energy has become more than just an alternative resource to our depleting energy sources. Solar has so many untapped financial benefits for homeowners and immense potential to meet the increasing energy demand that is putting stress on the government grid.

The government of India has started to subsidise the cost of home solar systems under the Rooftop Solar Programme Phase II scheme to make this clean and green energy source accessible to even small-sized homes. In fact, the process of availing subsidy on solar panels in Rajasthan and other states has been simplified even further with the launch of the National Portal for Rooftop Solar. The new portal provides a unified platform for solar-ready homeowners from all over India to apply for subsidy aid online and dodge the hassle of visiting the local DISCOM. Under the simplified procedure, the approved subsidy aid for solar panel installation in Rajasthan will be sent directly to the beneficiary’s bank account.

Solar Panel Subsidy in Rajasthan

Are you planning to put a solar plant on your roof? Residents can claim rooftop solar subsidy in Rajasthan under the pan-India Rooftop Solar Programme Phase II scheme launched by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE).

If you have been putting off your residential solar project due to the high upfront solar investment, a subsidy can make your transition to solar less financially burdensome. The national subsidy program, now strengthened with the National Portal for Rooftop Solar, makes solar less costly for residential, institutional, and social sectors. However, the program doesn’t subsidise RTS installations in industrial, commercial, and public sector undertakings.

The national simplified subsidy scheme has assigned fixed subsidy rates across different slabs representing different system capacities available for residential projects. Here is a snapshot of the Central Financial Assistance (CFA)/Central Government Subsidy amount you can apply, based on your rooftop solar system capacity. These subsidy rates are standard across all states and Union Territories in India. 

Rooftop Solar System Capacity	% Based on System Capacity	Amount in ₹
1kW to 3kW	40%	18,000 per kW
Above 3kW, up to 10kW	20%	18,000 per kW for the first 3kW
		9,000 per kW thereafter for the rest
Above 10kW	–	1,17,000 fixed
Group Housing Societies/Residential Welfare Associations (GHS/RWA)	20%, for up to 500 kW capacity	–

–

Note: Your CFA/subsidy application is approved only when the assigned inspecting authority from the local DISCOM has issued clearance on your RTS system and the net metering mechanism, which must be set up in compliance with the specified procedure. To get your subsidy request processed according to the current subsidy scheme, make sure you submit your application online on the national portal before December 31, 2024. No applications will be processed with retrospective effect.

Calculation of CFA/ subsidy: When calculating CFA/ subsidy, the amount is decided based on the total module capacity installed or the capacity approved by the assigned DISCOM authority, whichever is lower. 

How to Avail Solar Subsidy in Rajasthan, 2024

Since the introduction of the Rooftop Solar Programme Phase II scheme, the government of India has made impressive progress in making subsidy application and disbursement easier, faster, and more transparent for the residents of India.

The recently launched National Portal for Rooftop Solar is a milestone step toward resolving obstacles that hindered the efficient distribution of solar benefits. The residents earlier had to apply for subsidy through their state-level subsidy programmes and would visit the DISCOM company to successfully submit the application.

The online portal gives more control in the hands of consumers throughout the application process for solar plant subsidy in Rajasthan and other states. This not only expedites the process but also eliminates the ambiguous and tiresome process of dealing with the local DISCOM authorities or learning about state-level active subsidy programs to get subsidy benefits.

The portal facilitates clear and transparent processing of rooftop solar subsidy in Rajasthan and all over the country by letting registered consumers closely track their application at every step. Since the platform is accessible 24/7, you can log into your account to submit the application form and initiate the subsidy process, check for updates, and receive approvals/refusals. The portal will also give you information about how to complete the installation and inspection of your RTS system and what subsidy aid you can expect for your solar plant.

The National Subsidy Program is also called a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme wherein the beneficiary gets the subsidy amount directly into their bank account. The subsidy amount is released within 30 days after the assigned inspecting authority has provided clearance on installing and commissioning your grid-interactive solar power systems.

Tips to ensure your eligibility for solar subsidy in Rajasthan, 2024: 

• Made-in-India solar panels – If you have decided to go solar and want to avail the solar system subsidy in Rajasthan or anywhere in India, make sure you get indigenously-manufactured solar PV modules as prescribed under the simplified subsidy procedure. Solar panels eligible for the subsidy must be manufactured using made-in-India solar cells. The ALMM list can help you choose the right solar panels from the Approved Models & Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules.
• On-grid solar systems – The MNRE is offering financial aid in the form of solar subsidy in Rajasthan and other states of India only on on-grid solar systems (excluding solar batteries) installed for residential use. Homeowners have the freedom to add solar batteries to unleash the true potential of solar technology. However, the cost of solar batteries will not be included in the subsidy calculation under the simplified subsidy scheme.
• Registered/empanelled solar vendors – The MNRE has issued a list of empanelled solar vendors who are vetted and authorised to commission and install subsidised residential solar projects. They must follow the minimum specifications and standards in every RTS installation project. Therefore, make sure the solar companies you are considering for your solar transition are registered with your local Distribution Utility (DISCOM) company.
• Necessary assistance to be provided by your vendor – It’s the duty of the registered/empanelled vendor you choose for your RTS project to do a thorough survey of the intended solar installation site and guide homeowners on the best possible options based on energy requirements and location. The vendor must evaluate technical and financial parameters to help the consumer decide the right type, size, and design of the solar system for their home. The vendor is also responsible for obtaining necessary permits, assisting the DISCOM authority in setting up the net metering system, and inspecting the installed solar system. Once the RTS plant is set up, the vendor will maintain the system for five years from installation.
• Subsidy rates – The recent update under the simplified process has established fixed subsidy rates for different system capacities. These rates will be standard for all households planning to get solar subsidy in Rajasthan and other states of India. Since the subsidy rates are subject to change at the start of a new calendar year, make sure you check for the current subsidy on the national portal.

Benefits of Solar Panel Subsidy in Rajasthan

Homeowners aspiring to avail solar plant subsidies in Rajasthan can choose between either a simple grid-interactive framework or a hybrid solar plant that includes solar batteries. A grid-interactive solar system is ideal for homeowners looking for the most budget-friendly solar options. As you begin to recognise the financial gains of living in a solar-powered home, you can choose to upgrade your existing solar plant by adding more panels and solar batteries. 

1. Reduce or Eliminate Electricity Bills

A rooftop solar system starts delivering on its promises from the first watt/hour of solar energy generated. If your solar plant is large enough, you should be able to meet a significant ratio of your total energy demand through solar electricity supplied by your on-site solar panels. As a result, you depend less on the government grid for electricity, and your monthly electricity bill is likely to show a reduced or even near-zero charge.

A home solar system enables you to produce your own electricity and enjoy more control over how you use it in your household. In addition, an energy-independent house saves you on your monthly electricity expenses, which accumulate to become a significant amount in a year. 

As you collect these annual savings for a span of 6 to 8 years, you will realise that savings on your utility bill are enough to completely pay off your initial solar investment. After this payback period, your home will reap an appreciable amount of free electricity for the rest of the lifespan (25+ years) of solar panels. 

2. Earn Solar Credits

Under the provision of net metering regulating grid-connected solar plants, homes that add solar energy to the government grid receive solar credits. Net metering amplifies your solar power ROI. With the right capacity solar system, you will see several surplus solar power generation days, especially during summer. Instead of wasting this surplus energy, the solar system is designed to transfer unused power units (left after fulfilling your home’s power demand and recharging solar batteries, if any) to the government grid.

The net meter mechanism tracks these monthly solar power exports and rewards you with solar credits, which are recorded in your monthly electricity bills. Solar credits are a currency you can use to buy grid electricity to meet your home’s additional electricity demand beyond what your solar energy output can cover on a given day. However, grid electricity withdrawals are still possible even if you don’t have a sufficient solar credit balance. Your electricity bill will charge you for the electricity imports at prescribed net metering rates.

The utility service company swill settle this balance in cash if the year closes with a solar credit balance in your record. Hence with net metering, homeowners can see a zero charge on the monthly bill for months when no electricity is drawn from the grid or even a positive credit balance for adding surplus solar energy to the grid.

3. A Reliable Source of Electricity

For many households, frequent and prolonged power cuts are the reason behind adopting a home solar system. Solar panels harvest sunshine to generate electricity. Since the Sun is available to us in abundance, solar energy proves to be a more predictable and reliable power source, unlike grid-supplied power interrupted due to weather conditions. 

Many solar companies can help you calculate your annual solar energy production and also provide monitoring devices so that you can track your daily output. However, with solar, you won’t see major fluctuations in your plant’s annual solar production. 

Over the last decades, the world has witnessed a sharp increase in energy demands, pushing traditional energy resources on the verge of depletion. 

Price of a Solar System in Rajasthan with Subsidy

What is the actual cost of ‘going solar’? Is it worth it? A prior understanding of solar system prices in Rajasthan and the factors that influence them can help homeowners make a confident decision. 

Type, Size and Materials: To start off the calculation of solar system cost in Rajasthan for your home, the first step is to determine the right type and size of your planned solar system. Keeping the eligibility criteria for a solar subsidy, you can choose between a simple grid-connected solar system or a hybrid system (which is connected to the grid but also has solar batteries). 

Also, check the efficiency rating of different solar equipment constituting your RTS system. Components of higher functional efficiency will cost higher. If you prefer the least costly option, then the simple grid-connected solar system made up of standard-quality components is the right choice. 

On the flip side, a hybrid solar system can help you maintain a power backup and eliminate your dependence on the grid. Solar batteries allow you to keep a reserve of solar power to meet additional energy requirements, especially at night, so you don’t have to draw grid electricity even if your solar panels are inactive. Since you meet a major share of your home electricity needs from your own RTS system, you also easily avoid the inconvenience of prolonged power outages as your solar panel system immediately switches to solar batteries whenever the grid is down.

However, hybrid solar systems cost more than a simple on-grid set-up as they use more solar panels to power your home and charge the solar batteries. 

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) prescribes strict technical standards and specifications to be honoured in each RTS installation to ensure eligibility for solar panel subsidy in Rajasthan and many other states of India. Hence, ensure your chosen empanelled solar vendor works according to these guidelines and even sign an agreement assuring you of the same. For this purpose, you are advised to use the model agreement prepared by the MNRE and provide the same when initiating your solar subsidy process. 

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Design and Installation: Placing solar PV panels on your roof may appear a simple handyman’s job, but the opposite is true. Establishing the most suitable layout for your solar panel setup is essential for them to gain access to maximum sunlight. Therefore, an initial inspection by your trusted solar company can help you determine many aspects of your intended installation site. These are orientation, shading, pollution and climate condition, structural integrity, and the overall profitability of your planned solar plant. 

An expert roof assessment also assesses other aspects of your intended transition to solar. These are your home’s energy needs and your preferences as to how you want your solar structure blended into your lifestyle and aesthetic expectations. For instance, if you are worried that your roof-mounted solar panels will take away your valuable roof space, then a pergola-style can help you add solar plants attractively and recreationally.

It’s advised that you trust only an expert solar installer to provide you with the most durable solar panel mounting system as well as safely and securely mount your solar panels on them for maximum exposure to sunshine and an increased lifespan.

However, all these costs will further add to your total solar panel price in Rajasthan.

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Out-of-pocket costs: Some portion of your total solar panel system price in Haryana is settled directly from your pocket and is associated with post-installation costs. Under net-metering regulations, utility consumers with an on-site RTS system can earn solar credits by transferring unused surplus energy (usually in summers) to the grid. However, there will also come days when you will have to draw grid electricity due to insufficient or zero solar energy production. The net-metering mechanism records the exports and imports of power in your monthly electricity bills. You will be required to pay the difference if imports exceed exports unless you have enough solar credit balance to settle this difference.

Solar systems require ongoing servicing and maintenance, which might create another burden on your pocket. Fortunately, many solar equipment manufacturers can over robust product and performance warranties on different solar equipment. Solar panels come with a performance warranty of up to 25 years, whereas solar inverters and solar batteries carry a product warranty of 5-10 years. During the warranty period, all the replacements arising due to faulty components will be borne by your solar manufacturing company.

You might also want to opt for exhaustive AMC maintenance service packages, if your vendor provides one, to have professionals address your RTS system’s routine inspection, troubleshooting, and maintenance requirements.

As per the procedure prescribed under the simplified solar subsidy program, homeowners and the chosen solar vendor can mutually choose from the different types, sizes, and prices of solar panel systems in Rajasthan. However, the revised subsidy calculation method under the simplified process uses the RTS system capacity you buy or the capacity provided upon inspection, whichever is lower. You no longer have to check the latest benchmark costs for different capacity systems as was earlier issued by the MNRE to calculate subsidy.

However, remember that the subsidy calculation method doesn’t factor in the cost of net metering and solar batteries (included in hybrid solar systems).

Only a professional can help you tap into the maximum potential of your rooftop solar plant so that you enjoy the maximum financial benefits that offset and even exceed your initial solar investment. To better understand the price of a home solar panel system for your home in Rajasthan, let Homescape help you make a well-informed decision through our quick site assessment and a custom solar code.

The Complete Process for Installing Solar System in Rajasthan

With the launch of the online portal, applying for a solar subsidy on your intended installation of a grid-connected rooftop solar system has become easier than ever. Here is the complete process on how to apply for solar subsidy in Rajasthan or anywhere in India to successfully initiate the process under the solar rooftop subsidy yojana: 

• You will first have to activate your beneficiary account on the National Solar Portal https://solarrooftop.gov.in/ using the mobile number, email id, and other basic details. 
• Once the account has been created, note down the login credentials you have received and use them to log in to your account. There you can submit your application for solar system subsidy in Rajasthan online in a few easy steps. Make sure to provide the requested information and bank account details correctly. Once the application is submitted, the portal will forward your subsidy application to your local DISCOM company. The DISCOM is responsible for evaluating your intended RTS installation for technical feasibility. Based on this, it will provide approval in line with the prevailing state regulations.
• Wait for your technical feasibility approval before you install your RTS system. The said status will be updated on the portal and also notified to you via email. 
• Now you have the necessary permit to start your RTS system under the simplified subsidy scheme. The subsidy guidelines require that an empanelled vendor must complete all subsidised RTS installation projects. Once the installation is done, you can submit all the relevant documents on the online portal. Now, wait for a DISCOM authority to visit your location for physical inspection and the net meter installation.
• Upon the successful completion of the physical inspection, the DISCOM authority will submit all the details on the portal, leading to the clearance of your subsidy amount. This status will reflect on your application.
• Now you can sit back and wait to receive the approved subsidy amount in your bank account within 30 days from installation. 

FAQs

How much does a 1 kWp rooftop solar system take?

A 1kW rooftop solar system composed of standard-quality solar panels will cover 10 sq. metres of shadow-free area. However, the installation area also depends on the mounting structure design and the efficiency rating of solar panels. A high-efficiency rating means solar panels can give more watts/hour per solar cell and will, thus, reduce the number of panels needed to generate 1kW capacity.

Why must I install solar PV modules in a shade-free area?

A cast of shade on any area of your solar panels interrupts sunlight from directly incident on the solar panel’s surface. For example, suppose shadows from nearby buildings and trees cover some solar cells or a part of your solar panel. In that case, this affects the overall efficiency and the total solar energy output throughout the array as solar cells are interconnected. Hence, you must check your space for prolonged shade, affecting both the performance and lifespan of your solar panels. 

Do I get any warranties on solar components? 

Many leading solar companies like Homescape provide robust performance warranty of 25 years on solar panels that cover unexpected replacement needs. Your solar inverters and batteries may also have strong coverage of 5-10 years of product warranty. Moreover, the national subsidy programs have ensured that all subsidised RTS plants get 5 years of mandatory maintenance services from the empanelled solar vendor behind the installation.

How will I get electricity when the sunshine is weak or unavailable? 

The solar panels generate electricity by harvesting sunshine directly incidenting on its surface. Hence, your solar panels will be inactive during the dark hours and their energy generation efficiency gets compromised during cloudy or rainy weather. Thankfully, you will remain connected to the government grid to draw additional electricity as may be needed. You can also choose to add batteries to maintain a solar energy reserve for later use when solar energy generation is insufficient.