Thinking about switching to solar energy in Kerala? This blog post dives deep into the costs and subsidies available for home rooftop solar panels under the PM SuryaGhar Yojana. To take advantage of the solar subsidy in Kerala, understanding eligibility criteria, application procedures, and benefits is crucial. We cover everything you need to know about solar on-grid (Grid-Tie) systems, solar panel installation procedures, feasibility and net-metering with KSEB (Kerala State Electricity Board Limited), project completion reports, and the application for solar subsidy. Read on to learn more!
Nestled on the southwestern coast of India, Kerala is renowned not only for its lush landscapes but also for its renewable energy potential. With abundant sunlight year-round, the state is primed to harness solar power.
Kerala’s highly educated population values sustainability, leading to a growing adoption of solar energy solutions. The solar subsidy scheme in Kerala significantly reduces upfront costs, making solar technology more accessible. Additionally, the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana offers further financial benefits, positioning Kerala to lead in solar energy adoption. Let’s explore the features and advantages of this scheme.
What is PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana?
Key Benefits and Features:
- The scheme provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA), commonly referred to as Solar Subsidy or Solar Panel Subsidy, specifically for Residential Rooftop Solar Installations.
- Households gain access to collateral-free, low-interest loans, currently around 7%, for installing residential RTS systems up to 3 kW.
- In each district of the country, a Model Solar Village will be established to serve as a role model, encouraging the adoption of rooftop solar in rural areas.
- Urban Local Bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions receive incentives to encourage RTS installations in their respective areas.
- Participating households can not only save on electricity bills but also generate additional income by selling surplus power to DISCOMs. A 3 kW system, on average, can produce more than 300 units monthly.
- The scheme is expected to create approximately 17 lakh direct jobs across various sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, supply chain, sales, installation, O&M, and other services.
Rooftop Solar Subsidy Structure for Kerala Households
Rooftop Solar Plant Capacity | Eligible Subsidy |
1-2 kW | Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 60,000 |
2-3 kW | Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 78,000 |
Above 3 kW | Rs. 78,000 |
Stepwise Procedure for Installing a Solar Rooftop System in Kerala and Applying for Subsidy under "PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana" Scheme:
Step 1: Register on the Portal
- Go to the portal – https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in/
- Select your State
- Choose your Electricity Distribution Company
- Enter your Electricity Consumer Number
- Provide your Mobile Number and Email
- Follow the directions from the portal
Step 2: Login and Apply
- Log in using your Consumer Number and Mobile Number
- Apply for the Rooftop Solar using the designated form
Step 3: Feasibility Approval by DISCOM (KSEB)
- Your subsidy application is forwarded to your local DISCOM company (KSEB) for technical feasibility approval
- Wait for the feasibility approval from DISCOM
- Once approved, proceed with installation by registered vendors trained to meet specified technical standards under subsidy guidelines
Step 4: Plant Details Submission and Net Meter Application
- After installing the Rooftop Solar System, submit plant details
- Apply for a net meter
Step 5: Inspection and Commissioning
- The assigned DISCOM (KSEB) authority will inspect the system and integrate the net meter
- The inspection ensures compliance with minimum technical specifications and standards in your RTS installation
- Receive a commissioning certificate from the portal
Step 6: Subsidy Disbursement
- Once you obtain the commissioning report, submit bank account details and a cancelled cheque through the portal
- Expect subsidy disbursement in your bank account within 30 days
Process for Installing Solar System in Kerala
As MNRE approved Solar Installer, Exilon is committed to guiding you through the process of installing a rooftop solar power system and accessing solar subsidies.
- Power Consumption Evaluation: We begin by assessing your average monthly energy consumption in units (Kilowatt-Hours). Providing up to 12 months’ worth of electricity bill data ensures accuracy, accounting for seasonal variations. Based on this data, we design an initial system tailored to your needs.
- Site Visit: Our professionals conduct a thorough evaluation of your property to determine the optimal location, orientation, and shading of your roof or land. This assessment informs the placement and size of solar panels and other equipment.
- System Customization: We prioritize your preferences when designing your solar solution. Solar panels must be ALMM approved, and Solar Inverters must be BIS approved to qualify for subsidies.
- Installation and Commissioning: Professional solar installers adhere to Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) guidelines during installation. The system is thoroughly tested and commissioned to ensure optimal performance. Additionally, a monitoring system is set up to track its performance.
- Permitting and Interconnection (Net Metering): We obtain necessary permits and approvals from electricity authorities based on system size. The system is designed to connect to the grid. We assist you in obtaining Project Completion Report or Commissioning Certificate from KSEB authorities for subsidy disbursal. Subsequently, we guide you through the National Portal of PM Surya Ghar Yojana for subsidy disbursal.
- Post Sale Support: Exilon provides ongoing support, guiding you through self-maintenance of solar panels, troubleshooting, issue resolution, and warranty claims for installed products.
Benefits of Solar Panel Subsidy in Kerala
- Reduced initial expense: One of the primary advantages of availing the solar panel subsidy in Kerala is the substantial reduction in upfront costs. The financial support provided under the subsidy scheme significantly eases the financial burden on homeowners and encourages the widespread adoption of solar energy solutions.
- Energy Independence: By harnessing solar power through subsidized installations, residents in Kerala can achieve a level of energy independence. Reduced reliance on traditional energy sources contributes to a more stable and resilient energy supply, empowering households to generate their electricity sustainably.
- Sustainable Solution: Embracing solar energy through subsidies promotes environmentally friendly practices. Solar power is a clean and renewable energy source that minimizes carbon footprints and contributes to a healthier environment. The subsidy scheme thus aligns with Kerala’s commitment to sustainable living and environmental conservation.
- Financial Savings: In addition to the initial cost reduction, solar panel subsidies in Kerala result in substantial long-term financial savings. As households generate their electricity, they not only significantly lower their monthly energy bills but also have the opportunity to sell surplus energy to KSEB, earning an additional income. This dual benefit not only promotes sustainable living but also enhances the economic viability of solar energy adoption in the state.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Net Metering in Kerala?
Net metering in Kerala is a system where solar power system owners can export excess electricity to the grid and draw from it when needed. Here’s how it works: Direct Current (DC) electricity is generated when sunlight hits the solar panels. This DC power goes to the on-grid inverter, which converts it into Alternating Current (AC) electricity, matching the voltage and frequency of the KSEB grid. This process is called generation and is tracked by a Solar Meter.
The generated solar power is first used by home appliances, a process known as utilization. Any surplus power is then exported to the grid. When solar power is insufficient or unavailable, electricity is imported from the grid, tracked by a Bidirectional Meter (Net Meter). This setup allows for energy banking, where surplus energy offsets future consumption during low solar production, balancing seasonal variations in solar power generation.
At the end of the fiscal year on March 31, a settlement is conducted for all banked energy, resetting the energy bank balance to zero on April 1. The settlement amount, determined by the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission, is based on the average cost of electricity purchased by the distribution company in the previous year. The current settlement rate is Rs 3.15 per unit.
How can I get the feasibility of installing a solar power system for my home or commercial shop from KSEB?
To determine the feasibility of installing a solar power system for your home or commercial shop from KSEB, they will assess how much solar capacity is already connected to the transformer that serves your electrical connection. According to the latest regulations by the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission, the combined capacity of distributed energy systems, like solar, cannot exceed 90% of the transformer’s capacity. If your proposed solar installation meets this criterion, it is considered feasible.
What is energy wheeling in Kerala?
Energy wheeling in Kerala allows consumers to use solar energy produced at one location to offset consumption at another location within the state. This arrangement requires that both locations have unique consumer numbers but are registered under the same consumer name. The excess energy exported to the grid from the solar power system at one site is used to balance the electricity consumption at another site without solar power. This service incurs a wheeling charge.
How can I determine the appropriate capacity of a Solar Rooftop System in KW to meet my needs?
To gauge the right capacity for your Solar Rooftop System, consider your annual electricity consumption. On average, a 1kWp solar power plant generates approximately 100 to 120 units of electricity per month. Review your electricity bills from the past year to calculate your electricity usage accurately and make an informed decision.
What are the eligibility criteria for obtaining solar subsidy for a home in Kerala?
To qualify for solar subsidy in Kerala, the following criteria must be met:
- The applicant must be an Indian citizen with a valid electricity connection.
- The household must not have availed any other subsidy for solar panels.
- The solar panels used in the Residential Rooftop Solar (RTS) system must be listed in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM List) as mandated by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
- The solar inverter (Solar On-Grid or Grid-Tie Inverter) employed in the system must be Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) approved.
- The RTS system should adhere to all the necessary standards prescribed by MNRE. Fulfilling these criteria ensures eligibility for the solar subsidy, making your home in Kerala eligible for financial support in adopting solar energy solutions.
What is 3kW solar system price in Kerala?
3 KW solar panel price in kerala is determined by various factors, including the make and type of solar panels, the make, model, and warranty type (on-site or off-site) and warranty duration of the solar inverter used, as well as the complexity of the Solar Mounting Structure, Walkway, and Ladder System for cleaning and maintenance of solar panels.
Depending on the grades of the components selected, the price typically ranges between Rs 1,90,000 to 2,25,000. This cost includes the Module Mounting Structure (MMS) or simply Solar Panel Mounting Structure.
It’s important to note that customers meeting the eligibility criteria can benefit from a Rs 78,000 solar subsidy in Kerala, enhancing the affordability and economic viability of adopting solar energy solutions. For optimal performance and longevity, we recommend selecting high-quality components, such as MonoCrystalline Halfcut PERC or above panels.
What is 5kW solar system price in Kerala?
Much like the 3kW system, the cost of a 5kW solar system in Kerala is shaped by various factors mentioned earlier. Depending on the grades of the components chosen, the cost typically falls within the range of Rs 3,10,000 to 3,50,000. This price includes the Module Mounting Structure (MMS) or Solar Panel Mounting Structure. Customers meeting the eligibility criteria can avail themselves of a Rs 78,000 solar subsidy in Kerala through the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana Subsidy Scheme.
Can Solar Off-Grid Systems with Solar Battery Backup avail subsidy in Kerala?
Can solar rooftop installations in commercial properties be eligible for Solar Subsidy?
No, under the “PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana” scheme in Kerala, solar rooftop installations in commercial properties are not eligible for Solar Subsidy. This particular subsidy scheme is currently exclusive to residential properties.
Is solar subsidy under PM SuryaGhar Yojana applicable to Palakkad, Malappuram, and Thrissur?
Yes, solar panel subsidy is applicable to Palakkad, Thrissur, Malappuram, and all other districts of Kerala State.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the journey towards embracing solar energy in Kerala is marked by a promising array of opportunities and benefits. From the affordability brought about by subsidies under the “PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana” scheme to the potential for financial savings and environmental sustainability, the decision to install solar rooftop systems is both a practical and forward-thinking choice.
By understanding the eligibility criteria, installation processes, and available subsidies, individuals and businesses can seamlessly integrate solar solutions into their properties. The commitment to renewable energy not only aligns with the global push for sustainable practices but also positions Kerala at the forefront of the clean energy revolution.
