India is emerging as a global giant of solar energy endeavours with immense scope for homeowners in Tamil Nadu through the transition towards sustainable energy. State-wide rates for solar panels in 2024 are competitive with many registered dealers; reduced installation costs, government subsidies, and implementation support have also made solar power a feasible option. As more households turn towards clean energy options with lower carbon emissions, the state has big plans for solar energy going forward in this decade.
Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana scheme, more than one crore households in Tamil Nadu receive free monthly electricity.
This detailed blog covers everything you need to understand about Tamil Nadu’s solar power subsidies, aiding you in making a prudent decision about your home’s energy utilization.
Understanding Tamil Nadu Solar Power Subsidy
The Tamil Nadu Government has launched a Rooftop Solar Subsidy Scheme in collaboration with the Government of India (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy – MNRE). This scheme has increased the accessibility of solar power to Tamil Nadu consumers via the services of handpicked dealers. The Tamil Nadu solar power subsidy is present for grid-linked systems. An on-grid solar system is more economical as it does not need solar batteries. Consumers can also go for a hybrid model system with solar batteries featuring on-site power reserves. Nonetheless, this off-grid hybrid system is not qualified for subsidy.
Solar System Cost in Tamil Nadu with Subsidy
MNRE has introduced an online portal named the National Portal for Rooftop Solar that allows homeowners to apply for subsidies in some easy steps. The complete subsidy processing and outlay procedure has become convenient and easy.
As the CFA/subsidy amount is specified across multiple system capacity slabs, assessing solar panel prices in Tamil Nadu while allowing for the subsidy can be conveniently done. For a more precise estimation of solar system charges for your power and location requirements, the finest approach is to request a customized quote from a trusted solar installation company.
| Solar System Size | Estimated Price Range | Subsidy Applicable | Prices After Subsidy |
| 1kW Solar System | Rs. 75,000 – Rs. 85,000 | Rs. 30,000 | Rs. 45,000 – Rs. 55,000 |
| 2kW Solar System | Rs. 1,50,000 – Rs. 1,70,000 | Rs.60,000 | Rs. 90,000 – Rs. 1,10,000 |
| 3kW Solar System | Rs. 1,89,000- Rs. 2,15,000 | Rs. 78,000 | Rs. 1,11,000 – Rs. 1,37,000 |
| 4kW Solar System | Rs. 2,52,000 – Rs. 2,85,600 | Rs. 78,000 | Rs. 1,74,000 – Rs. 2,07,600 |
| 5kW Solar System | Rs. 3,15,000 – Rs. 3,57,000 | Rs. 78,000 | Rs. 2,37,000 – Rs. 2,79,000 |
| 10kW Solar System | Rs. 5,31,000 – Rs.6,07,000 | Rs. 78,000 | Rs. 4,53,000 – Rs. 5,29,000 |
Steps to Request for a Subsidy in Tamil Nadu
Setting up an RTS plant under the latest streamlined procedure requires you to apply via the National Portal for Rooftop Solar. The online portal greets all customers wishing to use solar panel subsidies in Tamil Nadu or elsewhere in India and ensures effective application processing and outlay.
Step 1:
Set up the SANDES application on their mobile and subscribe on the National Portal. The new user enrolment process also requires the applicant to pick the local DISCOM Company and exchange electricity connection particulars along with an active email ID and phone number.
Step 2:
Log into the online portal to launch the subsidy process. You can forward an application online, which needs elementary details like the proposed RTS plant capacity, the name on the electricity bill, address, and particulars of a prevailing solar system (if any). Further, upload a copy of the recent electricity bill.
Step 3:
The online application goes to the region’s DISCOM Company for offering acceptance according to the technical feasibility of the proposed RTS installation. Consumers must await the technical feasibility (TFR) acknowledgement before commencing the installation work.
Step 4:
Following the TFR approval, the applicants can then choose a vendor empanelled or registered with the local DISCOM Company to perform the RTS installation task. The solar subsidy norms acknowledge subsidy claims for on-grid solar energy systems set up by an empanelled vendor according to the minimum technical standards and specifications.
Moreover, to qualify under the solar subsidy scheme in Tamil Nadu, you must also assemble a system consisting of domestically-produced solar modules (termed the ALMM list on the online portal). Pick only a BIS-endorsed solar inverter. The applicant and the selected vendor must jointly sign a model agreement that safeguards consumers’ interests. The appropriate information and the agreement are present on the National Portal within the Help Document section.
Picking an empanelled vendor is beneficial as the MNRE authorizes the registered vendors to provide extensive maintenance services for a minimum of 5 years on the housed on-grid RTS plants accredited under the subsidy scheme.
Step 5:
The next step following your RTS installation is to upload the entire project data on the online portal to plan your system’s on-site inquiry and net-metering incorporation. The prime details to furnish comprise the installed system’s photo, your solar vendor’s name, and the type and wattage of the solar inverter, among others. Next, the applicant can file the net-metering application. The local DISCOM will guide you in paying the net metering charges and other formalities as appropriate.
Step 6:
A field officer certified by your regional DISCOM Company examines your installed RTS plant for technical specs and standards compliance. Following the investigation, a net meter accompanies your system.
Step 7:
After the net-metering system is effectively examined and installed, an accreditation certificate is created. This certificate can be downloaded by signing into the website. This is the final step in your subsidy application process.
Step 8:
You can view the approved subsidy particulars online along with the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) amount. To obtain your accepted rooftop solar subsidy in Tamil Nadu, you need to furnish a copy of the cancelled cheque and the sought-after bank details on the online website. The relevant fund-managing agency transfers the funds straight to your bank account within 30 days after installation.
Documents Needed for Subsidy Application
To receive the solar panel subsidy in Tamil Nadu, homeowners are required to furnish the specified documents:
- A scanned copy of the recent electricity bill
- Copy of the invoice
- Photo of the beneficiary
- Site photos (pre-installation)
- Bill of Material
- Technical specification particulars of inverters and solar panels
- Site photos (post-installation)
- Prefuel energy
- Copy of grid clearance/net meter set up certificate granted by DISCOM
Main Features of the Subsidy Scheme
- State-Level Support: Tamil Nadu offers extra support to ensure the effective implementation of the solar rooftop scheme by the Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA).
- Implementation: The scheme is realized through empanelled vendors certified by TEDA and Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO).
- Eligibility: The subsidy applies to residential consumers comprising group housing societies (GHS), individual households, and residential welfare associations (RWA). It is not available to industrial or commercial consumers.
- Central Financial Assistance (CFA): The MNRE offers a subsidy that considerably lowers the expense of installing rooftop solar systems. The subsidy is estimated as a percentage of the benchmark expense fixed by the MNRE.
Wrapping Up
Tamil Nadu Solar Rooftop Subsidy is a great opportunity for the residents of Tamil Nadu to move towards renewable energies, reduce their power bills and maintain the environment friendly. The conversion of solar energy is more realistic and economical with the help of current incentives and subsidies.
Now is the time to utilize these incentives and subsidies for setting up a solar rooftop system, before time runs out. However, for more information, TANGEDCO or TEDA or MNRE portal. Adopt solar energy and pave the way for a clean, sustainable Tamil Nadu.
