Delhis Free Rooftop Solar: Does Your Home Qualify?

A Delhi household can use more than 400 units in a hot month and still meet the consumption requirement for zero-upfront-cost rooftop solar. The amended policy looks at average gross electricity use over the previous financial year. Even if your average qualifies, your roof still has to be suitable for the system.

The decision comes down to three checks. Does your connection qualify? Can panels be installed on the roof you can use? And what costs or responsibilities will you take on after installation?

Start with a full year of consumption

Look at your electricity usage across the previous financial year. If you already generate some power from solar, ask your electricity distribution company how it calculates gross consumption, which the policy says includes solar power used by the household. Also check whether the household has previously received a solar subsidy under PM Surya Ghar or the Delhi Solar Scheme.

The capacity limit is 3 kW under the zero-upfront-cost route. A site survey helps determine what your roof can accommodate. If you are considering a larger system, ask for the terms under the separate subsidy route and the amount you would need to pay.

Check roof access before planning the installation

An independent house with a usable terrace and a flat with a shared roof can present very different choices. In a building with common roof space, ask the owner or residents’ association who controls access and whether an individual system can be installed. The Delhi Solar Portal also lists community solar and group net metering for consumers with limited roof space. Confirm the terms for your building and electricity connection.

Ask who looks after the panels after installation

Under the notified model, Delhi’s Power Department initially owns the system and the household can use the electricity it generates. The policy provides for vendor maintenance during the first five years, after which ownership passes to the consumer. Maintenance can then be arranged independently or through a DISCOM-facilitated service, for which charges may apply.

If a vendor requests payment for roof work or extra equipment, ask the DISCOM to confirm in writing whether the item falls within your approved installation. Vantage’s analysis of Gujarat’s different subsidy model also examines how the amount a household pays depends on the scheme terms -> Gujarat Solar Subsidy Top-Up: What Households Pay.

FAQ

Do I qualify if my bill crossed 400 units in summer?

A single month is only part of the calculation. The notified test is average gross monthly consumption in the previous financial year. Ask the DISCOM to confirm the figure it uses for your connection.

Can I apply if I already received a rooftop solar subsidy?

The free-installation provision excludes households that previously received a solar subsidy through PM Surya Ghar or the Delhi Solar Scheme.

Does registration give me an installation date?

Registration starts the process. Vendor assignment, site feasibility and scheduling still affect when work can begin. Check your status with the relevant DISCOM before planning other terrace work around it.

Will my electricity bill be zero after installation?

Your bill depends on solar generation, electricity use and the billing and subsidy rules that apply to your connection. Ask for a site-based estimate that reflects your household’s usage and expected generation.

What if I live in a flat without exclusive terrace access?

Ask your residents’ association and DISCOM whether a shared installation or another model listed on the Delhi Solar Portal is available for your building. Confirm who will own the system and who will receive the bill credits.

Sources

Click an article title to view the source.

• Delhi Solar Portal from the Delhi Department of Power, accessed on 5 November 2026.
• Gujarat Solar Subsidy Top-Up: What Households Pay published on 31 October 2026 in Vantage InSights.
• Amendments in Delhi Solar Energy Policy 2023 dated 17 September 2026 in the Delhi Gazette.
• Delhi govt yet to finalise vendors, begin rooftop solar panel installations under subsidy scheme published on 29 October 2026 in Hindustan Times.

Evidence Caveats

The eligibility, ownership and maintenance terms come from the notified amendment. Appointment dates, site-specific work and applicable charges depend on the implementation and survey for each property. Vantage could not confirm an installation date for individual applicants.

What would you want confirmed before committing your terrace to a solar installation: roof access, the approved scope, or maintenance after year five? Share the question you would ask your DISCOM in the attached forum discussion.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information. Confirm eligibility, installation scope and applicable costs with your electricity distribution company before making a commitment.