Government subsidies have made renewable energy, especially solar energy, affordable and popular across the nation. In the last seven years, the Indian Central and State Governments have demonstrated their dedication to renewable energy, aiming for 175 GW by 2022 and 500 GW by 2030.
The solar subsidy program in Kerala is promoting the adoption of solar energy among homeowners. The upfront cost of solar panels in Kerala is significantly reduced with this type of financial aid, leading to increased returns on investment. The availability and affordability of solar energy systems have been enhanced for customers through subsidies.
In order to access solar subsidies in Kerala, you must first familiarize yourself with the eligibility requirements, application process, and advantages. When consumers have the right information, they can make informed decisions about installing solar energy systems on their property.
Rooftop Solar Programme
To encourage the installation of grid-connected rooftop solar systems in India, the central government introduced the Rooftop Solar Programme Phase Ⅱ, which provides fixed financial aid to residential properties, large villas, and housing societies. In Kerala, the price of a 5kW solar panel is notably reduced with a subsidy, unlike those that don’t qualify for the scheme. These plants fall under the regulatory framework of net metering guidelines. Net metering enables consumers to profit from their solar system by selling excess power to the local grid and earning solar credits.
The new National Portal for Rooftop Solar plays a crucial part in handling and distributing solar panel subsidies in Kerala and across India. The online portal offers a convenient and comprehensive platform for consumers in Kerala who want to receive subsidies for their solar panel purchases. The simplified subsidy scheme provides a fixed subsidy amount based on the approved size of your solar system by the state DISCOM.
Solar System price in Kerala
Do you know how much solar systems cost? The following figures provide an overview of the prices for different residential solar systems on the market. The size of your property and energy needs determine the ideal home solar power system, ranging from 1 kWp to 10 kWp for households. The cost of a solar power plant (per kWp) in Kerala is generally as follows:
| Solar System Size | Price Range (Estimated) |
| 1kW Solar System | Rs. 75,000 – 85,000 |
| 2kW Solar System | Rs. 1,50,000 – 1,70,000 |
| 3kW Solar System | Rs. 1,89,000 – 2,15,000 |
| 4kW Solar System | Rs. 2,52,000 – 2,85,600 |
| 5kW Solar System | Rs. 3,15,000 – 3,57,000 |
The prices listed above may change due to factors like taxes, solar mounting structure costs, and availability, and can also be influenced by the brand, location, and availability of solar products. Furthermore, it’s important to highlight that the pricing mentioned above does not take into account any subsidies or financial support from state or central government programs. The mentioned prices will be much lower if subsidies are available.
If the upfront cost has been a barrier, it’s worth considering the pricing of home solar systems in India, especially with available subsidies. For example, if your solar provider suggests a 3 kWp grid-connected solar system to meet your energy requirements, you can receive a subsidy of Rs.78,000 called Central Financial Assistance to cover the cost of the solar installation. Units that have a capacity of 10 kWp or more qualify for a subsidy of Rs.78,000. Each state’s solar policy determines the varying benchmark price and subsidy rate. Engaging with a reputable solar company is crucial for accessing government financial assistance and reducing the cost of solar power for your home.
Available Subsidies for Solar System
Access to the solar subsidy scheme in Kerala is provided by the National Portal for Rooftop Solar. The program provides subsidies for on-grid solar systems in households across all Indian states. Consumers who qualify can easily apply for subsidies online by registering on the portal from the convenience of their homes.
The government provides a set amount of financial assistance per kilowatt for various capacity ranges. If you’re looking into solar energy for your home, here’s what you can expect to pay for an on-grid solar system in Kerala with a subsidy.
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 |
Space/Roof Area Needed for Fixing Solar Panels
To accommodate a 1 kWp solar power plant, you’ll need 100 square feet of shade-free space, ideally facing South with an East/West orientation preference. Solar power plants typically cost between Rs. 63,000/kWp and Rs. 73,000/kWp.
Additional Charges for Fixing Solar
When the consumer has a non-flat roof, they will need to bear any extra costs that arise from making structural adjustments, whether it’s to accommodate a sloping roof or other obstacles.
The initial price does not cover the cost of the net meter and any additional cables longer than 50 meters. On the other hand, KSEBL generally offers net meters for rental purposes. KSEBL will handle any future issues related to the meters, including complaints and billing problems, making this option our recommendation. This guarantees that customers have no reason to worry about meter quality or billing concerns.
Conclusion
Homeowners and housing societies in Kerala can switch to clean energy and receive financial benefits through the solar panel subsidy schemes, thus helping reduce carbon emissions. Subsidies can help individuals and entities minimize their initial investment costs and maximize their system’s return on investment. If you are interested in having solar systems installed at your home, contact GSL Energy. As the leading solar solutions provider in Kerala, we can help streamline the process for you.
