Solar policy, subsidy and process in Odisha – 2024

Updated – (March 2024)

The perception today is that a large amount of investment is needed for installing a solar energy system at your home. However, the Government of India is giving a huge push to enable and facilitate everyone to go solar. 

Yes, there is an upfront cost, but the long-term monetary benefits of installing a rooftop solar system more than compensates the initial investment. Installing a solar panel system is a huge investment, and the financial assistance motivates people to invest by reducing the financial burden.

The Government of India has unified and standardized the solar subsidy across the country under the PM Surya Ghar scheme.

While Odisha government used to provide a separate subsidy earlier, customers can now apply for the Central Financial Assistance

Who can get subsidy for solar rooftop installation

The conditions to avail of solar subsidy in Odisha include: 

• The panels should be made in India – also known as DCR panels. 
• The subsidy is applicable for on-grid connections only.  
• Subsidy is offered only for residential installations and housing societies. It’s not offered for commercial installations. 

How much is the solar subsidy in Odisha

The Subsidy offered under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is as follows –

The subsidy is calculated based on either the module capacity or the inverter capacity, whichever is lower.

Documents needed to apply for the PM Surya Ghar scheme

To apply for the PM Surya Ghar scheme, you will need the following documents:

1. Address proof: You need to provide a valid address proof to verify your residence
2. Aadhaar card: Your Aadhaar card is required as it is the unique identity of every Indian and is linked with various other accounts
3. Income certificate: As this scheme targets people belonging to lower and middle income groups, you need to provide an income certificate
4. Electricity connection (meter) account number: During the application process, you need to provide your meter account number
5. Bank passbook: You need to provide the photo of the front of your bank passbook
6. Passport size photo: Make sure you have a passport size photo of the applicant scanned
7. Ration card: Provide the Ration Card which contains the name of the applicant
8. Active mobile number and email ID: You need to have a working mobile number and email ID as they are required during the application process

Remember to ensure that the electricity connection and bank account are in your name, and you are an Indian citizen with no prior subsidies for solar panels

Steps to Apply for rooftop solar subsidy in 2024

Apply for the Solar Rooftop Subsidy under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yoj 2024 online hassle free through the official website. Below are the steps to complete the online application for Free Solar Rooftop Yojana

What was the subsidy offered in Odisha and process in 2023?

Please note that this subsidy is not applicable any more with the Central Subsidy and PM Surya Ghar Scheme.

Solar subsidy in Odisha in 2023

The solar rooftop subsidy in Odisha is offered against the L1 rates (discovered rates).  

According to the rooftop solar policy in Odisha, homeowners get a subsidy amount according to the benchmarks listed below: 

• 40% of L1 prices for a solar system between 1 KW to 3 KW. 
• 20% of L1 prices for a solar system above 3 KW and up to 10 KW. 

L1 rates in Odisha

The L1 prices against which a subsidy on a solar power plant in Odisha can be claimed are as follows.

• For 1KW to 3KW solar systems, the L1 price is Rs. 42,000.
• For systems more than 3KW and up to 10KW, the L1 price is Rs. 40,500.

DISCOM for application of solar subsidy in Odisha

Depending on your location withing Odisha, you will need to apply with the right entity

1. TPNODL, TP Northern Odisha Distribution Limited   HQ: Balasore      Solar Rooftops (tpnodl.com)
2. TPCODL, TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited   HQ: Bhubaneshwar    TPCODL – Corporate Social Responsibility in Central Odisha (tpcentralodisha.com)
3. TPWODL, TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited   HQ: Sambalpur      Solar Rooftops (tpwesternodisha.com)
4. TPSODL, TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited   HQ: Berhampur    Solar Rooftops (tpsouthernodisha.com)

How to apply for a solar subsidy in Odisha? 

Now, let us look at the process for getting solar subsidy in Odisha.

• Go to the respective website as per above section
• Find out the list of empaneled vendors, and pick SolarSphere
• Discuss details with us 
• An officer will visit your house and ensure that all the dues have been cleared and that there’s adequate space for the installation.  
• After the clearance, our team will start the process of installation.  
• You pay the money to us for the system without the subsidy amount. 
• Upon installation, the commissioning of the net meter will begin.  
• Once installed and commissioned, your solar system will be ready to use 
• The CSPDCL will disburse the subsidy directly to SolarSphere. 

How to apply for a net meter in Odisha? 

Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide you need to follow for the net metering application.

• Go to the respective DISCOM website portal and register with your BP number.
• You will need to create login credentials.
• Submit your latest electricity bill and other documents in the application form.
• Then, the system will send a sanction letter.
• After that, you must sign the net metering agreement and upload it to the portal.
• Then, the installation will begin.
• Once done, you need to verify and submit the work completion report.
• After that, you need to intimate the solar panel system’s readiness to CREDA and DISCOM officials for inspection of the plant.
• The officials will visit the installation site and inspect the system.
• Once done, the net meter will become functional and your system will start generating free electricity from solar.
• The subsidy will then be credited to SolarSphere directly