The Coimbatore region of the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) will install rooftop solar panels on 30,000 homes by March 2027 under the Prime Minister Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
The initiative aims to cut electricity expenses for households while boosting clean energy use.
Statewide, TNPDCL has set a target of 1.8 lakh homes by 2027. Since the scheme’s launch in February 2024, nearly 36,000 homes across Tamil Nadu have already switched to rooftop solar, with Coimbatore contributing 6,000 installations, the highest in the state.
In the Coimbatore Metro division, which covers the city’s core urban areas, 2,500 households have already adopted rooftop solar.
Officials noted that rising awareness, combined with attractive subsidies, has driven the rapid uptake.
Subsidies and Financial Support
The scheme provides a 60% subsidy on solar systems up to 2kW and a 40% subsidy for additional capacity between 2kW and 3kW. Subsidies are capped at 3kW, offering households:
- Rs 30,000 for a 1kW unit
- Rs 60,000 for a 2kW unit
- Rs 78,000 for a 3kW unit
Currently, rooftop solar costs average 70,000 for 1kW, 1.4 lakh for 2kW, and 3 lakh for 3kW.
Banks are extending loans at around 6% interest, making solar adoption easier for families.
Households can use rooftop systems to generate their own electricity, reducing dependence on the grid. Surplus energy produced will be credited to consumers’ accounts and adjusted against power bills until the end of the financial year.
To increase participation, TNPDCL has set up 18 special camps in Coimbatore, where residents can consult banks and solar vendors for quotes and financing options.
Authorities have selected five panchayats — Arasur, Solavampalayam, Puravipalayam, Theethipalayam, and Kondayampalayam- for a ‘Model Solar Village’ competition.
The panchayat that achieves the highest number of solar connections within six months will win a Rs 1 crore cash prize.
Officials said the combined push of subsidies, affordable loans, and outreach programmes will make rooftop solar accessible to more households. The move will also support Tamil Nadu’s renewable energy targets and reduce pressure on the power grid.
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