The Gujarat government has launched an ambitious rooftop solar program named ‘Surya Gujarat‘ to promote wider adoption of solar power across residential, commercial and industrial sectors in the state. This article provides complete details on solar subsidies, empanelled vendors, tender allocations and application process under the scheme.

Overview of Surya Gujarat Scheme

First announced in 2019, the Surya Gujarat scheme aims to deploy aggregate solar rooftop capacity of 3.5 GW in Gujarat by 2023.

Key Highlights:

Certainly! Here’s a concise table summarizing the key aspects of the Surya Gujarat scheme:

The scheme provides attractive financial incentives and subsidies to make rooftop solar affordable for Gujarat consumers.

The Surya Gujarat Scheme is a government initiative in Gujarat, India, aimed at promoting rooftop solar installations. It has seen significant success and has been implemented in multiple phases:

Phase I:

• Launched with a target of approximately 700 MW of rooftop solar capacity.
• Received an overwhelming response, with applications exceeding three times the allocated capacity.

Phase II:

• Launched in November 2022 with increased targets.
• The deadline for vendor registration was February 28, 2023.
• Subsidy applications were accepted for installations completed by March 31, 2024.

The scheme has been successful in helping over 2.3 lakh households save on their electricity bills since its inception. It’s part of the broader Gujarat Solar Power Policy 2021, which will be operative until 31st December 2025, and offers benefits for the project life of 25 years.

Solar Panel Subsidy Gujarat 2024

The Surya Gujarat policy offers generous solar subsidies to residential consumers for installing grid-connected rooftop solar systems under the following categories:

1. Central Financial Assistance (CFA): The information provided is partially correct. The Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for residential consumers with grid-connected rooftop solar systems is indeed available through the National Portal for Rooftop Solar. However, the subsidy amounts have been updated as follows:

• For systems from 1kW to 2kW, the subsidy is ₹30,000/kW.
• For a 3kW system, it’s ₹30,000/kW for the first 2kW and an additional ₹18,000.

2. Suryashakti Kisan Yojana (SKY): The Suryashakti Kisan Yojana (SKY) details are accurate. It is a scheme for farmers to set up solar panels on their farms, offering a 60% subsidy on project costs.

The state and central governments provide this subsidy, and farmers are required to pay only 5% upfront. The rest 35% can be covered by a low-cost loan with an interest rate of 4.5-6%.

3. Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) Subsidy: The GUVNL subsidy details need clarification. Recent information suggests that GUVNL has withdrawn subsidies for small-scale distributed solar projects, which might affect the availability of fixed subsidy amounts.

It’s recommended to check the latest updates directly from GUVNL or authorized solar energy providers in Gujarat.

So in summary, while home consumers can avail Rs. 10 per watt solar subsidy, commercial establishments get 15-20% capital incentive subject to certain limits under Surya Gujarat scheme.

This significantly reduces the effective cost of solar systems making adoption attractive and affordable.

Rooftop Solar Subsidy Budget Allocation

The Gujarat government has allocated over Rs. 870 crores exclusively for funding solar subsidies under Surya Gujarat Phase II covering FY 2022-23 and 2023-24.

With ample budget availability, sufficient funds are present to disburse the promised subsidies for all successful rooftop solar installations under the scheme.

Solar Subsidy Disbursement Process

The Solar Subsidy Disbursement Process under the Surya Gujarat Scheme involves several steps for consumers, installers, and the Distribution Company (DisCom). Here’s a brief overview of the process:

For Consumers:

1. Selection of Vendor: Choose a vendor from the list of empanelled vendors.
2. Application Submission: Submit the Solar Rooftop application and apply for Net Metering with the DisCom.
3. Payment: Pay the rooftop system installment along with application and metering charges.
4. Coordination for Installation: Coordinate with the vendor for system installation.
5. Documentation: Collect all necessary documents from the installer.
6. Joint Inspection Report: Sign the Joint Inspection Report during plant commissioning.

For Installers:

1. Assistance in Application: Assist the consumer in application submission on the portal.
2. Feasibility Analysis: Conduct a feasibility analysis of the Solar Rooftop on the consumer’s roof.
3. Installation: Install the Solar Rooftop plant as per DisCom specifications.
4. Testing and Commissioning: Test and commission the plant as per DisCom guidelines.
5. Maintenance: Undertake operation and maintenance of the project for 5 years post-commissioning.

For DisCom:

1. Checklist Provision: Provide a checklist of documents required for consumer applications.
2. Technical Feasibility: Undertake technical feasibility of consumer applications.
3. Scrutinization: Scrutinize application documents.
4. Testing and Compliance: Test the Solar Rooftop Project and ensure compliance with grid interconnection approval and safety standards.
5. Joint Inspection Report: Sign the Joint Inspection Report after plant commissioning.

Documents Required for Subsidy Claim:

• Dated covering claim letter from the empaneled agency.
• UGVCL Registration letter.
• ID proof of the beneficiary.
• Permission of CEI/EI to energize Solar PV System (for more than 10KW) or Self Certification for Solar Rooftop Installations (up to 10 KW).
• Invoice of the system billed to the beneficiary.
• Joint Inspection Report of Bi-directional meter installation.
• Photograph of the installed system with the beneficiary showing the name, DISCOM registration number, and system capacity.
• Certificate from the beneficiary that the system is installed and commissioned.

For detailed guidelines and to initiate the application process, you can visit the official SURYA Gujarat Portal and the Procedural Guideline for Subsidy Claim. Please note that the agencies must submit work completion intimation on or before a specified deadline.

Therefore, the entire process from solar system installation to receipt of subsidy by vendor takes about 1-1.5 months.

Solar Subsidy Payment Mode

The subsidy amounts are released completely digitally to the approved empaneled integrators installing the rooftop solar plants.

Payment Mechanism

The subsidy amount entitlement for each system is transferred to the vendor’s bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism.

Integrators need to provide their bank details including account number and IFSC code on the online portal for smooth transfers.

DBT offers a fast, transparent and hassle-free means to digitally disburse the solar subsidies rather than relying on manual reimbursements.

Checking Surya Gujrat Solar Subsidy Application Status

The Surya Gujarat portal allows installers to track the real-time status of their submitted subsidy applications.

Key Application Stages

• Pending Documents
• Under Review
• Additional Clarification Required
• Approved
• Rejected

For applications under review, any further supporting documents needed are informed through system-generated emails and SMS.

Once approved, the subsidy amount release details are updated and funds get credited to the linked bank account automatically via DBT.

To check the status of your Gujarat solar subsidy application, especially for MGVCL (Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Ltd.), you can follow these steps:

1. Visit the SURYA Gujarat Unified Single Window Rooftop PV Portal.
2. Navigate to the ‘Track Application Status’ section.
3. Enter your Application No, Consumer No, and Consumer Mobile No to access the status of your application.

If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, you can contact the Solar Rooftop Customer Care at 6359960334 or refer to the list of Nodal Officers – Circle & Division wise for Subsidy & Technical & Projects related issues under PM SURYA GHAR YOJANA available on the MGVCL website.

If you are consumer of PGVCL (Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Ltd.) , you can check your name PGVCL solar rooftop price list from its official website

For any pending document verification or payment issues, the portal provides clear instructions on how to proceed. It’s important to ensure that all necessary documents are submitted and payments are made to avoid any delays in the application process.

Surya Gujarat Scheme Subsidy Eligibility

The key eligibility criteria to avail solar subsidies under Surya Gujarat scheme are:

Residential Rooftop Solar

• Only for Gujarat based households
• Electricity connection from DISCOMs
• Grid-connected net-metered solar systems
• Self-owned homes or flats
• Max. system size – 50 kW

Commercial & Industrial Solar

• Owned or leased C&I premises
• Office spaces, factories, hotels etc.
• Max. 500 kW system size

Installations by Empanelled Vendors

• GEDA certified solar integrators
• Use approved components
• Follow quality processes
• Provide 5 years maintenance support

Eligible Expenditure

Subsidy is applicable only on the following system components:

• Solar PV modules
• Inverters
• Balance of system (BoS) – cables, switches, mounts, junction boxes etc.

O&M charges, batteries, EV chargers etc. are excluded from subsidy calculations.

Top Empaneled Vendors for Installation

To ensure installation quality and standardization, GEDA has empaneled leading solar integrators across Gujarat through a stringent screening processes.

Top Vendors Across Cities

These vendors can be contacted by consumers for availing solar installations with subsidies in respective cities.

Gujarat Solar Subsidy Timeline

The timeline for the Gujarat Solar Subsidy, particularly under the Surya Gujarat scheme, is as follows:

• Policy Operative Period: The Gujarat Solar Power Policy 2021 will be operative until 31st December 2025.
• Project Life Benefits: Benefits of the solar projects set up under the policy can be availed for the project life of 25 years.
• Surya Gujarat Phase II Tender: Released by GEDA on 15th November 2022.
• Vendor Registration Deadline: The last date for vendors to register under the scheme was 28th February 2023.
• Application Acceptance: Subsidy applications will be accepted for installations done up till 31st March 2024.
• Portal Opening for New Applications: The SURYA-Gujarat portal was opened from 23rd November 2023 to 8th December 2023 for new applications in specific areas.
• Solar Subsidy Gujarat 2024 last date:
  • The last date to apply for the solar subsidy in Gujarat for the year 2024 was September 30, 2023. 
  • However, it’s worth noting that the Government has extended the Rooftop Solar Program until March 31, 2026, or until the target under the program is achieved.
  • This means that while the specific deadline for 2024 has passed, there may still be opportunities to benefit from the subsidy until the program’s end date or target completion.

Please note that these dates are based on the latest available information and may be subject to updates. For the most current details, it’s recommended to check the official Surya Gujarat portal or contact the relevant government authorities.

Application Procedure for Gujrat Rooftop Solar Subsidies

Steps for Consumers

1. Compare quotes from empaneled installers
2. Select suitable vendor based on ratings, reviews, quality etc.
3. Installer does site survey and designs optimal solar system
4. Apply for grid connectivity and net metering from DISCOM
5. Install and commission rooftop solar plant
6. Make subsidy-deducted payment to installer

Steps for Installers

1. Submit online subsidy application on Surya Gujarat portal
2. Upload consumer documents – electricity bill, ID proof, installation report with photos
3. Track status of application
4. On approval, subsidy amount gets credited within 30 days via DBT

Therefore, consumers just need to pay the final subsidized cost of the rooftop solar system to the installer.

The entire subsidy claim process is handled by the vendor directly.

Conclusion

In summary, the Surya Gujarat scheme offers a tremendous opportunity for Gujarat households and businesses to adopt rooftop solar power in a cost-effective manner.

Attractive solar subsidies up to 50-60% are provided by the state government along with easy online application and disbursement process through the user-friendly portal.

With tier-I solar integrators empaneled across cities to ensure installation quality and service standards, reliable rooftop solar deployment can be realized under the scheme within defined timelines to meet the 3.5 GW distributed solar target.