To encourage the adoption of green energy, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) offers various solar subsidy schemes in Kerala. In these programs, rooftop solar installations are primarily targeted at residential, institutional, and small-scale commercial users. Solar subsidy schemes include the following:

1. Residential Rooftop Solar Subsidy

• Eligibility: Available for individual households in Kerala.

• Subsidy Details:

  • For systems up to 3 kW capacity, a subsidy of ₹78,000 per kW is provided.

  • For systems above 3 kW, the subsidy applies only to the first 3 kW.

• Aim: To make solar power more affordable for residential consumers by reducing the cost of rooftop solar systems.

• Process: Customers must apply through MNRE-approved vendors like Bodhie Solar, who handle the paperwork, installation, and net-metering applications.

• A net metering facility is available for excess power generated.

2. PM KUSUM Scheme (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan)

• Eligibility: Primarily for farmers and agricultural sector beneficiaries.

• Subsidy Details:

  • Under this scheme, solar pumps, both for irrigation and drinking water purposes, are subsidized.

  • Solar-powered agricultural pumps can be installed at a subsidy of up to 60% for farmers.

  • The subsidy for SC/ST farmers increases to 75%.

• Objective: To promote solar irrigation systems in the rural and agricultural sectors, reducing dependence on grid electricity.

3. The National Solar Mission (NSM) – Phase II

• Eligibility: Available for households, institutions, and small businesses across the state.

• Subsidy Details:

  • The subsidy varies depending on the system capacity, with up to 40% subsidy available for residential installations.

  • Up to 70% subsidy is offered to government institutions and educational establishments.

• Objective: To expand solar power in the country by incentivizing solar installations, with a focus on reducing carbon footprints.

4. Suryamitra Skill Development Program

• Eligibility: Targeted at young individuals looking to build careers in the solar energy sector.

• Subsidy Details: This is a skill development initiative rather than a direct subsidy for solar installations.

• The purpose of this project is to train people in the installation and maintenance of solar panels, thereby creating employment opportunities and promoting the use of solar energy.

5. Solar Water Pumping Scheme for Rural Areas

• Eligibility: Farmers and rural areas requiring solar-powered water pumps.

• Subsidies Details:

  • Up to 50% subsidy for the installation of solar-powered water pumps.

• Objective: To reduce electricity bills and promote the use of solar energy for sustainable water pumping in rural regions.

6. Other State Government initiatives

• Kerala also has specific programs where the state government sometimes offers additional incentives or rebates for solar installations, especially for cooperative societies, small businesses, and institutions. These can sometimes be combined with MNRE subsidies.

Key Processes for Accessing MNRE Subsidy:

• Step 1: The customer must choose an MNRE-approved vendor (e.g., Bodhie Solar) for their solar installation.

• Step 2: The vendor assesses the property and designs a system as per MNRE guidelines.

• Step 3: Necessary documents (electricity bills, Aadhaar card, PAN card, etc.) are submitted to apply for the subsidy through MNRE’s Solar Rooftop Portal.

• Step 4: The system is installed, and once the inspection is passed, the subsidy is transferred to the vendor, reducing the customer’s final payment.

Each of these schemes aims to enhance the adoption of solar energy in Kerala and the rest of India, thereby contributing to the country’s renewable energy goals.

Bodhie Solar, based in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, plays a pivotal role in assisting customers to access subsidies from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for rooftop solar installations. The MNRE offers Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to promote solar energy adoption, with subsidy amounts varying based on system capacity and location.

Subsidy Details:

For residential rooftop solar projects in Kerala, the MNRE provides the following subsidies:

• Up to 3 kW capacity: ₹78,000 per kW.

• Above 3 kW capacity: The subsidy is capped at ₹78,000, applicable to the first 3 kWp.

These subsidies significantly reduce the upfront cost of solar installations, making them more accessible to homeowners.

Bodies Solar’s Role:

As an MNRE-approved vendor, Bodhie Solar streamlines the subsidy application process for its customers by:

1. Eligibility Assessment: Evaluating customer properties to ensure they meet MNRE guidelines for subsidy eligibility.

2. System Design and Compliance: Providing customized solar solutions that adhere to MNRE standards.

3. Documentation and Application: Assisting in the preparation and submission of necessary documents, including electricity bills, property documents, PAN card, and AADHAAR card, through the National Solar Rooftop Program (NSRP) portal.

4. Installation and Inspection: Overseeing the installation process and coordinating with local distribution companies for system inspection and approval.

5. Net-Metering Application: Facilitating the application of net-metering to enable customers to feed surplus energy back to the grid.

6. Subsidy Disbursement: Ensures the subsidy amount is directly transferred to Bodhie Solar upon system approval, thereby reducing the final payable amount for the customer.

By managing these steps, Bodhie Solar ensures a seamless experience for customers seeking to advantage from MNRE subsidies in Kerala.