--- title: Government Solar Schemes in India 2026 | Arrays Ingenieria description: Solar schemes in India 2026: PM Surya Ghar, PM-KUSUM deadlines, ALMM List-II, GST at 5%, Assam tea-garden solar, depreciation and net metering. url: https://arraysingenieria.com/solar-schemes-india/ last_updated: 2026-10-11 source: Arrays Ingenieria (Arrays Ingenieria Pvt. Ltd.) --- Solar Schemes & Policies # Government Solar Schemes in India What the Government of India and the states offer for solar in 2026, and what the country's leaders have said, with every figure linked to its official source. India's Solar Push ## The National Picture Figures from PIB and MNRE data, each linked to its source. Updated October 2026. [500 GWNon-fossil capacity target for 2030: the first of the Prime Minister's Panchamrit commitments at COP26Source: PIB](https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1768712)[283.46 GWNon-fossil capacity installed in India as on 31 March 2026Source: PIB](https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2250039)[50 %Share of India's installed power capacity from non-fossil sources, reached June 2025Source: PIB](https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2250039)[164.59 GWSolar capacity installed in India as on 31 July 2026 (MNRE data)Source: MNRE data](https://solarquarter.com/2026/08/12/indias-solar-capacity-surpasses-164-gw-as-2026-installations-approach-29-gw-by-july-end/)[75 lakhHouseholds targeted for rooftop solar under PM Surya Ghar by December 2026, on the way to 1 croreSource: PIB](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2268992) Panchamrit ## India's Five Climate Commitments Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP26 in Glasgow. Every solar plant built in India counts towards them. - 1 India will reach its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030. - 2 India will meet 50 percent of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030. - 3 India will reduce the total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes from now onwards till 2030. - 4 By 2030, India will reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by less than 45 percent. - 5 By the year 2070, India will achieve the target of Net Zero. The five commitments in the Prime Minister's words, from his national statement at COP26, Glasgow, 1 November 2021 ([PIB](https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1768712)). In Their Words ## What India's Leaders Have Said PM “In order to further sustainable development and people's wellbeing, we are launching the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. This project, with an investment of over Rs. 75,000 crores, aims to light up 1 crore households by providing up to 300 units of free electricity every month.” **Shri Narendra Modi**Prime Minister of IndiaLaunching PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana · 13 Feb 2024[Source: PIB, Prime Minister's Office](https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2005596)Photo: [Prime Minister's Office, GODL-India](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Narendra_Modi_Portrait_2026.jpg) RM “Ex-servicemen are a national asset, bringing decades of experience, leadership, discipline & strategic thinking to society. Their continued engagement in social & economic initiatives strengthen communities and the nation as a whole.” **Shri Rajnath Singh**Raksha Mantri (Defence Minister)National Conclave 2025 on ex-servicemen welfare, Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi · 29 Sep 2025[Source: PIB, Ministry of Defence](https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2172917)Photo: [Ministry of Defence / PIB, GODL-India](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shri_Rajnath_Singh,_in_New_Delhi_on_May_09,_2023_(cropped).jpg) CM “On solar, we are moving on multiple fronts: expediting adoption of the PM Surya Ghar scheme to expand rooftop solar, and permitting tea garden owners to use up to 5% of their land for solar generation opening a new avenue for green power across our tea belt.” **Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma**Chief Minister of AssamRewriting Assam's Energy Future · 22 Sep 2026[Source: Himanta Biswa Sarma](https://himantabiswa.substack.com/p/rewriting-assams-energy-future)Photo: [President's Secretariat, GODL-India](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Himanta_Biswa_Sarma_in_2026.jpg) HM “The stepwell construction and Solar Roof-Top Yojana have been made keeping in mind the earth's temperature, climate change and water needs in the coming times.” **Shri Amit Shah**Union Home MinisterUrging Ahmedabad residents to adopt PM Surya Ghar rooftop solar · 23 Jan 2025As reported by PIB[Source: PIB, Ministry of Home Affairs (as reported)](https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2095622)Photo: [Ministry of Home Affairs / PIB, GODL-India](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shri_Amit_Shah_in_Raigad.jpg) Public statements on India's clean-energy and veterans' agenda, quoted from the official sources linked. They are national context for our work, not endorsements of Arrays Ingenieria. Official portraits used under the Government Open Data License – India; the Government of India does not endorse this website. Schemes & Policies ## Schemes That Matter for Solar Every central scheme, tax rule and norm that shapes a solar project in India, as of October 2026: who it is for, the key points, its status, where we fit, and a full guide on each. | Scheme or policy | For | Status (Oct 2026) | In depth | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana | Homes & housing societies | Open; apply on pmsuryaghar.gov.in | Guide | | PM-KUSUM | Farmers, cooperatives, panchayats, FPOs | Closing: complete by 31 Mar 2027 | Guide | | Solar in Assam's tea gardens | Tea estates in Assam | In force; check APDCL for current terms | Guide | | Accelerated depreciation | Businesses that own their plant | Available to business owners | Guide | | GST on solar at 5% | Everyone buying a solar plant | In force | Guide | | Net metering and time-of-day tariffs | Grid-connected consumers | In force; 2026 changes in draft | Guide | | Green Energy Open Access | Consumers of 100 kW and more | In force; state charges vary | Guide | | ALMM List-I and List-II | Projects covered by the ALMM order | In force from 1 June 2026 | Guide | | Customs duty on modules and cells | Anyone importing equipment | In force | Guide | | BIS Quality Control Order | Every plant: modules, inverters, batteries | In force | Guide | | Storage with solar | Utility tenders and large prosumers | Advisory for future tenders | Guide | Homes & housing societies ### PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana Open; apply on pmsuryaghar.gov.in - Launched on 13 February 2024; approved by the Union Cabinet on 29 February 2024 with an outlay of Rs 75,021 crore - Central subsidy: Rs 30,000 for 1 kW, Rs 60,000 for 2 kW and Rs 78,000 for 3 kW or more - Housing societies and RWAs: Rs 18,000 per kW for common facilities, up to 500 kW - Collateral-free loans of around 7% for home systems up to 3 kW; Indian-made (DCR) modules and a registered vendor required - Target: 75 lakh households by December 2026, on the way to 1 crore **Where we fit:** The scheme is aimed at homes. For businesses the equivalent levers are depreciation, 5% GST and net metering, which our CAPEX plants are built around. [Read the full guide](https://arraysingenieria.com/pm-surya-ghar-subsidy/)[Source: PIB](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2268992) Farmers, cooperatives, panchayats, FPOs ### PM-KUSUM Closing: complete by 31 Mar 2027 - Component A: grid-connected solar plants of 500 kW to 2 MW on farmers' land, power bought by the DISCOM - Component B: standalone solar pumps, with 30% central support (50% in the North-East, hill states and islands) plus state support - Component C: solarisation of grid-connected pumps, individually or by whole feeders - Financial closure for Components A and C extended to 30 November 2026; completion by 31 March 2027, with no further extension - PM-KUSUM 2.0, with about 10 GW for agri-photovoltaics, announced but not yet notified **Where we fit:** Component A and feeder-level plants are ground-mount plants: the piling, fencing, civil works, installation and commissioning we do every day. [Read the full guide](https://arraysingenieria.com/pm-kusum-scheme/)[Source: Energetica India](https://energetica-india.net/news/mnre-extends-pm-kusum-financial-closure-deadline-to-nov-30) Tea estates in Assam ### Solar in Assam's tea gardens In force; check APDCL for current terms - Tea garden owners may use up to 5% of their land for solar generation, as announced by the Chief Minister - Assam's goal: 6,000 MW of installed green energy capacity by 2030; its solar policy targets about 3,500 MW of solar - Clean-energy incentives for tea, coffee and rubber units buying from APDCL have included annual energy banking **Where we fit:** We have built ground-mount plants across Assam's tea gardens, from Koomber (inaugurated by the Chief Minister) to Harmutty, with DG synchronisation and APDCL approvals. [Read the full guide](https://arraysingenieria.com/solar-for-assam-tea-estates-guide/)[Source: Himanta Biswa Sarma, 22 Sep 2026](https://himantabiswa.substack.com/p/rewriting-assams-energy-future) Businesses that own their plant ### Accelerated depreciation Available to business owners - Solar power generating systems are depreciated at 40% a year on the written-down value - The Income-tax Act, 2025 applies from 1 April 2026; the 40% rate for qualifying solar assets is reported to continue - Half the year's depreciation if the plant is used for less than 180 days in its first year **Where we fit:** Every plant we build on the CAPEX model belongs to the client, so the depreciation is theirs. Confirm the position with your chartered accountant. [Read the full guide](https://arraysingenieria.com/accelerated-depreciation-solar/)[Source: Taxguru: Income-tax Act, 2025](https://taxguru.in/income-tax/depreciation-income-tax-act-2025-section-34-rates-provisions.html) Everyone buying a solar plant ### GST on solar at 5% In force - The 56th GST Council cut GST on solar cells, modules and specified devices from 12% to 5%, effective 22 September 2025 - EPC contracts: 70% goods at 5% and 30% services at 18%, about 8.9% overall - The Andhra Pradesh High Court upheld the 70:30 method for a solar EPC contract in December 2025 **Where we fit:** We set out supply and services clearly in every CAPEX quotation, so the tax treatment is transparent from the start. [Read the full guide](https://arraysingenieria.com/gst-on-solar-india/)[Source: pv magazine India, 4 Sep 2025](https://www.pv-magazine-india.com/2025/09/04/gst-on-solar-cells-modules-cut-to-5/) Grid-connected consumers ### Net metering and time-of-day tariffs In force; 2026 changes in draft - Net metering up to 500 kW or the sanctioned load, whichever is lower, under the national consumer rules; states set the details - Above that, net billing or gross metering - Time-of-day tariffs make solar hours cheaper and evening peaks dearer - Draft amendment of March 2026 proposes charges above 5 kW and storage above 500 kW; check whether it has been notified **Where we fit:** We handle net-metering applications, inspections and CEIG approvals; at Borpatra Tea Estate we obtained the approvals from APDCL. [Read the full guide](https://arraysingenieria.com/net-metering-india/)[Source: Mercom India](https://www.mercomindia.com/government-proposes-amendments-to-electricity-consumer-rights-rules) Consumers of 100 kW and more ### Green Energy Open Access In force; state charges vary - Buy green power from an off-site plant from 100 kW of load (down from 1 MW); captive consumers have no minimum - Connections in the same electricity division can be aggregated (2023 amendment) - Single-window applications on the national GOAR portal, with deemed approval if not decided in time - The ISTS charges waiver ended for projects commissioned after 30 June 2025 and is phasing out in steps **Where we fit:** Captive and open-access plants are ground-mount plants: we do the piling, civil works, fencing and installation & commissioning. [Read the full guide](https://arraysingenieria.com/green-energy-open-access/)[Source: GOAR portal](https://greenopenaccess.in/) Projects covered by the ALMM order ### ALMM List-I and List-II In force from 1 June 2026 - List-I sets which solar modules may be used in covered projects - From 1 June 2026, List-II for solar cells applies: covered projects need List-I modules made with List-II cells - Exemptions for projects whose bid deadline was before the amendment, and for net-metering and open-access projects commissioned before 1 June 2026 - A List-III for wafers is reported for June 2028 **Where we fit:** We do not manufacture modules, so we specify the ALMM-listed or client-approved makes each project needs and keep the documents. [Read the full guide](https://arraysingenieria.com/almm-list-ii-solar-cells/)[Source: PIB](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2082901) Anyone importing equipment ### Customs duty on modules and cells In force - Budget 2025-26: BCD on modules cut to 20% with a 20% AIDC (about 40% combined); on cells to 20% with 7.5% AIDC - Budget 2026-27 left the headline rates unchanged and removed duty on a solar-glass input - Anti-dumping duty on Chinese-origin cells and modules recommended in September 2025; check the current notification **Where we fit:** For most C&I and scheme projects the route is now Indian ALMM modules; we compare options and paperwork before you commit. [Read the full guide](https://arraysingenieria.com/solar-import-duty-india/)[Source: Energetica India](https://www.energetica-india.net/news/union-budget-2025-26-solar-cells-and-modules-duty-cut-to-20-percent) Every plant: modules, inverters, batteries ### BIS Quality Control Order In force - Solar Systems, Devices and Components Goods Order, 2025, notified 27 January 2025 - Modules, solar inverters and storage batteries must meet Indian Standards and carry the BIS mark - Inverters above 200 kW given extra time on self-certification, reportedly to the end of 2026 **Where we fit:** We check BIS and ALMM documents for every component on site and hand them over with the test reports. [Read the full guide](https://arraysingenieria.com/solar-quality-standards-bis-cea/)[Source: PIB](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2097219) Utility tenders and large prosumers ### Storage with solar Advisory for future tenders - Power Ministry advisory (Feb 2025): two-hour co-located storage equal to 10% of capacity in future solar tenders - Viability gap funding for battery storage; a second tranche of about Rs 5,400 crore announced in 2025 - ISTS waiver for co-located BESS commissioned by 30 June 2028 **Where we fit:** We build the solar side and can plan for storage; for most C&I owners a plant sized to daytime load pays back fastest. [Read the full guide](https://arraysingenieria.com/battery-storage-with-solar/)[Source: pv magazine India](https://www.pv-magazine-india.com/2025/02/20/power-ministry-mandates-co-locating-energy-storage-with-solar-projects/) In-Depth Guides ## Read the Detail, Scheme by Scheme Long-form guides with tables, worked examples, FAQs and linked sources, written by our engineering team. [Market Update: **India's Solar Capacity in 2026: 171 GW and What It Means for Your Business**MNRE data put India's solar fleet at 171.05 GW on 30 September 2026. Where the growth is, why rooftop and C&I solar are surging, and how to plan a plant in a crowded market.4 min read · Updated 11 Oct 2026](https://arraysingenieria.com/india-solar-capacity-2026/)[Tax: **GST on Solar in India (2026): 5% on Equipment, About 8.9% on EPC Contracts**The GST Council cut GST on solar devices from 12% to 5% from 22 September 2025. How it applies to modules, inverters and full EPC contracts, what the 70:30 rule means, and how much a plant saves.4 min read · Updated 11 Oct 2026](https://arraysingenieria.com/gst-on-solar-india/)[Policy: **ALMM List-I and List-II Explained: The Made-in-India Rule for Solar Modules and Cells**MNRE's Approved List of Models and Manufacturers now covers solar cells as well as modules. What List-I and List-II mean, which projects they bind, the exemptions, and how to stay compliant.3 min read · Updated 11 Oct 2026](https://arraysingenieria.com/almm-list-ii-solar-cells/)[Policy: **Solar Import Duty in India (2026): Customs on Modules and Cells, and What Budget 2026-27 Changed**Customs duty on imported solar equipment was restructured in Budget 2025-26 and adjusted again in Budget 2026-27. The rates, the reasoning, and how they shape module prices and your choice of supplier.3 min read · Updated 11 Oct 2026](https://arraysingenieria.com/solar-import-duty-india/)[Tax: **Accelerated Depreciation on Solar in India: How a Business Recovers the Cost Faster**Owning your solar plant lets you write it off at 40% a year on the written-down value. How accelerated depreciation works from April 2026 under the new Income-tax Act, the half-year rule, and a worked example.3 min read · Updated 11 Oct 2026](https://arraysingenieria.com/accelerated-depreciation-solar/)[Business Models: **CAPEX vs OPEX (RESCO) Solar: Which Model Suits Your Business?**Own your solar plant and keep every unit, or pay a developer per unit with no upfront cost? A side-by-side comparison of CAPEX and OPEX solar, with the numbers that decide it.3 min read · Updated 11 Oct 2026](https://arraysingenieria.com/capex-vs-opex-solar/)[Grid & Regulation: **Net Metering in India (2026): Net Billing, Gross Metering, ToD Tariffs and the Draft 2026 Rules**How your solar plant connects to the DISCOM and how exported units are paid for: net metering, net billing and gross metering, the 500 kW rule, time-of-day tariffs, the draft 2026 amendments, and the step-by-step approval process.3 min read · Updated 11 Oct 2026](https://arraysingenieria.com/net-metering-india/)[Grid & Regulation: **Green Energy Open Access in India: Buy Solar Power from Off-Site Plants from 100 kW**Can't fit enough solar on your roof? Green Energy Open Access lets consumers from 100 kW buy power from a solar plant elsewhere. Eligibility, approvals, charges, banking, and the ISTS waiver phase-out.3 min read · Updated 11 Oct 2026](https://arraysingenieria.com/green-energy-open-access/)[Schemes: **PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana 2026: Subsidy, Eligibility and How to Apply**India's rooftop solar scheme for homes: up to Rs 78,000 central subsidy, support for housing societies, low-cost loans and the national portal. What you get, who qualifies, and the steps from application to subsidy.3 min read · Updated 11 Oct 2026](https://arraysingenieria.com/pm-surya-ghar-subsidy/)[Schemes: **PM-KUSUM in 2026: Components A, B and C, New Deadlines and What Comes Next**India's farm solar scheme: up to 2 MW plants on farmers' land, standalone solar pumps and solarised feeders. What each component offers, the 2026 deadline extensions, and the proposed PM-KUSUM 2.0.3 min read · Updated 11 Oct 2026](https://arraysingenieria.com/pm-kusum-scheme/)[Tea Estates: **Solar for Assam's Tea Estates: Policy, Design and Lessons from Our Plants**Tea estates are among the best solar sites in India: daytime factory load, diesel back-up to cut and land to spare. Assam's policy, how to design for the plucking season, and what we have learnt building plants from Koomber to Harmutty.3 min read · Updated 11 Oct 2026](https://arraysingenieria.com/solar-for-assam-tea-estates-guide/)[Buyer's Guide: **How to Choose a Solar EPC and Installation Partner in India: 12 Questions to Ask**The partner you choose decides how your plant performs for 25 years. Twelve questions to ask any solar EPC or installation contractor, what good answers look like, and the red flags to walk away from.3 min read · Updated 11 Oct 2026](https://arraysingenieria.com/choose-solar-epc-partner/)[System Design: **Rooftop vs Ground-Mount Solar: Which Is Right for Your Site?**Use the roof you already have, or build on land? A practical comparison of rooftop and ground-mount solar: cost, space, structure, safety, foundations, approvals and maintenance.3 min read · Updated 11 Oct 2026](https://arraysingenieria.com/rooftop-vs-ground-mount-solar/)[O&M: **Solar O&M and Module Cleaning: Protecting 25 Years of Returns**A solar plant has no moving parts, but it still needs care. Module cleaning, inspections, thermography, inverter and earthing checks, and a practical maintenance schedule that keeps generation where it should be.3 min read · Updated 11 Oct 2026](https://arraysingenieria.com/solar-om-module-cleaning/)[Standards & Safety: **Solar Quality and Safety Norms in India (2026): BIS, the Quality Control Order, CEA and CEIG**What makes a solar plant compliant in 2026: the BIS Quality Control Order for modules, inverters and batteries, the standards each component should meet, the Electrical Inspector's approval, and site safety.3 min read · Updated 11 Oct 2026](https://arraysingenieria.com/solar-quality-standards-bis-cea/)[Storage: **Battery Storage with Solar in India (2026): Mandates, Incentives and When It Pays**Storage is becoming part of India's solar story. The two-hour co-located storage advisory for tenders, the viability gap funding for batteries, transmission waivers, the draft rule for large prosumers, and when a battery makes sense for a business.3 min read · Updated 11 Oct 2026](https://arraysingenieria.com/battery-storage-with-solar/)[Installation & Commissioning: **Solar Plant Installation and Commissioning: The Complete Step-by-Step Checklist**What actually happens between the purchase order and the day a solar plant goes live. Every stage of installation and commissioning, the tests that prove the plant is safe, and the documents you should receive at handover.3 min read · Updated 11 Oct 2026](https://arraysingenieria.com/solar-plant-commissioning-checklist/) Quick Guide ## Which Applies to You? | If you are… | Look at | How we can help | | --- | --- | --- | | A home | PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, through the National Portal | We do not install home systems; use a registered vendor on the portal. | | A farmer, FPO or panchayat | PM-KUSUM Component A: ground-mount plants of up to 2 MW | We build ground-mount plants: piling, civil works, installation and commissioning. | | A factory or business | CAPEX ownership, accelerated depreciation and net metering | Our core work: CAPEX solar EPC. | | A tea estate in Assam | Up to 5% of garden land for solar; CAPEX or developer programmes | 19 tea-estate plants built: see our work. | | A developer or EPC company | Projects under any of the above | Hire us for installation & commissioning and civil works. | | Anyone buying a plant | GST on solar devices now 5%; ALMM List-I modules with List-II cells where the order applies | We price with current GST and specify ALMM-listed makes: read the guide. | Scheme rules, subsidies and rates change. This page summarises official sources as of October 2026; always confirm the current terms on the official portal before you invest. [Ask Us About Your Project](https://arraysingenieria.com/contact/)[Solar Glossary](https://arraysingenieria.com/solar-glossary/)