Solar Panel Subsidy in J&K, 2023

Jammu and Kashmir is one of the richest solar states in India receiving an average of 2218 hours of sunlight per year (out of a total possible 4383 hours) with an average of 6:04 of sunlight per day, making it ideal for solar power generation. Yes, it may sound surprising as Jammu & Kashmir are also the coolest places in our country. In order to promote the use of solar energy, the government of Jammu and Kashmir is offering attractive subsidies to customers for installing rooftop solar panels.

Components of a Solar System

Solar Panels: Solar panels are the heart of any solar system. These panels are made up of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity. Solar panels come in many variants like DCR solar panels, monocrystalline solar panels, and bifacial solar panels. The most prominent choice is bifacial solar panel for residential purpose.

Solar Inverter: Solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity, but most of our household appliances use alternating current (AC). So, we need a solar inverter to convert DC into AC. On grid solar inverters are a crucial part of the system, they come in different sizes 3KW, 5 KW, 8 KW and 10 KW.

Solar Batteries (optional): Some solar power systems include batteries to store excess electricity for use during cloudy days or at night. This is especially valuable in places with unreliable grid power, making sure you have electricity even when the sun isn't shining.

Mounting Structure: Solar panels need to be securely mounted on rooftops or the ground. The mounting structure not only keeps them in place but also ensures they are at the right angle to receive maximum sunlight.

Charge Controller (if using batteries): The charge controller regulates the flow of electricity to and from the batteries, preventing overcharging and prolonging battery life.

Wiring: Proper wiring are essential to connect all the components of the system safely and efficiently. These wires transport electricity from the solar panels to the inverter, batteries (if present), and then to your home or the grid.

How to apply for Net Metering?

Net metering is important for solar subsidies in J&K because it helps more people use clean energy. With net metering, solar panel owners can sell extra electricity back to the DISCOM and earn money. This encourages more people to choose solar power, which is good for the economy.

To apply for a net meter in J&K, follow these simple steps:

1. Go to JAKEDA (Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency) website for applying net meter.
2. Fill the form for net meter.
3. Then submit the form.
4. Now, You have to wait for the approval.
5. After you get approved then you have to submit the required documents and payment.

Type of Rooftop Solar System

On Grid Solar System: If you want to reduce your electricity bill up to 80% then on grid solar system is an optimal choice for you. An on-grid solar system, also known as a grid-tied solar system, that system is connected to the electricity grid, and this will help you to save money form the electricity bills. As well as you can sell excess generated electricity back to the DISCOM and earn money with that.

Off Grid Solar System: If you live in a remote area or experience frequent power cuts, you may want to consider an off-grid solar system. An off-grid solar system includes batteries to store excess power for use during times when the sun is not shining.

Hybrid Solar System: A hybrid solar system is a combination of an “on-grid” and “off-grid solar systems”. It is basically a grid connected system that comes with a battery backup. So, it has the advantage of both you can store excess power in the battery for use during an emergency time as well as you can sell the surplus generated power to the grid and earn money.

According, to the solar professional “Hybrid Solar System” is the optimal choice because from this you can reduce your electricity bill as well as get power backup during emergency time. This makes it a popular choice for residential installations.

Solar Panel Subsidy Scheme

Both central and state government offer subsidies schemes to people for installation the rooftops solar system.

Central government subsidy scheme:

Central government subsidy scheme is known as DBT (Direct Bank Transfer). In this scheme the subsidy amount will be directly transfer into the customers bank account with in the 30 days of commissioning of the solar system. You can get central government subsidy by applying through the National Portal for Solar Portal. 

State government subsidy scheme:

The subsidy will be available for both residential and commercial customers. For a residential rooftop solar system, the subsidy is 40% of the total cost for systems upto 3 kW and an additional 20% for systems over and above 3 kW upto 10 kW. These rates are applicable for domestic consumers for on-grid solar system only in J&K.

To avail of the subsidy, homeowners must register with the Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) which is the nodal agency for the implementation of solar energy projects in the state. The subsidy amount will be credited directly to the homeowner's bank account after the installation of the solar system is completed and inspected by JAKEDA. It usually takes 30-90 days for the amount to get credited to your bank account.

Solar Panel Subsidy Price

Both central and state offers the solar subsidy, for the general category states the central government pay 30% amount for the total as a subsidy. But for special states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, J&K and Lakshadweep the central government pays the 70% subsidy amount. If your state doesn’t offer the subsidy on solar you can avail the central government subsidy by applying through the National Portal for Solar Portal. 

If you want to interest in getting a subsidy you need to follow some guidelines. You must contact the electricity provider or DISCOM and apply online with the necessary documents. Their person will visit your site for a review and gives you an approval. Then the electricity provider visits for inspection. Customers can then avail the subsidy amount.

What is the entire process?

To apply solar subsidy, you should follow the following steps:

Step 1: Site Survey. Book Engineer Visit from here.

Step 2: System Capacity, Costing & Performance Analysis

Step 3: Buy Solar System & Installation

Step 4: Apply for Net Metering

Step 5: Get Solar Subsidy after 30 days of rooftop solar panel installation. 

Conclusion

If you are considering installing a solar system in Jammu and Kashmir, I encourage you to contact JAKEDA for more information. The solar subsidy is a great way to make solar power more affordable. With the help of the subsidy, you can save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and make your home more comfortable. Solar is not only clean and green way to power your home but will go a long way in reducing your expenditure on electricity bills.