“Haryana is accelerating its renewable energy drive with substantial solar subsidies under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, offering up to ₹78,000 for households. The state aims to expand its solar capacity to 6,000 MW by 2030, supported by initiatives like solar pumps for farmers and net metering. Over ₹52 crore has been disbursed to promote clean energy adoption.”
Haryana’s Solar Revolution Gains Momentum with Subsidies
Haryana is intensifying its renewable energy efforts, leveraging its 300 sunny days annually to become a solar powerhouse. As of June 2024, the state’s installed solar capacity stood at over 2,500 MW, including utility-scale plants and rooftop installations. The Haryana Renewable Energy Development Agency (HAREDA) is spearheading this transition, aligning with India’s climate goals to reduce fossil fuel reliance. The state has set an ambitious target of 6,000 MW of solar power by 2030, a 22-fold increase from its February 2024 capacity of 265.8 MW.
Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, launched in February 2024, Haryana offers significant financial incentives for residential solar adoption. Households can avail central subsidies of up to ₹78,000, with ₹30,000 per kW for systems up to 2 kW and ₹18,000 for additional kW up to 3 kW. For systems above 3 kW, the subsidy is capped at ₹78,000. Additionally, the state provides subsidies for low-income families, offering ₹25,000 per kW for those earning up to ₹1.8 lakh annually and ₹10,000 per kW for incomes between ₹1.8 lakh and ₹3 lakh, subject to a 2 kW limit. Over ₹52.54 crore has been disbursed to households under this scheme as of December 2024, enabling one lakh poor families to benefit from solar energy.
Farmers are also key beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyaan (PM-KUSUM). HAREDA provides up to 75% subsidies for solar pumps ranging from 3 HP to 10 HP, reducing farmers’ dependence on diesel. In 2024, contracts were awarded for 17,458 solar water pumping systems, with farmers contributing only 25% of the cost. This initiative supports irrigation needs while promoting sustainable agriculture. By June 2023, Haryana had installed 36,793 solar pumps, ranking second in India under PM-KUSUM.
The state’s solar policy encourages net metering, allowing households and businesses to sell excess solar power to the grid, offsetting electricity costs. The Haryana Solar Power Policy 2023 emphasizes rooftop solar, ground-mounted plants, and solarization of irrigation pumps. It also promotes large-scale projects on canal banks and panchayat land leasing. To meet the Renewable Purchase Obligation of 43.33% by 2029-30, distribution companies (DISCOMs) are partnering with independent power producers for solar systems of 250 kW to 1 MW on public and private buildings.
HAREDA’s initiatives extend to rural areas, with subsidies of ₹4,000 for LED-based solar street lighting and ₹20,000 for high-mast lighting systems. The state is also fostering skill development programs to create a workforce for the growing solar sector. Despite progress, challenges remain, including the limited availability of domestically produced solar pumps and financial barriers for small farmers. Over-pumping of groundwater due to low-cost solar pumps is another concern, necessitating better water management practices.
Haryana’s proactive policies, backed by central and state subsidies, are making solar energy accessible and affordable. With a focus on both residential and agricultural sectors, the state is paving the way for a sustainable energy future, contributing significantly to India’s renewable energy targets.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from government sources, including HAREDA and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, as well as reports from Mercom India and other renewable energy platforms. Data is accurate as of June 2025, but subsidy availability and policies may change. Readers are advised to verify details with official portals like pmsuryaghar.gov.in or hareda.gov.in before applying.