State-by-State Green Energy Incentives: 2019 Guide

Navigating the landscape of renewable energy incentives can be complex. Policies vary significantly between states, and keeping up with changes is a full-time job. This guide summarises the key incentives available as of early 2019.

Central Government Schemes

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) offers several national programmes:

• PM-KUSUM Scheme — Launched in February 2019, this scheme provides subsidies for solar pumps and grid-connected solar power plants for farmers. Phase I targets 1.75 lakh off-grid solar pumps and 7,250 MW of decentralised solar capacity.
• Rooftop Solar Programme (Phase II) — 30% central financial assistance for residential rooftop solar systems up to 3 kW; 15% for systems between 3 kW and 10 kW.
• National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy — Notified in May 2018, this policy encourages co-location of wind and solar projects to optimise land use and grid infrastructure.

State-Level Highlights

Kerala

Kerala has been a leader in renewable energy policy. Key incentives as of 2019 include:

• Net metering for systems up to 1 MW under KSEB's rooftop solar programme - KSEB's simplified single-window approval process for rooftop solar
• State subsidy of ₹15,000 per kW for residential systems up to 1 kW, and ₹10,000 per kW for systems between 1 kW and 3 kW, administered through the Kerala State Electricity Board

Tamil Nadu

• TANGEDCO net metering policy for grid-connected rooftop solar
• 100% exemption from electricity duty for captive solar power consumption
• Accelerated depreciation benefits for commercial and industrial installations

Karnataka

• BESCOM's rooftop solar programme with net metering
• State-level capital subsidy for small residential systems
• Simplified single-window clearance through the Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL)

Net Metering Explained

Net metering allows you to sell excess solar electricity back to the grid. Your electricity meter runs backwards when your system produces more than you consume, effectively giving you credit on your bill.

Most states require utilities to offer net metering, but the rates and caps vary. Genultimus can help you understand the specific rules in your area.

How Genultimus Helps

Our policy team monitors changes to incentive programmes and keeps our community informed. We have helped over 300 families access government subsidies since 2017, recovering an average of ₹45,000 per household.