Poor Response to Rooftop Solar Scheme Despite CM Naidu’s Push

Tirupati: Implementation of the rooftop solar scheme in Andhra Pradesh remains a challenge despite its advocacy by chief minister Chandrababu Naidu.

Naidu has been emphasising the need for widespread adoption of these systems, envisioning a future where every household can become a solar power generator and even sell surplus electricity. These directions were repeatedly stressed during his regular reviews of the central government-introduced PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

However, the public response to the scheme remains slow. While this offers subsidies of Rs 30,000 for 1 kW, Rs 60,000 for 2 kW, and Rs 78,000 for 3 kW systems, limited public awareness and a reluctance to pay initial costs have hindered its progress.

Officials are making efforts to improve outreach, but many households remain unclear about the process and benefits.

The scheme, which began on February 13 last year, requires consumers to register on a national portal, upload necessary documents and choose an empanelled agency for installation. Once the system is inspected and a smart meter is installed, the subsidy is credited within 15 days, officials claim.

Despite this streamlined process, participation has been modest.

In Chittoor district, 49,947 registrations have been recorded, of which around 47,500 were from the SC and ST communities. So far, only 268 houses have installed rooftop panels. Of these, 95 installations were completed in Nadimuru village of Kuppam mandal, which has been declared a pilot area by the chief minister.

Though launched in Kuppam on January 6, the project has seen slow movement.

Tirupati district has received 63,534 applications, a majority of them from SC and ST households, thanks to full subsidies provided jointly by the central and state governments.

Officials say tenders for installations will be floated soon. However, uptake among other social groups remains limited due to the requirement for upfront investment and limited outreach on available incentives.

Officials of the APSPDCL and NREDCAP have been asked to step up awareness.

A notable exception is the Naravaripalle cluster in Chandragiri mandal, the CM’s native village. Of the 2,300 houses there, about 1,600 were found suitable for installations. Solar systems have now been installed on all eligible homes, reflecting a model implementation.

Across Tirupati district, a total of 2,094 rooftop installations have been completed, with a majority of these concentrated in Naravaripalle.