Budget: Rajasthan Promises 150 Units Of Free Power For Solar Users

Budget: Rajasthan Promises 150 Units Of Free Power For Solar Users

Rajasthan government has now promised to provide solar prosumers with free electricity. Today, the state government presented its budget for the next financial year in the state assembly. Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari in her budget speech announced the extension of the free power for solar consumers.

“By leveraging the PM Surya Ghar Scheme, the state will extend the benefits of CM Free Electricity Scheme to its beneficiaries for the solar consumers. In a phased manner, by installing free solar plants, the consumers will get enhanced free power from 100 units to 150 units. Under the scheme, for those consumers who do not have ample space to host solar plants, community solar will be arranged for them,” Diya Kumar told the Assembly.

More clarity awaited 

However, experts are waiting for more clarity on the implementation of the scheme post budget announcement, especially on how the 150 units of free electricity will be provided to solar consumers in the state.

In her Budget Speech, she also said that the government has also taken up the work to ensure the installation of 10 GW of renewable energy projects in the state. She also said that with the involvement of the private sector, Rajasthan is set to have a capacity of 10 GW of renewable energy in the state. The western Indian state has also earmarked a budgetary provision of ₹559.63 crore from State fund for Minor Irrigation based on Solar Energy.

Ajay Yadav, President of REAR (Renewable Energy Association of Rajasthan) told Saur Energy that the Budget speech hints at higher benefits to the solar users in the state. However, more clarity is needed at the earliest so that the solar vendors who were awaiting more clarity and the solar consumers who were expecting more state support can make their decisions soon.

“The budget speech talked about reducing the burden on discoms and offering a hand-holding support to solar consumers. These hint towards ending the free 100 units of power from the grid and incentivizing solar consumers more. This could be done by starting new state subsidy support for solar consumers. However, we need more clarity on the implementation dates, eligibility criteria and other details to expedite the growth of rooftop solar in the state,” Yadav told Saur Energy.

A Surplus Power State 

The state finance minister said that in the next year, the state will become a surplus energy state with an estimated production of around 6.4 GW of energy. ‘In the coming year, we have taken up works to ensure the generation of 5.7 GW of electricity,” she said. The minister also proposed banking facilities on higher rates for electricity trade with other states.

Other solar players operating in the state said that several announcements made in the state could bolster the growth of new age startups in the sector. Ishan Chaturvedi, Director and Co-founder, V and Y said, “The Rajasthan government’s new budget is a game-changer for startups and the renewable energy sector. The tax incentives and interest-free loans for startups will provide much-needed financial flexibility, allowing young companies like ours to scale faster and bring advanced solar technology to market.”

He also added, “Rajasthan’s push for large-scale solar farms in Jaisalmer and Bikaner, along with subsidies for rooftop solar installations, signals a strong intent to make renewable energy mainstream. These initiatives will not only reduce dependency on fossil fuels but also create local employment and strengthen the energy infrastructure. The expansion of wind energy projects further cements Rajasthan’s role as a leader in India’s green transition.”