The Central Government, through the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, has introduced the SRISTI Scheme 2026. This initiative, titled "Sustainable Rooftop Implementation for Solar Transfiguration of India (SRISTI)," aims to offer financial incentives for setting up rooftop solar power plants across the nation. This subsidy framework will serve as the foundation for the MNRE's updated Phase II strategy for solar rooftop deployment. Additionally, this SRISTI program is set to supersede the CCEA proposal that was previously presented to the Union Cabinet in April.
The core goal of this proposed initiative is to reach a target of 40 GW of power generation from rooftop solar installations by the 2023-2024 fiscal year. To achieve this, the central government has allocated a budget of Rs. 23,450 crore.
Key Highlights of the SRISTI Scheme 2026
The primary features and benefits of the SRISTI Scheme 2026 include the following:
- This subsidy program provides financial support for the sustainable deployment of rooftop solar energy.
- The scheme represents an upgraded version of the earlier MNRE Phase II solar program.
- The government will collaborate with Distribution Companies (Discoms) to roll out this subsidy.
- Financial aid will be provided by the central government to residential users installing rooftop solar power systems.
- Residential consumers can set up power capacities based on their energy needs and local SERC (State Electricity Regulation Commission) guidelines.
- The government subsidy covers solar power plant installations up to a 5 KWP capacity.
- The initiative targets a total power generation of 40,000 MW, backed by an investment of Rs 23,450 crore.
SRISTI Scheme - Financial Incentives
The Central Government is offering the following incentives for the successful setup of solar power projects:
- Residential users receive a subsidy incentive of Rs. 18,000/KW, calculated against a benchmark cost of Rs. 60,000/KW.
- Incentives are also available for Discoms supporting social, institutional, government, commercial, and industrial sectors. These are set at Rs. 5,500/KW based on a benchmark cost of Rs. 55,000/KW.
- A total of Rs. 9,000 crore in incentives is allocated to support the installation of 5,000 MW capacity power plants.
- Discoms will receive incentives totaling Rs. 14,450 crore to facilitate the installation of 35,000 MW of rooftop solar projects.
- The overall scheme budget is Rs. 23,450 crore, aimed at achieving 40 GW of rooftop solar capacity.
This initiative is expected to boost solar energy adoption across India, allowing households to switch to greener electricity production.
Source / Reference Link: https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/mnre-to-seek-cabinet-nod-soon-for-rooftop-solar-scheme-sristi/66963256