Haryana Rooftop Solar Expansion Slows Amid Loan and Documentation Challenges

Haryana's efforts to accelerate rooftop solar adoption under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana are encountering challenges due to difficulties in securing loans and cumbersome documentation requirements, prompting the state government to intervene and streamline the process.

The issues came to light during a review meeting chaired by Special Energy Secretary and Managing Director of the state's power distribution companies, Vikram Singh, who assessed the progress of rooftop solar installations and discussed measures to overcome implementation hurdles.

According to official data, Haryana has provided 81,735 rooftop solar connections under the scheme so far. Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) has released 36,130 connections against its target of 1.22 lakh, while Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) has achieved 45,605 connections against a target of one lakh.

Officials noted that many consumers are facing difficulties in obtaining loans for rooftop solar systems, particularly for 2 kW and 3 kW installations. Strict credit score requirements, extensive paperwork and delays in loan processing have emerged as key obstacles slowing the pace of adoption. Financing challenges for larger systems exceeding 3 kW were also discussed during the meeting.

To address these concerns, banks were urged to simplify ownership verification procedures, reduce documentation requirements and designate dedicated officials to handle rooftop solar loan applications. Financial institutions were also asked to expedite loan approvals and disbursements to ensure timely project execution.

The state government has directed power distribution companies to clear pending applications promptly, maintain installation quality standards and ensure adherence to project timelines. To strengthen coordination among stakeholders, monthly review meetings involving banks, DISCOMs and vendors will be held on the first Wednesday of every month. Authorities are also considering appointing district-level nodal officers to facilitate faster resolution of issues.

Alongside administrative reforms, Haryana is intensifying awareness campaigns to promote rooftop solar adoption by highlighting the potential for lower electricity bills and environmental benefits. Demand for solar installations has been particularly strong in Gurugram, which received 7,497 applications within the first five months of the scheme. More than 4,200 rooftop solar systems are already operational in the city.

The state is simultaneously advancing plans to solarize government infrastructure. Haryana aims to make all government buildings, autonomous educational institutions and registered gaushalas solar-powered by 2026-27. A survey covering 4,523 government buildings has identified an estimated rooftop solar generation potential of 122 MW, supporting the state's broader clean energy and sustainability goals.

Officials expressed confidence that easing financing constraints and simplifying procedures will help accelerate rooftop solar installations and improve the scheme's overall implementation across Haryana.