The Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL) has achieved a significant milestone in promoting rooftop solar power, with 78,250 installations generating nearly 201 Megawatt Peak (MWp) across its jurisdiction. This progress reflects a growing trend among consumers in Nellore, Tirupati, Chittoor, Annamayya, Kadapa, Kurnool, Nandyal, Anantapur, and Sri Sathya Sai districts, who are increasingly turning to renewable energy to reduce electricity bills and ensure sustainable consumption.
Rising Demand for Rooftop Solar
With the summer season driving up electricity usage due to fans, air coolers, and air conditioners, more households are opting for rooftop solar systems. APSPDCL has intensified its efforts under the central government’s PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana to promote these installations. Consumers can install rooftop panels for self-consumption and export surplus power to the grid via net metering. According to APSPDCL CMD Sivasankar Lotheti, applications must be submitted through the central portal. After approvals and installation by authorized agencies, subsidies are credited directly to consumers’ bank accounts.
Cost and Subsidies
A 2 kW system costs approximately ₹1.5 lakh, with a central subsidy of ₹60,000. For systems between 1 kW and 3 kW, subsidies of up to ₹78,000 are available. Such a system can generate 200 to 300 units of electricity per month, depending on weather conditions.
Focus on SC and ST Households
APSPDCL is also targeting SC and ST households, aiming for 415 MWp capacity for 2.07 lakh consumers with monthly usage below 200 units. So far, 46,049 installations with a capacity of 92.10 MWp have been completed for these beneficiaries. Additionally, 32,201 rooftop systems under the CAPEX model are generating 108.86 MWp for other consumers.
Model Solar Village
Naravaripalle, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s native village, has emerged as a model ‘solar village’ with installations on every house. In the Kuppam constituency, 1,980 SC and ST households are generating 4.36 MW through rooftop solar systems. Officials said efforts are underway to expand installations among other sections, with emphasis on quality, safety, and consumer awareness regarding maintenance.
