Free power slows solar shift

Subsidised electricity a barrier in adoption of solar power in Tamil Nadu, says study

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

The farmer-focused PM KUSUM-C scheme has no takers in Tamil Nadu since its introduction in 2019, while PM Surya Ghar has low uptake due to Tamil Nadu's subsidised and free electricity schemes, finds a study done by Puducherry-based think tank.

The study, titled "Advancing Distributed, Equitable Solar Energy in Tamil Nadu’, aims to facilitate higher clean energy deployment in Tamil Nadu.

Done by the think tank, Auroville Consulting, the study focuses specifically on leveraging distributed solar energy (DERs), particularly rooftop solar and solar for agriculture, in Tamil Nadu.

The researchers have found out that as of July 2025, Tamil Nadu is yet to see any adoption of progress under PM KUSUM.C, or ‘Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan’ scheme.

Incidentally, the progress under the scheme has been low nationwide ~ only about 14.7 per cent of the target has been achieved as of July 2025, finds the report.

PM KUSUM-C, which was launched in March 2019 by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, aims to provide energy and water security to farmers while reducing environmental pollution.

Under the scheme, the central government offers subsidies of 30 per cent to 50 per cent for solar pumps or for the solarisation of existing grid-connected agricultural pumps.