CAG in collaboration with Solar Advisory Unit - Madurai, organised a stakeholder meeting on the adoption of rooftop solar energy under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana which was held on 17th September 2025 at Hotel Royal Court, Madurai. The main objective of this meeting was to raise awareness among consumers about solar energy, including subsidy schemes, loan options, and the procedures for installation. The meeting had participants from solar developers, financial institutions, Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Company Limited officials, and media representatives
Dr. C. Packialakshmi, Coordinator, Solar Advisor Unit - Madurai, during the meeting
Dr.C.Packialakshmi, Coordinator, Solar Advisor Unit - Madurai, welcomed the participants. She emphasised the importance of solar power in the current energy landscape and recognised it as one of the most sustainable and dependable forms of renewable energy. She highlighted how the rising electricity consumption among consumers has made solar energy an attractive solution for both residential and commercial users.
Mr. Vishnu Mohan Rao, Programme Lead, during the meeting
Mr.Vishnu Mohan Rao, Programme Lead, CAG presented an overview of CAG’s work and its current initiatives, with a focus on raising awareness about rooftop solar energy.
Mrs. Regina Rajakumari, Superintending Engineer - TNPDCL, during the meeting
Mrs. Regina Rajakumari, Superintending Engineer, Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL), discussed the advantages of utilising solar energy, particularly in terms of energy conservation and financial savings. She outlined the various roles and responsibilities of the TNPDCL in Rooftop Solar installations, shedding light on how they facilitate this process. She also stated that TNPDCL plans to install rooftop solar systems totalling 27,000 kW in Madurai district by 2027, with a specific focus on residential buildings. Officials said households consuming 500–1,000 units per billing cycle stand to benefit the most, as solar can cut power charges and help meet growing demand without adding new conventional power generation. Households can install systems up to 3 kW and claim a subsidy of up to ₹78,000, with TNPDCL expediting on-grid approvals. She said 70,000 of the six lakh electricity consumers in Madurai district were identified to be using 500 to 1,000 units of power per bill cycle.
An image illustrating the charges for a rooftop solar application
Ms.Bala Parameswari, Executive Engineer, TNPDCL presented a comprehensive overview of the PM Surya Ghar Scheme, focusing on procedural requirements needed to obtain a net metering connection, network charges levied on sending excess power to the grid.
Mr. Sampath Kumar, Branch Manager, Union Bank of India stated that the Government of India launched a rooftop solar scheme for domestic households in February 2024, supported by subsidies from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Banks are extending full support to residential adopters; at Union Bank, a digital rooftop solar loan is available, typically sanctioned within two days through a simplified process. Banks, including Union Bank of India, are offering quick, collateral-free loans at concessional rates to support adoption. For loans up to ₹2 lakh, no income proof is required. The bank also offers a dedicated “Union Rooftop Solar” product at low interest rates. Accredited solar vendors assist consumers in assessing eligibility and with application procedures. The official emphasised that rooftop solar can significantly reduce household electricity costs while advancing clean energy uptake.
Solar Expert, Solar Advisory Unit - Madurai, during the meeting
Mr. Selvakumar, Solar Expert, Solar Advisory Unit - Madurai, delivered a comprehensive presentation on rooftop solar PV systems, covering system types, capacity requirements, space needs, investment costs, available subsidies based on tariff categories, payback period calculations, and key installation guidelines.
Participants at the meeting
Prosumer experience:
Mr. Shanmugasundaram recounted his positive experience with the benefits of installing rooftop solar panels at his home. He invested in a 3kW rooftop solar system, and since then, his electricity bills have dropped by an impressive 80%. He emphasised the substantial financial savings he has reaped since transitioning to solar energy.
Mr. Shanmugasundaram, a prosumer, shares his experience during the meeting
Mr. Ganesan, an agriculturist, shared his valuable insights on how he makes use of solar installations, particularly solar pumps, to irrigate his expansive farm. He has installed solar panels as part of the PM KUSUM scheme, which has greatly enhanced his irrigation efficiency.