About the programme

Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) is supporting development and deployment of solar off-grid applications in remote and rural areas of the country. Solar street lighting is an integral part of the Off-grid and Decentralized Solar PV Applications Programme of MNRE.

Under the programme, over 7.4 lakh solar street lights have been installed in the country as of July, 2020. Under Off-grid and Decentralized Solar PV Applications Programme Phase-III available till 31.03.2021, a target for installation of 3 lakh solar street lights has been kept. Under Phase-III of the Scheme, special emphasis is on installation of solar street lights in areas where there is no facility for street lighting through grid power, North Eastern States and Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts. Under the Scheme, Central financial assistance (CFA) of 30% of the benchmark cost of the system or the tender cost, whichever is lower in General Category States and CFA of 90% of the benchmark cost or tender cost whichever is lower, in North Eastern States including Sikkim and hilly States/UTs of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Lakshadweep and A&N Islands.

Keeping in view the lighting requirements in public spaces in rural areas, Solar street lights with 12 Watt LED with 3 days battery back are being installed under the Scheme. More details on the Scheme, Guidelines and Specifications of solar street lights may be accessed at www.mnre.gov.in.