You do not need an empanelled vendor for the Delhi solar subsidy

Myth buster  Updated 2 September 2026 · 5 min read · SolarfiX by Electrik Bee — Authorised Channel Partner, Reliance New Energy

The most common worry among Delhi homeowners looking at rooftop solar is this: “If I pick an installer who isn't on the portal's list, do I lose my subsidy?”

The Delhi Government answers that question itself, on the Delhi Solar Portal. The answer is no.

1. What the portal officially says

“Consumers other than PM Surya Ghar–Muft Bijli Yojna: In this category, it is not mandatory to choose a vendor empanelled with PM Surya Ghar Portal. Customers can choose any vendor of their choice. Delhi subsidy and Generation Based Incentive are available for all net meter installations under respective categories, customers have full liberty to make choices of vendors. The list of empanelled vendors above is only for reference purpose.”

solar.delhi.gov.in › Empanelled Vendors

2. What that means in plain language

• You have complete freedom to choose your vendor for the Delhi subsidy — you are not restricted to the portal's list.
• The Delhi subsidy and the Generation Based Incentive are available for all net meter installations in the respective categories.
• The empanelled vendor list on the portal is for reference only, not a mandatory requirement.

The real condition is not the vendor list — it is net metering and correct documentation.

3. Two different schemes — where the confusion starts

People get confused because two separate subsidy streams run in Delhi, and their rules differ:

In practice, most Delhi households want both subsidies (₹78,000 + ₹78,000), so the sensible move is to choose an installer who can handle both processes. If you only want the state benefit, the choice of vendor is entirely yours.

4. So what is the empanelled list for?

The list exists to give consumers a starting reference so newcomers are not searching from scratch. But the Delhi Government has explicitly labelled it “only for reference purpose”. It is not a quality guarantee or an exclusive licence. Being on the list tells you nothing about whether the vendor's workmanship is good, whether warranty support exists, or whether their team is trained.

5. Eight things to check when choosing a vendor

Focus on these instead of the list — they are what actually make a difference:

1. Module brand and warranty — the make, model and 25-year performance warranty, in writing.
2. Channel partner status — is the vendor an authorised channel partner of a major manufacturer? (SolarfiX is an Authorised Channel Partner of Reliance New Energy, so modules and warranty claims go through the official channel.)
3. Inverter details — brand, model, warranty period and monitoring app.
4. Mounting structure — GI or aluminium, and its wind-load rating. In Delhi's storms, a cheap structure is the single biggest risk.
5. Who files the net meter application — the vendor, or do you deal with the discom yourself?
6. Is subsidy paperwork included, or charged extra?
7. Local presence in Delhi — how quickly does a service team actually turn up?
8. A written quotation — cost, subsidy, timeline, warranty and AMC, all on paper.

6. Common questions

If my vendor isn't on the list, will I still get the Delhi subsidy?

According to the portal, the Delhi subsidy and GBI are available for all net meter installations in the respective categories, and consumers have full liberty to choose their vendor. What matters is that the installation is net metered and the documentation is correct.

Will I also get the central PM Surya Ghar subsidy?

The central scheme has its own portal and process. If you want both subsidies, choose a vendor who can handle the PM Surya Ghar process as well — otherwise you are limited to the state benefit.

Can I install it myself and claim the subsidy?

No. Installation must be done by a certified team and must pass the discom inspection. This is electrical work, so safety and code compliance are mandatory.