The MNRE has notified the new benchmark cost for off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and rooftop solar projects for the financial year 2018-19. These new benchmark costs will be applicable for all implementing agencies involved in developing projects awarded under the off-grid and decentralised solar program. They will also be valid for agencies involved in developing rooftop solar and small-scale solar power projects but have not yet issued the work orders or letters of award.
The benchmark tariffs for various categories are given in the tables below:
| Grid connected rooftop solar projects | |
| Capacity | Benchmark Cost (Rs/Wp) |
| Above 1 kW and up to 10 kW | 60 |
| Above 10 kW and up to 100 kW | 55 |
| Above 100 kW and up to 500 kW | 53 |
| Solar pumps | ||
| Pump Capacity | General Category States (Rs/HP) | Special Category States* (Rs/HP) |
| Up to 3 HP DC | 85,000 | 93,500 |
| >3 HP — 5 HP DC | 77,000 | 84,700 |
| Up to 3 HP AC | 80,000 | 88,000 |
| >3 HP — 5 HP AC | 65,000 | 71,500 |
| Standalone Solar Power Projects/Packs | |||
| Capacity (kW) | Battery backup (hours) | General Category States (Rs/Wp) | Special Category States* (Rs/Wp) |
| Up to 10 kW | 6 | 100 | 110 |
| 3 | 80 | 88 | |
| 1 | 68 | 75 | |
| >10 kW and upto 25 kW | 6 | 90 | 99 |
| 3 | 72 | 79 | |
| 1 | 61 | 67 | |
| Solar Lighting Systems | ||
| System | General Category States (Rs/Wp) | Special Category States* (Rs/Wp) |
| Solar lamps | 250 | 275 |
| Solar street lights | ||
| · With lead-acid battery | 300 | 330 |
| · With lithium-ion battery | 435 | 475 |
*North-eastern states/hill-states/islands and union territories