The Bihar Energy Department has proposed a mechanism to purchase surplus rooftop solar power at the end of the financial year, incentivising households to install solar and ensure benefits for excess generation. The move aligns with PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM objectives, supporting farmers and energy consumers across the state.
India
-Oneindia Staff
Patna, October 7, 2026: The Bihar Energy Department has proposed a mechanism to provide consumers financial benefits for surplus electricity generated through rooftop solar systems, with the aim of encouraging wider adoption of solar energy across the state.
Under the existing net metering system, electricity generated through a rooftop solar plant is first used to meet a household’s power requirements. Any surplus electricity is then supplied to the grid and adjusted against the consumer’s monthly electricity bill.
The Bihar Energy Department has proposed a mechanism to purchase surplus rooftop solar power at the end of the financial year, incentivising households to install solar and ensure benefits for excess generation. The move aligns with PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM objectives, supporting farmers and energy consumers across the state.
When solar generation exceeds a consumer’s electricity consumption in a particular month, the surplus power is carried forward and adjusted against consumption in subsequent months. However, under the existing system, any surplus electricity remaining in the consumer’s account at the end of the financial year expires. To ensure that consumers do not lose the benefit of this additional generation, the Energy Department has requested the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) to make necessary provisions.
Under the proposed mechanism, the surplus electricity remaining in a consumer’s account at the end of the financial year would be purchased by the Energy Department. This would allow consumers to receive a financial benefit for the additional electricity generated by their rooftop solar systems.
Move Expected to Encourage Rooftop Solar Adoption
The proposed provision is aimed at encouraging more households to install rooftop solar systems while also ensuring that existing solar consumers receive appropriate benefits for their surplus generation. The initiative is expected to support the expansion of solar energy in Bihar and contribute towards the objectives of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
PM-KUSUM Also Creating Opportunities for Farmers
Under the PM-KUSUM scheme, farmers are also installing solar plants and generating electricity. The electricity produced through these plants is purchased by the Energy Department, providing farmers with an opportunity to generate additional income by selling the power produced on their land. At the same time, the initiative is contributing to increased generation of clean and renewable energy in the state.
Support for Consumers, Farmers and Solar Companies
The Energy Department said it is making efforts to provide necessary support to consumers, farmers and companies involved in solar energy projects. Assistance is being provided at different stages, including the installation of solar plants, their integration with the electricity grid and completion of related procedures. The department’s objective is to ensure maximum benefits for consumers and farmers adopting solar energy while accelerating the expansion of renewable energy generation across Bihar.
