For residential, commercial, eco-tourism/hotel, institutional

For residential, commercial, eco-tourism/hotel, institutional in Lakshadweep — this guide covers the Lakshadweep Solar Energy Policy 2020 / Lakshadweep Rooftop Solar Programme (LIED). Administered by Lakshadweep Island Electricity Department (LIED) / Lakshadweep Administration. Below are subsidy rates, eligibility, technical rules, documents, and scheme process.

Subsidy benefits

• Central CFA (PM Surya Ghar): up to Rs.78,000
• additional 10% island UT special category
• Lakshadweep UT additional: 40% UT subsidy (highest in India)
• Total: up to 90% subsidy for residential
• Government pays full cost for LIED solar grid expansion (no consumer charge)

Authority and scope

• Government body: Lakshadweep Island Electricity Department (LIED) / Lakshadweep Administration
• Nodal agency: LIED (Lakshadweep Island Electricity Department)
• Eligible for: residential, commercial, eco-tourism/hotel, institutional
• Installation type: Rooftop on-grid (connected to island microgrid) + BESS mandatory

Eligibility and disbursement

• Open to multiple consumer categories.
• Income restrictions: No income restriction; indigenous Lakshadweepi and Minicoy Island communities get priority. Eco-tourism operators eligible for additional incentive.
• Disbursement timeline: 90–180 days post-application (shipping schedule dependent)
• Disbursement mode: DBT via LIED/Lakshadweep Administration; maximum UT subsidy via UT treasury
• Maximum capacity: 100 kW

Net metering and technical rules

• Net metering is available under this scheme.
• Net metering policy: Lakshadweep JERC Net Metering Regulations

• 1 kW–100 kW (island scale constraint). LIED manages all power generation, transmission, and distribution for all 10 inhabited islands.
• Gross metering policy: Limited applicability given island scale. LIED manages centralized solar plants on each island.
• Hybrid policy: Lakshadweep Solar + BESS: mandatory battery storage for all installations (no mainland grid connection — islands are islanded microgrids). SECI providing BESS procurement.
• DISCOM requirements: LIED: Single island power authority. All 10 inhabited islands are individual microgrids with LIED-managed solar + diesel hybrid (transitioning to solar + BESS).

How to apply

Apply at LIED office on respective island or via email to lied-lak@nic.in

LIED feasibility check for island microgrid integration

LIED-approved vendor selection (logistics via ship from Kerala mandatory)

Installation + microgrid connection + BESS setup

LIED inspection + commissioning

Enhanced central CFA + maximum UT subsidy via DBT

Documents required

• Aadhaar card (Lakshadweep address mandatory)
• Electricity bill (LIED meter number)
• Property documents (island land holding certificate)
• Bank account details (Kerala mainland account accepted)
• Island resident certificate

Additional details

• Scheme budget: Lakshadweep RE target: 100% renewable energy by 2030 (10 inhabited islands). PM Surya Ghar special category (+10%) + island UT maximum additional funding.
• Target beneficiaries: All Lakshadweep consumers across 10 inhabited islands. Kavaratti (HQ), Agatti (airport), Minicoy (southernmost), Androth (largest), Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kiltan, Amini, Chetlat, Bitra.
• Progress: Lakshadweep: 10+ MW solar installed (April 2025). Kavaratti: first island to achieve 100% solar power for daytime use. All islands transitioning from diesel generators to solar + BESS. SECI signed MoU for 10 MW+ additional island solar.