The government's initiative, known as the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, has been sanctioned by the Union Cabinet, aiming to install rooftop solar panels in one crore households across the nation. This decision was reached on Thursday, with the scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2024, with an allocated budget of Rs 75,021 crore.
Under this program, households are eligible for financial assistance from the government, with subsidies provided based on the capacity of the solar panel systems installed. For instance, households installing a 1 kW system can avail of a subsidy of Rs 30,000, while those opting for a 2 kW system can receive Rs 60,000, and households installing a 3 kW system or higher can benefit from a subsidy of Rs 78,000.
To avail of these subsidies, families can apply through a national portal and select an appropriate vendor to undertake the installation of rooftop solar panels. Moreover, the scheme facilitates access to low-interest loans, currently set at around 7 percent, without requiring collateral, thus easing the financial burden associated with installation costs.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring that households do not face undue financial strain, utilizing a combination of direct subsidies credited to bank accounts and concessional loans. Furthermore, the establishment of Model Solar Villages in every district will serve as exemplars for rural regions to embrace rooftop solar technology.
Efforts to streamline the application process involve connecting all stakeholders through a National Online Portal. Additionally, plans are in place to incentivize urban local bodies and panchayats to promote the adoption of rooftop solar systems within their jurisdictions.
This initiative aligns with India's ambitious target of generating 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, contributing significantly to the nation's sustainable development goals.
For those interested in participating in the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, detailed information and application procedures are available on the official website. Prospective applicants are required to register on the portal, providing essential details such as state, electricity distribution company, consumer number, mobile number, and email address.
Upon successful registration, applicants can proceed to apply for the rooftop solar scheme, submit relevant banking information, and follow the outlined processes for installation and commissioning as delineated on the portal.
Overall, the scheme is designed to empower households to harness solar energy, fostering environmental sustainability while promoting economic empowerment at the grassroots level.
