The Karnataka government's push for solar power adoption, particularly through rooftop generation in both commercial and residential spaces, has gained significant momentum. Now, the central government's initiative, the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, is further popularizing solar energy in the state.
The Prime Minister’s Solar Home Scheme, launched in February this year, has witnessed an overwhelming response with over 10,000 applications pouring in from Karnataka alone. Data from the state's energy department reveals that there are currently 22,000 solar panels installed across various schemes, collectively generating approximately 570 MW of power.
Among these installations, 9,377 panels operate within the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (Bescom) limits, contributing 301.7 MW of power to the grid.
Addressing a national workshop aimed at promoting the scheme, jointly organized by the Karnataka energy department in Bengaluru, Dinesh Dayanand Jagdale, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, highlighted the streamlined model and digitized application process.
While no direct incentives are provided to property owners for installing rooftop solar panels, government agencies are actively encouraged to embrace solar energy. However, stakeholders and vendors at the workshop raised concerns regarding technical issues hampering communication with the Electricity Supply Companies (Escoms) via the MNRE website, a matter that has persisted for the past three months.
Furthermore, Jagdale assured swift rectification, acknowledging the lost time and appointing nodal officers to facilitate smoother coordination with vendors. Launched in February 2024, the central government's scheme for the solar rooftop segment boasts an ambitious outlay of Rs. 750 billion until 2025-26.
It aims to provide free electricity up to 300 units per month to 10 million Indian households. So far, 10 million individuals have enrolled nationwide, with 10,000 from Karnataka alone.
"The scheme marks a transformative government initiative. With 229 private vendors registered to execute it, our goal is to encourage widespread adoption of solar energy in households, thus reducing dependence on conventional energy sources," stated Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department, Gaurav Gupta.
Recently, the Bescom corporate office launched a Surya-Rath Yatra to further popularize the scheme. Present at the event were Jagdale, Gupta, Bescom MD Mahantesh Bilagi, and Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) MD KP Ruddrappiah.
Highlighting the advantages of grid-connected rooftop solar systems, Bilagi emphasized their space efficiency, government subsidies of up to Rs. 78,000, freedom from electricity bills, and minimal maintenance costs.
