In a recent announcement, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has outlined various financial support schemes available for individuals, including those from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, who wish to invest in solar energy projects. These schemes aim to promote the adoption of solar technology across different sectors, including residential, agricultural, and vulnerable tribal areas.
1. PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana offers financial incentives for residential solar rooftop systems. Eligible consumers can install solar panels on rooftops, terraces, balconies, or elevated structures. The incentives are categorized based on the type and capacity of the solar installation:
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Residential Sector (first 2 kWp): Rs. 30,000 per kWp, with an increased rate of Rs. 33,000 per kWp for special categories.
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Residential Sector (additional capacity of 1 kWp or part thereof): Rs. 18,000 per kWp, with a special rate of Rs. 19,800 per kWp for special categories.
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Group Housing Societies/Residential Welfare Associations: Rs. 18,000 per kWp, with a special rate of Rs. 19,800 per kWp for common facilities, including EV charging up to 500 kWp.
2. PM-KUSUM Scheme
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan (PM KUSUM) scheme is designed to support farmers with solar energy solutions. It comprises three main components:
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Component A: Establishment of decentralized solar power plants (10,000 MW). Farmers with their own land within 5 km of a distributed substation are eligible. Incentives include a procurement-based incentive (PBI) of up to Rs. 33 lakh per MW for DISCOMs.
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Component B: Installation of standalone solar agricultural pumps. Farmers can receive a Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of 30% of the benchmark cost, or 50% in certain regions, for installing solar pumps. This component excludes installation in dark zones but allows conversion of diesel pumps in these areas if using micro irrigation.
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Component C: Solarization of 35 lakh grid-connected agricultural pumps. This includes two options:
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Individual Pump Solarization (IPS): Provides a CFA of 30% of the benchmark cost or tender cost, with a special rate of 50% in certain regions.
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Feeder Level Solarization (FLS): Supports solarization of agricultural feeders or mixed feeders, and allows land leasing for solar power plant installation.
3. New Solar Power Scheme for Vulnerable Tribal Groups
Under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN), MNRE is implementing a new scheme to electrify un-electrified households in Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) habitations. This initiative provides off-grid solar systems where grid electricity is not available or feasible.
For detailed information on the criteria and incentives for these solar schemes, please visit the MNRE website.
