In a bid to accelerate the adoption of solar power across India and foster sustainable development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the renaming of the government's revamped rooftop solar scheme to 'PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana' on February 13. The initiative aims to solarize one crore households in the country, as a strategic move ahead of the Lok Sabha 2024 elections.
The 'PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana' is projected to require an investment of over Rs 75,000 crore, focusing on boosting renewable energy while simultaneously enhancing the welfare of the people. The primary objective of the scheme is to illuminate 10 million households by providing up to 300 units of free electricity per month. Subsidies under this scheme will be directly credited to beneficiaries' bank accounts, ensuring no financial burden on the people. Additionally, heavily concessional bank loans will be made available to facilitate solar panel installations.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the integration of all stakeholders into a National Online Portal to streamline the implementation process. Urban local bodies and panchayats will be incentivized to promote rooftop solar systems in their respective areas, facilitating grassroots outreach of the scheme.
The government has identified one crore households consuming up to 300 units of electricity per month for the scheme, particularly targeting low-income households availed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna. Notably, these households will not bear the cost of solar installations on their rooftops.
To ensure efficient implementation, eight central public sector undertakings (CPSUs) have been appointed to execute the scheme across all states and union territories. These CPSUs, including NTPC, NHPC, EESL, PowerGrid, Grid-India, THDC, SJVN, and NEEPCO, will oversee the installation of rooftop solar panels in one crore households, thereby contributing to the widespread adoption of solar power in India.
Prime Minister Modi encouraged residential consumers, particularly the youth, to actively participate in the 'PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana' by applying through the designated portal (https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in). He emphasized the manifold benefits of the scheme, including increased income, reduced power bills, and employment generation, aligning with the government's vision of promoting solar power and sustainable progress.
In order to further sustainable development and people’s wellbeing, we are launching the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. This project, with an investment of over Rs. 75,000 crores, aims to light up 1 crore households by providing up to 300 units of free electricity every month.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2024
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Where Can I Apply for PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?
You can apply for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana by visiting the official website: https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in/
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Is rooftop solar a good investment?
Rooftop solar systems offer a sustainable long-term investment. Typically boasting a service life exceeding 20 years with proper upkeep, they provide clean, sustainable energy. Investing in solar can significantly reduce electricity expenses over time, with a promising return on investment (ROI) ranging from 25-30%.
