₹75,000 crore rooftop solar initiative to power 1 crore homes
In a significant move towards a greener future, the Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the green light to a groundbreaking ₹75,000 crore rooftop solar scheme.
Named ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana,’ this initiative is set to illuminate the lives of one crore families with 300 units of free electricity. It marks a monumental step in India’s journey towards sustainable energy utilization.
Union Minister Anurag Thakur, while unveiling the scheme, emphasized its dual impact: bolstering the solar energy ecosystem and generating approximately 17 lakh direct job opportunities across various sectors. These include manufacturing, logistics, and installation services.
This scheme not only promises to reduce the electricity bills for millions but also aims to catalyze job creation in the green energy sector.
Central to the scheme is the Central Financial Assistance provision, which aims to make the installation of Residential Rooftop Solar systems more affordable for households.
The government’s financial backing will cover systems up to 3 kW, offering subsidies that make solar energy accessible to a broader segment of the population.
For instance, a 1 kW system can avail of a ₹30,000 subsidy, with the assistance increasing proportionately for larger setups, up to ₹78,000 for systems of 3 kW or more.
Prospective beneficiaries can navigate the subsidy application process through a dedicated National Portal.
This platform is designed to simplify the selection of vendors for installing rooftop solar units by providing comprehensive information, including system sizes, benefits calculators, and vendor ratings.
Furthermore, the scheme facilitates collateral-free low-interest loans at around 7% interest rate, making the adoption of solar energy financially viable for Indian households.
In a visionary move, the scheme also introduces the concept of a Model Solar Village in every district, serving as a beacon for the adoption of rooftop solar in rural locales.
With a focus on innovation and payment security for renewable energy services, this initiative is poised to revolutionize India’s energy landscape.
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is not just a scheme but a transformative push towards energy independence, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment, shining a light on a brighter, greener future for India.
Image Credit: Oleg Savitsky, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rooftop_solar_power_plant.jpg
Leave a Reply