PM Surya Ghar Initiative Aids 8.46 Lakh Households in Its First Year
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Synopsis
The PM Surya Ghar scheme has benefited 8.46 lakh households in its first year by promoting rooftop solar installations, significantly advancing India's renewable energy adoption and offering substantial subsidies to make solar power accessible.
Key Takeaways
- 8.46 lakh households benefited from rooftop solar.
- 10-fold increase in monthly solar panel installations.
- Gujarat leads with 41.47% of installations.
- Subsidy of up to 40% available for households.
- Expected savings of Rs 75,000 crore annually for the government.
New Delhi, Feb 12 (NationPress) The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY) has successfully provided benefits to 8.46 lakh households through rooftop solar installations, as it celebrates its first anniversary on February 13, according to a statement from the Ministry of Renewable Energy.
This initiative has significantly boosted India's transition to renewable energy, achieving a tenfold increase in the monthly installation rate with 70,000 solar panels being fitted on household rooftops each month, far exceeding pre-scheme figures, the statement highlighted.
The top five states leading in household rooftop solar installations are Gujarat, contributing 41.47 percent of the total, followed by Maharashtra at 22.79 percent. Uttar Pradesh ranks third with an 8.69 percent share, while Kerala and Rajasthan hold 7.73 percent and 3.14 percent, respectively.
Initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2024, this innovative program aims to deliver free electricity to households by promoting the installation of rooftop solar panels. The PMSGMBY is recognized as the world’s largest domestic rooftop solar initiative, with the ambition of supplying solar energy to one crore households by March 2027, according to the Ministry.
The scheme provides a subsidy of up to 40 percent, making renewable energy more affordable. To date, Rs 4,308.66 crore has been allocated as Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to 5.54 lakh residential customers, with an average subsidy of Rs 77,800 per household. Moreover, around 45 percent of beneficiaries are now enjoying zero electricity bills, depending on their solar generation and consumption.
This initiative allows households to receive free electricity through subsidized rooftop solar panels, significantly lowering their energy expenses.
By fostering the widespread adoption of solar energy, the scheme is projected to save the government approximately Rs 75,000 crore annually in electricity expenditures.
The initiative also promotes the use of renewable energy sources, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly energy mix in India, which will aid in reducing carbon emissions and supporting India's commitment to minimizing its carbon footprint.
The subsidy amount varies based on the household's average monthly electricity consumption and the appropriate rooftop solar plant capacity.
