How is PM Surya Ghar Yojana Transforming Bihar’s Bhagalpur?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The PM Surya Ghar Yojana is transforming energy consumption in Bihar.
- Households are experiencing significant savings on electricity bills.
- The initiative promotes the use of renewable energy.
- Government subsidies make solar installations more affordable.
- Beneficiaries express gratitude for the positive impact on their lives.
Patna, Sep 11 (NationPress) The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, initiated in February 2024, is revolutionizing the daily lives of individuals by enhancing living standards in both rural and urban areas while empowering millions of households through solar energy.
In the region of Bihar’s Bhagalpur, numerous homes have successfully installed solar panels on their rooftops, harnessing solar energy to meet their electricity requirements.
Several beneficiaries of the PM Surya Ghar Yojana shared their experiences with IANS regarding their transition to solar power for household use.
Dance instructor Mithilesh Kumar expressed, “Upon learning that our electricity bill would drop to zero under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, we began generating our own electricity. Now, we only pay the meter charge. Amid global warming and climate change, solar panels are a significant blessing for us. We owe our gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this initiative.”
Ambrish Agarwal, a chartered accountant, mentioned that he installed an 8 KW solar panel on his roof.
Sanjeev Kumar, a bank manager and participant in the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, stated that his previous electricity bills exceeding Rs 10,000 have now plummeted to a mere Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000.
He also noted that his bank is taking proactive measures to assist community members in equipping their homes with solar energy.
According to Assistant Electrical Engineer Pranav Kumar Mishra, there have been 908 applications from consumers in the Bhagalpur Sub-Division Mojihadpur, with many customers already receiving solar electricity at subsidized rates.
Regarding new solar connections, there are 161 applicants in Kahalgaon, 49 in Naugachia, 65 in Nathnagar, and 22 in Sultanganj who are about to benefit from the PM Surya Ghar Yojana.
Mishra further explained that the government provides a subsidy of Rs 78,000 for solar installations ranging from 1 kilowatt to 10 kilowatts. Approximately 100 to 300 square feet is needed for a solar panel installation of 1 kilowatt to 3 kilowatts, with costs estimated at around Rs 2.5 lakh per unit.
“After securing bank financing, the government grants a subsidy of Rs 78,000. If the electricity generated exceeds home consumption, the surplus is automatically sent back to the power grid, which is then reflected in the consumer's bill,” he elaborated.