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The Union cabinet’s recent approval of the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PM-SGMBY) signals a significant step towards harnessing solar energy in India. This ambitious scheme, with a total outlay of Rs. 75,021 crore, aims to install rooftop solar panels in one crore households nationwide. Let’s understand the key aspects of this transformative initiative.
Overview of the scheme
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the PM-SGMBY on February 13, to provide free electricity up to 300 units every month to one crore households across the country.
- The scheme offers substantial financial assistance to households for installing rooftop solar systems. Under this scheme, households receive Rs. 30,000 for a 1 kW system, Rs. 60,000 for a 2 kW system, and Rs. 78,000 for a 3 kW system or higher.
- Additionally, the government plans to establish a Model Solar Village in each district to serve as a role model for the adoption of rooftop solar in rural areas.
Benefits of the Scheme
- Households equipped with rooftop solar panels can significantly reduce their electricity bills by utilizing solar energy. Moreover, they have the opportunity to generate additional income by selling surplus power to DISCOMS.
- The scheme aims to add 30 GW of solar capacity through rooftop installations in residential sectors nationwide. This move is expected to mitigate 720 million tonnes of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) equivalent emissions over the 25-year lifetime of the rooftop systems.
- Furthermore, the PM-SGMBY is projected to create approximately 17 lakh jobs across various sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, supply chain, sales, installation, operations, and management.
Application Process
- Individuals interested in availing the benefits of the PM-SGMBY can apply through the national portal https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in/.
- Through this portal, applicants can select suitable vendors for installing rooftop solar panels. Additionally, they have the opportunity to access collateral-free low-interest loan products for installation, currently available at around 7%.
Centre’s Commitment to Green Energy
- The scheme underscores the government’s commitment to promoting green energy initiatives. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the rooftop solar initiative during the interim budget for 2024–25, emphasizing its potential to lead to annual savings of Rs. 15,000 for households.
- Notably, the government has allocated a substantial budget for solar and wind power in the upcoming fiscal year, indicating a strong push towards renewable energy sources.
The PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana stands as a beacon of India’s commitment to sustainable development and energy security, promising a brighter, greener future for millions of households across the nation.
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