Center’s Solar Rooftop Scheme: 1 Crore+ Households Enroll

India’s ambitious solar rooftop scheme, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, has witnessed a phenomenal response with over 1 crore households enrolling for the initiative. Launched in February 2024, the program aims to empower homes across the country to generate their own clean energy and reduce dependence on traditional power grids.

Massive Sign-Ups Driven by Subsidies and Free Electricity

The scheme’s success can be attributed to its attractive offerings. The government provides a subsidy of up to ₹78,000 to install solar panels, significantly reducing the initial investment for homeowners. This subsidy amount varies by state, with some states like Gujarat and Karnataka offering additional incentives on top of the central scheme. For instance, Gujarat offers an extra ₹10,000 subsidy for rooftop solar installations below 1 kW capacity. This customized approach by states is contributing to a surge in enrollments in those regions.

Early Enrollment Leaders and Economic Benefits

States with a history of promoting solar power, like Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan, are unsurprisingly leading the enrollment race. These states have a strong existing solar infrastructure and a population familiar with the benefits of renewable energy. However, there are positive surprises as well. States like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, traditionally not known for their solar adoption, are witnessing a significant number of sign-ups. This indicates a growing awareness of the economic benefits of the scheme.

A recent study by The Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) estimates that the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana can potentially save Indian households over ₹25,000 crore annually on electricity bills. Additionally, the program is expected to create lakhs of new jobs in the solar panel manufacturing, installation, and maintenance sectors.

Looking Ahead: Meeting Enrollment Targets and Long-Term Impact

With over 1 crore enrollments exceeding initial expectations, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is well on its way to achieving its ambitious target of reaching 1 crore homes. As registrations continue, it will be interesting to see how effectively the scheme facilitates installation processes and ensures long-term benefits for participating households. The program’s success hinges on efficient implementation, ensuring timely installation and maintenance support for homeowners.

This surge in enrollment signifies a growing public interest in solar energy solutions. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has the potential to revolutionize India’s energy landscape, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

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