Context: 

This editorial is based on the news “PM Modi announces solar roof-top scheme for one crore households” which was published in The Hindu. Recently, the Indian Prime Minister has announced a new scheme called PM Suryodaya Yojana.

About the PM Suryodaya Yojana

• Installation of Solar Power Systems: The solar power systems will be installed on rooftops of houses of residential consumers across India over the next few years.
• Target: 1 crore or 10 million houses

Benefits of the PM Suryodaya Yojana

• Common People: PM Suryodaya Yojana will help reduce monthly electricity bills of common people and middle class households.
• Environment: Solar energy is clean and renewable. So, it will help reduce air pollution when compared to coal or oil based power.
• Self-Sufficiency: It will support India’s goal to shift towards renewable energy and be self- sufficient in the energy sector.

India’s Current Solar Power Capacity

• As of December 2023, India has installed around 73.31 gigawatts (GW) of total solar power capacity. Out of this, around 11.08 GW is the installed capacity of rooftop solar systems.
• Highest Total Solar Capacity State: Rajasthan at 18.7 GW
• Highest Rooftop Solar Capacity State: Gujarat at 2.8 GW

Need to Expand Solar Power

• Growing Demand: India’s energy demand is expected to grow very fast over the next 30 years as the economy expands.
  • India aims to have 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. Solar power capacity needs to be rapidly increased as part of this plan.
• Sustainable Energy: All the energy demand can not be achieved through coal or oil based power alone. It will worsen air pollution.
  • Solar energy is clean, renewable and abundant. Technology has also become cheaper in the last few years.

About Existing Rooftop Solar Programme

• Launched: In 2014, to specifically promote rooftop solar panels in homes.
• Aim: To reach 40 GW of rooftop solar capacity by March 2026 across India.
• Provides: Financial assistance and incentives to install such systems.
• Achievement: Due to this scheme, rooftop solar capacity has already grown from 1.8 GW in 2019 to 10.4 GW in November 2023.

Conclusion

The PM Suryodaya Yojana is in line with India’s commitment to harness solar power as a clean and sustainable energy source for its growing population.