PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

The J & K Government has approved the inclusion of religious places, especially mosques, under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

• The initiative aims to utilize the unique multi-tiered and broad-sloped roofs of mosques in Kashmir to generate renewable energy and address the region’s frequent power cuts.

About PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

• The Surya Ghar Bijli Yojana is a ₹75,000 crore central government initiative aimed at promoting rooftop solar installations (RTS) across India.
• Aim: To install rooftop solar panels on one crore households by March 2027, providing free electricity and promoting sustainable energy practices

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• • It targets providing 300 units of free electricity per month to one crore households through RTS installation.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) 
• Subsidy Provisions: The scheme offers financial support for installing rooftop solar panels:
  • 60% subsidy for systems up to 2 kW capacity.
  • 40% subsidy for systems between 2-3 kW capacity.
• Implementation Agency
  • DISCOMs (Electricity Distribution Companies) are designated as the State Implementation Agencies (SIAs).
  • DISCOMs are tasked with ensuring:
    • Availability of net meters.
    • Timely inspection and commissioning of solar panel installations.
  • Incentives for DISCOMs: DISCOMs earn incentives for increasing grid-connected rooftop solar capacity beyond established baselines.
• Eligibility Criteria
  • Applicants must be Indian citizens.
  • They must own a house with a roof suitable for installing solar panels.
  • A valid electricity connection is required.
  • The applicant should not have availed of any other solar panel subsidy.
  • This comprehensive approach integrates renewable energy into households, providing a sustainable solution to electricity needs while supporting national energy goals.

Achievements under the Scheme

• Cumulative Installed Capacity: India has achieved a cumulative installed rooftop solar capacity of 13,889 MW as of August 2024.
• State-wise Installations: Gujarat leads with 7-10 lakh households equipped with RTS systems.
  • Gujarat leads with an installed capacity of 4,195 MW, followed by Maharashtra (2,487 MW) and Rajasthan (1,269 MW).
• Financial Inclusion: Public sector banks offer collateral-free loans for RTS installations.

Challenges

• Financial Burden: Beneficiaries often rely on bank loans for installations.
• Limited Subsidy Eligibility: Subsidy is restricted to domestic empanelled solar panels, which are costlier.
• Lack of Battery Backup: Households remain vulnerable to power cuts.
• Discom Challenges: Distribution companies may face challenges in integrating rooftop solar power.
• Unmet Targets: The 40 GW RTS capacity target for 2022 has not been achieved.
• Low Household Penetration: Only 25% of total capacity is attributed to household installations.

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Way Forward

• Expand Subsidy and Accessibility: Increase subsidy amounts and simplify application processes to encourage wider participation.
• Promote Battery Storage: Incentivize the adoption of battery storage systems to enhance energy security and address grid integration challenges.
• Strengthen Discom Infrastructure: Upgrade distribution networks to accommodate increased solar power generation and ensure seamless integration.
• Create Awareness and Capacity Building: Conduct extensive awareness campaigns to educate beneficiaries about the scheme’s benefits and technical aspects of solar energy.