Context:
The Prime Minister launched ‘Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana’ with the target of installing rooftop solar on one crore houses.
Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana: Background, and Target
- Background: In 2014, the government launched the Rooftop Solar Programme that aimed to achieve a cumulative installed capacity of 40,000 megawatts (MW) or 40 gigawatts (GW) by 2022. However, this target couldn’t be achieved.
- As a result, the government extended the deadline from 2022 to 2026.
- The Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana seems to be a new attempt to help reach the target of 40 GW rooftop solar capacity.
- Renewable Energy Target of India: The government, since 2010, has been claiming to install 100 GW by 2022 — 60 GW from utility projects (mega concentrated solar parks) and 40 GW from rooftop solar projects.
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- So far, about 56 GW has been installed in the utilities (July 2023) and 12 GW in rooftops.
- Of the nearly 12 GW of rooftop solar installations as of July 2023, about 87% are “non-residential”.
About the Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana
- This scheme aims to equip 1 crore households with ro equip 1 crore households with rooftop solar panels.
Benefits of the under the Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana
- Common People: It 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.
About Solar Power
- India’s Current Solar Capacity: According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, solar power installed capacity in India is around 73.31 GW as of December 2023.
- Share of Rooftop solar installed capacity: It is around 11.08 GW as of December 2023.
- State with Largest Solar Capacity: Regarding total solar capacity, Rajasthan is at the top with 18.7 GW, followed by Gujarat at the second position with 10.5 GW.
- State with Largest rooftop solar capacity: Gujarat tops the list with 2.8 GW and Maharashtra by 1.7 GW.
What is the Rooftop Solar Programme?
- Launched in 2014, the scheme aims to expand India’s rooftop solar installed capacity in the residential sector by providing Central Financial Assistance.
- The programme’s goal is to increase rooftop solar installed capacity to 40 GW by March 2026 and it is currently in its second phase.
- Owing to the scheme, the country’s rooftop solar has increased from 1.8 GW as of March 2019 to 10.4 GW as of November 2023.
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News Source: The Hindu
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January 23, 2024