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. 
• • 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.

News Source: The Hindu