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Prime Minister Announces "Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana" for Rooftop Solar Panels

  • 24 Jan 2024

In a significant move towards harnessing sustainable energy and economic empowerment, the Prime Minister recently announced the launch of "Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana."

Key Points

  • Objective of the Scheme: The scheme aims to bring solar power to households through rooftop installations, offering financial incentives for surplus electricity generation. PM Modi emphasized the potential of solar energy to make households self-reliant for their electricity needs.
  • National Campaign for Rooftop Solar: The Prime Minister called for a national campaign to encourage residential users to opt for rooftop solar installations on a large scale, promoting sustainability and reducing electricity bills.
  • Eligibility Criteria: The Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana targets 1 crore families, particularly benefiting poor and middle-income households. The initiative seeks to alleviate the burden of electricity expenses for these segments.
  • Previous Rooftop Solar Programme: In 2014, the government initiated the Rooftop Solar Programme with the goal of achieving 40,000 MW installed capacity by 2022.
  • Advantages of Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar System:
    • Electricity Bill Savings: Consumers can save on electricity bills.
    • Optimal Use of Roof Space: Utilization of vacant roof space without the need for additional land.
    • Low Gestation Period: Quick implementation.
    • Reduced T&D Losses: Collocated power consumption and generation reduce transmission and distribution losses.
    • Improved Grid Voltages: Enhances tail-end grid voltages, reducing system congestion.
    • Long-Term Energy Security: Contributes to ecological security by reducing carbon emissions.
    • Meeting Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs): Supports obligated entities in meeting RPOs.
    • Optimal Design and Maintenance: Properly designed and maintained rooftop solar systems can reduce electricity charges to zero, especially in states that reward surplus power generation.
  • Installation Procedure for Beneficiaries:
    • Approval from DISCOMs: Interested beneficiaries can install solar rooftop systems through approved developers, system integrators, or manufacturers after obtaining necessary approvals from DISCOMs.
    • Capacity Limits: Installation capacity is subject to the limits set by the respective State Electricity Regulatory Commission or Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission.