Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently launched the ‘Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana’ (PM Suryoday Yojana), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering one crore poor and middle-class households with rooftop solar panels. This pioneering scheme not only aims to reduce electricity bills for beneficiaries but also contributes to India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in the energy sector.
What is PM Suryoday Yojana?
The PM Suryoday Yojana is a flagship program of the Government of India that seeks to revolutionize the country’s energy landscape by promoting the adoption of rooftop solar systems. The scheme provides financial assistance to eligible households for the installation of solar panels on their rooftops, enabling them to generate their own clean and affordable electricity.
Objectives of the Scheme
The primary objectives of the PM Suryoday Yojana are:
- To reduce the electricity bills of poor and middle-class households by providing them with access to solar energy.
- To promote the use of renewable energy and reduce India’s dependence on fossil fuels.
- To create employment opportunities in the solar energy sector, including in the areas of supply, installation, and maintenance.
- To contribute to India’s goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the PM Suryoday Yojana, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a permanent resident of India.
- Have an annual family income not exceeding Rs. 2 lakh.
- Own a house on the roof of which they want to install solar panels.
- Have not previously availed benefits under any similar scheme of the state or central government.
- Have a bank account linked to their Aadhaar card.
Benefits of the Scheme
The PM Suryoday Yojana offers several benefits to the participating households:
- Reduced electricity bills: Beneficiaries can save up to Rs. 15,000-18,000 annually by getting free solar electricity and selling surplus power to distribution companies.
- Free electricity units: Households availing the scheme will be entitled to 300 units of free electricity every month.
- Promotion of electric vehicles: The scheme will provide charging stations at homes, encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles.
- Entrepreneurship and employment opportunities: The scheme is expected to create opportunities in the solar energy sector, including in supplies, installation, and maintenance.
How to Apply for PM Suryoday Yojana?
To apply for the PM Suryoday Yojana, interested households can follow these steps:
- **Visit the official website of the scheme at https://www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in/.
- Click on the “Solar Rooftop Apply Online” option in the Quick Links section.
- Register by entering your state, district, electricity provider name, and consumer number.
- Log in using your mobile number.
- Fill out the online application form and upload the required documents.
- Wait for approval from the electricity provider.
- Install the rooftop solar panels from the company’s dealer.
- Apply for a net meter.
- After inspection, upload the commissioning certificate, canceled check, and other bank information on the portal.
Documents Required
To apply for the PM Suryoday Yojana, applicants must provide the following documents:
- Aadhaar card
- Income certificate
- Domicile certificate
- Mobile number
- Electricity bill
- Bank passbook
- Passport size photo
- Ration card
Current Solar Capacity in India
As of December 2023, India’s total solar power installed capacity has reached around 73.31 GW, with rooftop solar accounting for approximately 11.08 GW. Gujarat tops the list with 2.8 GW of rooftop solar capacity, followed by Maharashtra with 1.7 GW.
India’s Surging Energy Demand
India is projected to experience the highest energy demand growth globally over the next three decades, according to the International Energy Agency. Despite an increase in coal production, India is committed to achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and aims for 50% of electricity generation from non-fossil fuel sources by the same year.
Other Government Initiatives to Harness Solar Energy
The Government of India has launched several other initiatives to promote the use of solar energy, including:
- National Solar Mission
- Solar Park Scheme
- Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM)
- Suryamitra Skill Development Programme
- International Solar Alliance
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Suryoday Yojana is a transformative initiative that can potentially revolutionise India’s energy landscape. By empowering one crore poor and middle-class households with rooftop solar panels, the scheme aims to reduce electricity bills, promote the use of renewable energy, and contribute to India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in the energy sector.
With its comprehensive eligibility criteria and user-friendly application process, the PM Suryoday Yojana is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of millions of Indians.