Cabinet approves PM Surya Ghar free electricity scheme
The government has given its approval to start PM Surya Ghar free electricity scheme. The plan has been approved in the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Under this scheme, rooftop solar systems will be installed on 1 crore houses in the country with an investment of Rs 75,021 crore and 300 units of free electricity will be given to these 1 crore houses.
Subsidy will be available up to Rs 78000
Under this scheme, for residential rooftop solar of 2 kilowatt systems, central financial assistance of 60 percent of the total cost of the systems will be provided. Financial assistance will be provided up to 40 percent of the cost of 2 to 3 kilowatt systems. There will be provision of financial assistance only on installation of rooftop solar systems up to 3 kilowatts. This means that the government will give a subsidy of Rs 30,000 on 1 kW systems, Rs 60,000 on 2 kW systems and up to Rs 78,000 on 3 kW systems.
Cheap loan will be available for rooftop solar systems
To avail subsidy for installing rooftop solar systems at your home, you will have to apply on the national portal and select a vendor to install it. Information on system sizes, benefits calculator and vendor ratings will be available on the national portal to make it easier for applicants to make decisions. To install rooftop solar systems up to 3 kilowatts at their homes, applicants will be able to take a collateral free loan at an affordable interest rate of 7 percent.
There will be a reduction in carbon emissions
Through PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, households will be able to save electricity bills and also earn money by selling surplus power to discoms. Through 3 kilowatt rooftop solar systems, an average of 300 units of electricity can be produced. Through this scheme, 30 gigawatt solar capacity can be created in the residential sector. 1000 BU of electricity can be generated and 720 million tonnes of carbon emissions can be reduced over the life of the rooftop solar systems over the next 25 years.
17 lakh people to get employment
The government said that through PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, 17 lakh direct jobs can be created in manufacturing, logistics, supply chain, sales, installation, O&M and other services. Those who want to install rooftop solar at their home can register by visiting https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in.
