Patna: Bihar is set to pilot a district-wide shift to renewable energy, with plans to develop a “model solar village” in each of its districts as part of a broader push to expand access to clean power.
Officials say at least 11 villages have already been shortlisted in the first phase of the programme, which is expected to be rolled out across the state. The initiative is linked to the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, a federal scheme designed to encourage households to generate their own electricity through rooftop solar installations.
The Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency has asked district magistrates to submit lists of potential villages, according to reports, as the state prepares to identify candidates for the designation.
To qualify as a model solar village, settlements must meet a set of criteria, including a population of more than 5,000. Final selection will be made through a district-level competition, overseen by a committee tasked with verifying compliance. Villages with the highest uptake of solar panel installations are likely to be prioritised.
The scheme is backed by financial incentives aimed at encouraging adoption. Households installing a 1kW solar system are eligible for a subsidy of Rs 30,000, rising to about Rs 60,000 for 2kW systems. Banks are also offering loans of up to Rs 2,00,000 at an interest rate of 7%, repayable over seven to eight years, to support lower-income households.
The initiative forms part of a national target set by India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to connect 10 million households to solar power by 2026-27. Alongside rooftop systems, the model villages are expected to incorporate community solar plants, solar-powered street lighting and irrigation systems, and installations on public buildings.
Officials say the programme is intended not only to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources but also to expand reliable electricity access in rural areas, where supply can remain inconsistent.
