Patna: The Bihar government has intensified efforts to promote clean energy by offering households a subsidy of up to Rs 78,000 for installing rooftop solar panels under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The initiative aims to reduce electricity bills and encourage families to shift towards renewable energy. Officials say the scheme not only provides financial support but also ensures long-term benefits through free maintenance services.
A workshop was held on Saturday at the Lauriya Block Office complex in West Champaran district to spread awareness about the scheme. The meeting was chaired by Block Chief Shambhu Tiwari and attended by several public representatives and government officials. During the session, detailed information was shared about eligibility criteria, the application process and the financial assistance available.
GRM Saket Singh explained that the scheme is being implemented jointly by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the Energy Department of the Bihar government. Gram Bharat Infra Private Limited has been appointed as the authorised agency for installing the solar systems. The agency can set up solar panels for rural and urban households as well as commercial and industrial users. Applicants must follow the prescribed procedure to avail themselves of the subsidy.
Under the scheme, domestic consumers can receive a government grant of up to Rs 78,000, which will be transferred directly to their bank accounts within 14 days of installation. Loans for systems up to three kilowatts are also available at an annual interest rate of 6%, based on Aadhaar and PAN cards, without the need for income proof. Banks have been instructed to provide loans to eligible beneficiaries.
Officials said solar panels installed under the scheme will come with a 25-year warranty, while inverters will have an eight-year warranty. In addition, the authorised agency will provide free maintenance for five years, ensuring that households do not face additional repair costs in the initial period. Officers from the electricity department emphasised that installations must follow technical standards to guarantee safety and efficiency. The meeting concluded with an appeal to widely publicise the scheme so that more families can benefit from affordable and clean electricity.
