Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary on Tuesday launched the Mukhyamantri Solar Protsahan Yojana and transferred additional state financial assistance to 25,000 beneficiaries who have installed rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
The Chief Minister also flagged off nine Solar Rath to spread awareness about rooftop solar systems, available subsidies and the installation process across the state.
The initiative is aimed at expanding household solar adoption while strengthening clean energy generation, reducing dependence on conventional power and promoting energy self-reliance in Bihar.
Up to Rs 98,000 Subsidy Available for 3 kW Rooftop Solar
Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the Centre provides a subsidy of Rs 30,000 for a 1 kW system, Rs 60,000 for 2 kW and up to Rs 78,000 for a 3 kW or higher-capacity system.
The Bihar Government is providing an additional state subsidy of Rs 10,000 for 1 kW, Rs 20,000 for 2 kW and up to Rs 20,000 for a 3 kW or higher-capacity system.
With the two subsidies combined, eligible consumers can receive:
| Rooftop Solar Capacity | Central Subsidy | Bihar Subsidy | Total Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | Rs 30,000 | Rs 10,000 | Rs 40,000 |
| 2 kW | Rs 60,000 | Rs 20,000 | Rs 80,000 |
| 3 kW or above | Up to Rs 78,000 | Up to Rs 20,000 | Up to Rs 98,000 |
The additional state assistance provided to 25,000 beneficiaries is part of Bihar’s effort to increase rooftop solar adoption among households.
Nine Solar Rath to Travel Across Bihar
The Chief Minister flagged off nine Solar Rath as part of the awareness campaign.
The mobile units will travel to different areas and provide information about rooftop solar systems, installation procedures and financial assistance available under government schemes.
Panchayats, urban local bodies and JEEViKA Didis are expected to play a key role in expanding awareness about solar energy at the grassroots level.
Solar Marts Planned Across All 534 Blocks
The state government has also announced plans to establish Solar Marts in all 534 blocks of Bihar with the support of JEEViKA.
JEEViKA Didis will receive training related to solar energy systems and will help promote rooftop solar adoption in rural areas.
The initiative is also expected to create employment opportunities while strengthening the role of women’s self-help groups in Bihar’s clean-energy transition.
MoU Signed Between Power Companies and JEEViKA
During the programme, an MoU was signed between the state power distribution companies and JEEViKA to promote solar energy.
Under the agreement, JEEViKA Didis will help create awareness among households about rooftop solar systems and encourage people to adopt the technology.
The MoU was exchanged by JEEViKA CEO Himanshu Sharma and South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited Managing Director Saurav Jorwal.
Bihar Targets Solarisation of 8.40 Lakh Farmer Connections
The state government is also focusing on solarising agricultural electricity supply.
According to the Energy Department, around 8.40 lakh farmers’ electricity connections are targeted to be connected with solar energy under the next phase of the PM-KUSUM Yojana.
The government said solarisation of agricultural feeders will help provide adequate electricity to farmers during the daytime while promoting renewable energy.
Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 Lakh Incentives for Better-Performing Local Bodies
The government also plans to incentivise wards and Gram Panchayats that perform better in solar installations.
Depending on the level of performance, incentives ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh will be provided. The funds can be used for local development and public awareness activities.
The objective is to make wards, panchayats and other local bodies active partners in Bihar’s solar-energy campaign.
Bihar Plans 20,000 MW Transmission Capacity
CM Samrat Chaudhary also stressed the need to expand Bihar’s power transmission infrastructure as electricity demand is expected to rise with industrial growth.
The government aims to strengthen the system to support a transmission capacity of 20,000 MW in the coming years.
The expansion is intended to prepare Bihar’s electricity infrastructure for new industries and increasing power requirements while ensuring reliable and quality supply.
22 Solar Stalls Open for Public Till September 24
A total of 22 stalls have been set up at the programme venue by solar vendors and banks.
Visitors can obtain information about rooftop solar systems, installation, subsidies, loan facilities and available offers. Bank representatives are also explaining the financing process.
The stalls will remain open to the public on September 23 and 24.
Children Showcase Solar-Themed Paintings
As part of the ‘Theme Solar’ initiative, students from several schools displayed paintings focused on solar energy, clean energy, environmental protection and a greener future.
Students from Government Middle School, Dheerchakr; Government Middle School, Amartola; Notre Dame Academy; Carmel High School; Don Bosco Academy; and DAV School participated in the initiative.
Government Pushes Solar Energy as a Grassroots Campaign
The state government said the expansion of solar energy is expected to support cleaner electricity generation while creating employment opportunities and strengthening energy self-reliance.
Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Vijendra Prasad Yadav also highlighted the potential of rooftop solar to increase clean-energy generation and help meet Bihar’s growing electricity demand.
Energy Secretary-cum-BSPHCL CMD Ajay Yadav said the department is working on a time-bound plan to expand the reach of the PM Surya Ghar scheme and make rooftop solar a wider public movement.
With the new incentive scheme, Solar Rath campaign, JEEViKA partnership and proposed Solar Marts, Bihar is seeking to take rooftop solar adoption beyond individual households and into the state’s panchayats, wards and rural communities.
