Gayaji: The government is working fast to help more people install rooftop solar panels under the PM Surya Ghar: Free Electricity Scheme, a major initiative aimed at providing affordable and clean electricity to households. To review the progress of the scheme and speed up installations, a meeting was held on Wednesday under the leadership of District Magistrate Shashank Shubhankar. Senior officials from the Electricity Department and representatives of banks attended the meeting and discussed ways to make the scheme reach more people.
Officials said the scheme offers large subsidies to people who install solar panels on the roofs of their homes. Under the plan, consumers can get Rs 30,000 for a 1-kilowatt solar system, Rs 60,000 for a 2-kilowatt system and up to Rs 78,000 for systems of 3 kilowatts or more. Banks are also providing loans of up to Rs 2 lakh at an interest rate of around 7%, making it easier for families to afford the installation cost.
The Electricity Department said solar panels have already been installed at the homes of 843 consumers in the district. Officials promised that once applications are completed, installations will be done within the fixed time. Consumers will also receive free repair and maintenance for seven years, which makes the scheme even more beneficial. With proper care, solar panels can work efficiently for around 25 years.
District Magistrate Shubhankar said the scheme should reach every citizen, especially those with high electricity consumption. He said solar energy can reduce monthly electricity bills and help people become more energy independent. Households can choose the solar system based on their electricity use. A 1-kilowatt system is suitable for up to 150 units, a 2-kilowatt system for up to 300 units, and 3 kilowatts or more for homes using above 300 units.
Officials also explained that extra electricity generated by the solar panels can be sent back to the power grid through net metering, helping consumers save even more money through bill adjustments. Around 100 square feet of rooftop space is needed for every kilowatt of solar installation.
The District Magistrate also gave strict instructions to banks not to reject applications under the scheme due to low CIBIL scores. He ordered banks to reconsider previously rejected applications and directed the Electricity Department to work closely with banks to quickly clear pending cases. The Electricity Department has appealed to consumers to take full advantage of this scheme and move towards clean, affordable and self-reliant energy.
