Patna: Twenty-four households that eliminated electricity bills through rooftop solar installations were honoured on Thursday at a solar fair in the state capital, highlighting growing adoption of decentralised renewable energy. The event also recognised ten vendors for leading installation efforts and five energy department officials for their role in implementing the flagship rooftop scheme.
The recognition ceremony took place during Solar Mela 2026 organised by the power utility PESU at the Energy Auditorium in Patna. The programme was inaugurated by energy secretary and chairman-cum-managing director of Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited, Manoj Kumar Singh, who said citizens adopting solar power were contributing to climate action and national development.
Addressing beneficiaries, vendors and visitors, Singh described rooftop solar as an accessible way for households to participate in reducing emissions and energy costs. He highlighted the government’s PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana as a “historic initiative” aimed at expanding renewable energy access while improving household finances through subsidised installations and free electricity generation.
Officials said Deloitte has been engaged under the City Accelerated Programme to identify and resolve implementation bottlenecks in Patna, Muzaffarpur and Bihar Sharif. Singh also directed banks to process scheme-related applications within 10 days and avoid requesting unnecessary documentation, stressing that delays could discourage potential adopters.
Welcoming participants, PESU general manager Dilip Kumar said the solar fair was designed to help residents understand technology options and make informed decisions about vendor selection. Authorities added that citizens facing difficulties in availing benefits under the scheme should approach nearby offices for support, as both state and central governments continue efforts to expand rooftop solar adoption.
