Why is it in the news?
- The Union cabinet has made adjustments to the new ₹75,000-crore PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, aimed at providing free rooftop solar electricity.
Recent Changes in the Scheme
Original Plan:
- The original plan aimed to fully subsidize the installation of 1 kW-3 kW solar systems in one crore households through partnerships with renewable energy service companies.
Changed Plan:
- The revised scheme will now cover up to 60% of the installation costs.
- Participating households are required to pay the remaining amount, starting from a minimum of ₹20,000, depending on the power capacity of the installed system.
- Low-interest, collateral-free loans will be available to households interested in the scheme.
- Only houses with suitable roofs and existing grid connections are eligible to participate, and consumers must still pay for all net power used from the grid.
| About Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
· The objective of the scheme is to deliver 300 units of ‘free electricity’ monthly to 1 crore households through rooftop solar setups. · The scheme is under the purview of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy. · The scheme provides a subsidy of 60% of installation costs for 2 kW systems and 40% for systems ranging from 2-3 kW capacity. · At current rates, subsidies amount to Rs 30,000 for 1 kW systems, Rs 60,000 for 2 kW systems, and Rs 78,000 for 3 kW systems or higher. · A national portal facilitates subsidy applications, assists in finding suitable vendors for installing rooftop solar, and aids decision-making by providing relevant information.
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