Model Solar Village’ under ‘PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana’

General Studies Paper-3

Context: Recently, the Scheme Guidelines for implementation of ‘Model Solar Village’ under PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana have been notified by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

About Model Solar Village

• A Model Solar Village, a scheme component, aims to be developed in each district of the country to act as a role model for adoption of rooftop solar in rural areas, with the goal of promoting solar energy adoption and enabling village communities to become self-reliant in meeting their energy needs.
  • A total financial outlay of ₹800 crore has been allocated for this component, providing ₹1 crore per selected Model Solar Village.
  • A Model Solar Village must be a revenue village with a population size above 5,000 (or 2,000 for special category states).
• In these model villages, households will install solar panels on their rooftops. These panels convert sunlight into electricity, which can be used for lighting, appliances, and other energy needs.

Benefits

• Energy Independence: By generating their own electricity, households reduce dependence on conventional power sources. This not only saves money but also contributes to national energy security.
• Environmental Impact: Solar energy is clean and green. By adopting it, villages reduce their carbon footprint and combat climate change.
• Economic Empowerment: Lower electricity bills mean more disposable income for families. Additionally, surplus energy sales can provide an additional revenue stream.
• It is estimated that the scheme will create around 17 lakh direct jobs in manufacturing, logistics, supply chain, sales, installation and other services.

About the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

• It aims to light up 1 crore households by providing up to 300 units of free electricity every month, marking a significant step towards sustainable development and people’s wellbeing.
• It aims to increase the share of solar rooftop capacity and empower residential households to generate their own electricity.
• The subsidy will cover up to 40% of the cost of the solar panels. The remaining costs have to be borne by the aspirant consumer.
• The Centre will fund 60% of the cost for installing 2 kW (kilowatt) systems and 40% of the cost for systems from 2-3 kW capacity.