What is Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana?
The Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana aims to provide electricity to households through solar rooftop installations, with an additional incentive for surplus electricity generation.
According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB) release, during a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on January 22, following his visit to Ayodhya for the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony, the initiative was launched with the goal of installing rooftop solar on 1 crore houses. The PM emphasised the potential of harnessing solar power from every household with a roof, not only to reduce electricity bills but also to make them aatmanirbhar in meeting their electricity needs.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister urged the initiation of a national campaign to encourage residential users to opt for rooftop solar on a large scale.
Who is eligible for the scheme?
The Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana aims to help 1 crore families, especially those in the poor and middle-income groups, by reducing their electricity bills.
Government’s previous rooftop solar programme
In 2014, the government initiated the rooftop solar programme with the goal of achieving a total installed capacity of 40,000MW or 40GW by 2022.
Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana – FAQs answered
What are the advantages of Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar System?
This programme emphasises the advantages of Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar Systems, including:
- Saving on electricity bills
- Usage of available vacant roof space, eliminating the need for additional land
- Low gestation period
- No additional requirement of transmission and distribution lines
- Reduction of T&D losses by collocating power consumption and generation
- Improvement in grid voltages and reduction of system congestion
- Long-term energy and ecological security through a reduction in carbon emissions
- Better management of daytime peak loads by DISCOM/ utility
- Fulfilment of Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) of obligated entities
Can I make my monthly electricity bill ‘zero’ by installing RTS?
While achieving a ‘zero’ monthly bill is rare, consumers can significantly reduce electricity charges by optimally designing and maintaining the rooftop solar system. In states that provide revenue for surplus power generated, the monthly bill may even approach zero.
What is the general procedure for the installation of Rooftop Solar systems for beneficiaries?
Interested beneficiaries can install solar rooftop systems through approved project developers, system integrators, manufacturers, etc. After obtaining necessary approval from DISCOMs, the installation should adhere to the capacity limits specified by the respective State Electricity Regulatory Commission/Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission of the respective States/UTs.