New Delhi, India - Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the launch of an ambitious initiative, the 'Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana' (PSY), aimed at installing rooftop solar power systems on 10 million households across the country
The announcement came on the heels of Modi's return from Ayodhya, and he expressed his resolve to ensure that the people of India have their own solar rooftop system. "The first decision I have taken after returning from Ayodhya is that our government will launch 'Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana' with the target of installing rooftop solar on 10 million houses," the Prime Minister posted on X.
The scheme is expected to not only reduce the electricity bill of the poor and middle class but also make India self-reliant in the energy sector. Modi chaired a meeting with senior officials of the Prime Minister's office and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and urged them to start a massive national campaign to mobilize residential segment consumers to adopt rooftop solar in large numbers.
Rooftop solar entails installing solar photovoltaic panels on the roof of an establishment or home. The systems can either be with a battery storage system or without it. The system is connected with the main supply unit. It helps the establishment reduce its consumption of grid-connected electricity that it gets through metered connection by the respective power distribution company (discom). This saves electricity cost for the consumer.
The Centre currently has a National Rooftop Scheme that provides financial assistance totaling 40 per cent of the capital cost of a solar rooftop project. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) selects the projects based on submissions made by discoms, wherein private contractors/vendors selected by discoms build the project.
This initiative marks a significant step towards achieving India's green energy targets and fostering a sustainable future.