Rajasthan Solar Association Adopts 'Sangod' as Model Solar Village

Rajasthan Energy Minister Heera Lal Nagar is set to inaugurate the "Adoption of Sangod as an ideal model town by Rajasthan Solar Association" initiative, aimed at increasing the uptake of solar energy, particularly through the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli scheme. The inauguration ceremony is scheduled to take place in Sangod town, Kota, Rajasthan.

RSA's Initiative to Showcase Solar Power Benefits

The Rajasthan Solar Association (RSA) declared the adoption of three towns in Rajasthan—Pushkar, Phalodi, and Sangod—under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Scheme) on February 29. These towns are selected as model solar villages, intending to exhibit the advantages of rooftop solar power. RSA plans to collaborate with local communities and stakeholders to facilitate the installation of solar panels on residences and commercial establishments in these areas.

What is PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana?

The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 15, 2024, aims to provide free electricity to households across India. Under this scheme, households can avail subsidies covering up to 40 percent of the cost of installing solar panels on their rooftops. The initiative, benefiting an estimated 1 crore households nationwide, is anticipated to save the government approximately Rs. 75,000 crore annually in electricity expenses.

To ensure efficient implementation, eight central public sector undertakings (CPSUs) have been appointed to execute the scheme across all states and union territories. These CPSUs, including NTPC, NHPC, EESL, PowerGrid, Grid-India, THDC, SJVN, and NEEPCO, will oversee the installation of rooftop solar panels in one crore households, thereby contributing to the widespread adoption of solar power in India.

Scheme Highlights and Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility criteria for households include Indian citizenship, ownership of a suitable residence with an electricity connection, and no prior availing of solar panel subsidies. The scheme promises free electricity for households, reduced government electricity expenses, promotion of renewable energy, and mitigation of carbon emissions.