Gujarat has marked a historic moment in the sector of renewable energy as the state has installed more than 5 lakh rooftop solar power systems, which provide a total installed capacity of 1,879 megawatts. This is because Gujarat’s landmark programme PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojna, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be the primary focus at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot as announced in a press release.
Additionally, Gujarat has collectively accomplished more than 11 lakh solar rooftop installations under different initiatives so far, which has further strengthened the state’s position as a pioneer for collaboration in renewable energy across the country. According to the press note, this milestone is a testimony to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and efforts of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who have made Gujarat a leader in the country in terms of renewable energy.
Gujarat retains its no. 1 position when it comes to rooftop solar installations in the country, again solidifying its position as a leader in the field of renewable energy. Gujarat is already on track to reach 50 percent of its massive plan to install 10 lakh residential rooftop solar units by March 2027. Till now, residential consumers have utilized subsidies of Rs 3,778 crores under the scheme, making rooftop solar accessible and affordable for everyone, and further making Gujarat a pioneer in adopting green energy.
With the guidance from the Chief Minister, Gujarat has implemented various initiatives to make rooftop solar adoption more citizen-friendly. The government offers financial assistance of Rs 2,950 to 6 kW capacity, free network augmentation charges for the same category, and does not require consumers to sign net metering agreements. Also, there is no capacity limit imposed on solar rooftop power in residential sectors, which enables homes to sell their excess electricity. The bank charge is not imposed on residential consumers.
To further promote its adoption, attractive subsidy schemes are also provided: Rs 30,000 per kW for capacities up to 2 kW, Rs 18,000 per kW for capacities above 2 kW and up to 3 kW, and a maximum subsidy of Rs 78,000 for capacities above 3 kW. Such schemes have made rooftop solar more easily accessible, affordable, and convenient for people of Gujarat, stated a release.
“Currently, we have an era that is being led by solar energy, wind energy, and hybrid forms of renewable energy, along with green growth through green hydrogen,” said the Chief Minister. The state of Gujarat has always had this vision and ready Plans in place, and today the state generates RSS of India’s total renewable energy, an announcement stated. In particular, Gujarat is at the forefront of the country’s solar rooftop policy and is thus paving the way for other states and countries to emulate its initiatives.
At the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference scheduled in Rajkot on the 10th of January, inspirational rooftop solar stories will be showcased. These will range from homes that have already cut down their electricity bills to other communities who are contributing their excess electricity back into the grid. These will highlight how PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna is changing people’s lives and making them empowered members of society, stated an official release.
