PM Modi Launches Sunrise Scheme To Install Solar Panels In 10 Million Households

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a historic day after presiding over the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at harnessing solar energy. The initiative, named ‘Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana,’ seeks to propel India towards self-reliance in the energy sector while benefitting the common citizens.

The Prime Minister stated that the initiative would not only lower the electricity costs for the poor and middle class but also contribute to India achieving self-reliance in the energy sector.

Inspiration from Ayodhya: Lighting Up Homes with Solar Energy

Prime Minister Modi drew inspiration from the divine energy associated with Lord Shri Ram during his visit to Ayodhya. In a social media post on platform X, he expressed, “All the devotees of the world always get energy from the light of Suryavanshi Lord Shri Ram. Today, on the auspicious occasion of consecration in Ayodhya, my resolution got further strengthened that the people of India should have their own solar rooftop system on the roof of their houses.“

The Vision of Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana

The significant announcement came as the Prime Minister shared his vision for the ‘Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana.’ He declared, “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 1 crore houses. Modi presided over a meeting with high-ranking officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

Empowering Homes, Empowering India

The initiative is poised to empower households across India by enabling them to generate their electricity through rooftop solar systems. By installing solar panels on one crore houses, the government aims to alleviate the financial burden on the poor and middle class while fostering sustainability and self-sufficiency in the energy domain.

Rooftop Photovoltaic Installations for Sustainable Energy Solutions

Rooftop solar involves the installation of solar photovoltaic panels on the roofs of buildings or homes, either with or without a battery storage system. These systems are connected to the main power supply, allowing establishments to reduce their reliance on grid-connected electricity provided by the respective power distribution company (discom), resulting in cost savings for consumers.

Upfront Investment and Maintenance Considerations

In a solar rooftop system, the initial investment is limited to upfront capital, and maintenance costs are minimal. The total cost depends on factors such as the size and capacity of the solar photovoltaic panel and the inclusion of a battery.

National Rooftop Scheme Oversight

The government has implemented the National Rooftop Scheme, providing financial assistance amounting to 40% of the capital cost for solar rooftop projects. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) selects projects based on submissions from discoms, with private contractors/vendors chosen by discoms to execute the projects. Instances of fraud have been reported, where some rooftop solar companies falsely claimed authorization from the ministry. The government has issued notices clarifying that no vendors have been authorized.

Paving the Way to a Greener and Self-Reliant India

The ‘Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana’ marks a crucial step towards a greener and self-reliant India. The initiative, inspired by the sacred energy of Ayodhya, reflects the government’s commitment to harnessing renewable resources for the betterment of its citizens and the nation as a whole.