The Government of India has announced that Chandigarh and Daman and Diu have achieved 100% of their government building rooftop solar targets, leading the nation in clean energy adoption. Additionally, states like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu are making significant contributions to the overall installation figures. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has set a goal of reaching 1 crore households by 2026-27.
The Prime Minister Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY) has made great progress, with the installation of solar panels on 10 lakh homes, making it the world’s largest domestic rooftop solar initiative. The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024 and has already received 47.3 lakh applications, with 6.13 lakh beneficiaries disbursed with subsidies.
The scheme offers easy financing options, including collateral-free loans of up to Rs 2 lakh at a subsidized interest rate of 6.75% through 12 public sector banks. This has led to 3.10 lakh loan applications, with 1.58 lakh sanctioned and 1.28 lakh disbursed, ensuring financial inclusion for all. The scheme has also offset carbon emissions equal to planting 100 trees, driving India towards a cleaner, greener, and self-reliant future.
The scheme provides households with free electricity through the installation of subsidized rooftop solar panels, reducing energy costs and encouraging the adoption of renewable energy sources. It is expected to save the government an estimated Rs 75,000 crore annually in electricity costs. The transition to solar energy under this scheme will help lower carbon emissions, supporting India’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.