Itanagar, Aug 4 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Tuesday said that India’s solar energy sector has undergone a remarkable transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the country emerging as a global leader in renewable energy through rapid expansion in solar power generation and adoption.
Mein, who also holds the Power and Non-Conventional Energy Resources portfolios, said in a series of posts on his X handle that India’s installed solar power generation capacity has increased from just 2.8 GW in 2014 to 162 GW in 2026, reflecting the country’s unwavering commitment to clean and sustainable energy.
He noted that India’s solar journey has witnessed a remarkable transformation under PM Modi, with 50 lakh households adopting rooftop solar under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, accelerating the transition towards a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future.
In another post, Mein highlighted that India’s solar growth has now entered a new phase with the approval of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY), which aims to develop 5,000 MW of floating solar capacity integrated with energy storage systems.
He said that with rapid growth in solar generation capacity, domestic manufacturing and consumer adoption, the renewable energy sector is playing a crucial role in strengthening India’s energy security and economic development.
“With rapid growth in capacity, manufacturing and adoption, solar power is accelerating India’s clean energy transition. The sector is strengthening energy security, supporting economic growth, advancing climate goals and reinforcing India’s leadership in renewable energy,” Mein said.
The Deputy Chief Minister added that the Centre’s flagship PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY), being implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has become a key driver of the country’s rooftop solar revolution.
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2024, the scheme is rapidly reshaping India’s energy landscape by encouraging households to adopt rooftop solar systems and contribute to the country’s clean energy goals.
Under the scheme, the Central government provides a subsidy ranging from Rs 36,000 to Rs 78,000, depending on a household’s average monthly electricity consumption and the suitable rooftop solar plant capacity.
The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which has registered impressive progress across the country, offers multiple financial and environmental benefits to participating households. Beneficiaries are eligible for collateral-free, low-interest loans at around seven per cent interest for installing residential rooftop solar (RTS) systems of up to 3 kW, making clean energy more affordable and accessible.
In addition to significantly reducing monthly electricity bills, households can also generate additional income by selling surplus electricity produced by their rooftop solar systems to Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) through the net-metering mechanism.
Officials said that these initiatives are not only promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation but are also empowering households, enhancing energy independence and reinforcing India’s position as a global leader in renewable energy and climate action.
–IANS
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