Amid concerns over high electricity bills and environmental protection, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is proving to be a significant source of relief for residents in Balod district, Chhattisgarh. By installing rooftop solar systems through this scheme, consumers are not only cutting down their electricity expenses to nearly zero but also producing surplus power.
Beneficiaries who have availed of the scheme shared positive feedback, emphasizing the economic and environmental benefits. Ishwar Sahu, a scheme beneficiary, mentioned that prior to installing the solar system, his monthly electricity bill ranged from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200. However, after opting for the PM Surya Ghar Bijli Yojana and installing the solar setup, his electricity bill has drastically reduced, almost to zero.
Sahu highlighted that the installation did not require any upfront payment from him as the entire cost was covered by a bank, which he is now repaying in installments. Additionally, he received a subsidy of Rs 1.08 lakh within a month under the scheme. Another beneficiary, Manish Kothari, reported that post the solar system installation, his electricity bill vanished entirely, with around 1,000 units of excess electricity credited to his account.
He explained that the application process was online, and he selected a vendor through the portal, who then managed the complete installation. Kothari praised the scheme for making electricity generation more accessible and cost-effective for households. Dr. Pradeep Jain, another beneficiary, emphasized the importance of solar energy in environmental conservation. Under the scheme, he set up a 12-kilowatt solar plant at his hospital, significantly reducing its electricity costs.
Dr. Jain noted that embracing solar energy would decrease reliance on natural resources like coal and hydropower, leading to financial savings. He added that the solar system has required minimal maintenance over the past two years, except for weekly dust cleaning. Dr. Jain encouraged individuals with high electricity consumption to take advantage of this beneficial scheme.
