The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, the world’s largest domestic rooftop solar initiative, is reshaping India’s energy sector by promoting renewable energy and creating opportunities for additional income. In Madhya Pradesh’s Damoh district, the program is gaining traction, with more households adopting solar panels on their rooftops. This shift has led to reduced electricity costs and extra earnings for numerous beneficiaries.
The impact of the scheme is evident in the Tendukheda region of Damoh district, where many families have embraced solar energy and are benefiting from it. Residents have installed rooftop solar panels ranging from 3 to 5 kilowatts, enhancing their energy self-sufficiency. Beneficiaries like Santosh Kumar Jain and Satyanarayan Soni have shared how the scheme has positively impacted their lives by subsidizing the installation of solar panels and reducing their reliance on traditional electricity sources.
Santosh Kumar Jain, for instance, installed a 3-kilowatt rooftop solar panel system with a substantial subsidy from the Central Government. This has enabled him to power his grocery store and meet his household electricity needs using solar energy. Similarly, Satyanarayan Soni opted for a 5-kilowatt solar connection, significantly reducing his electricity expenses and powering various household appliances with solar energy. The scheme has not only made daily life more convenient for beneficiaries but has also allowed them to earn extra income by selling surplus power back to the electricity grid.
Shivam Dubey, another beneficiary, installed solar panels on his shop’s roof, illustrating how the initiative is fostering self-reliance and providing financial incentives for individuals to invest in renewable energy. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 15, 2024, the scheme aims to offer free electricity to households through the installation of rooftop solar panels. By providing subsidies of up to 40%, the program is making renewable energy more accessible and affordable for households across the country.
