PM-SURYA GHAR: MUFT BIJLI YOJNA
The scheme has received an overwhelming response, with over 2.70 lakh applications registered on the portal, aggregating to over 1 gigawatt (GW) of capacity in the last six months. Out of this, over 1 lakh applications have been received in the PGVCL area so far. Nearly 70% of the applicants have installed rooftop solar on their premises.
SOLAR ROOFTOP POWER DOMINANCE
Solar rooftop power has emerged as a major distributed energy resource in Gujarat’s renewable energy portfolio, experiencing unprecedented growth over the past few years. Thanks to PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojna, the installed rooftop solar capacity has surged from 3 GW in January 2024 to an impressive 4.2 GW by August 2024. This growth demonstrates Gujarat’s dedication to harnessing the potential of distributed solar energy.
IEC ACTIVITIES
All distribution companies in Gujarat, including PGVCL, DGVCL, MGVCL, UGVCL, and Torrent Power, are actively creating awareness among consumers about installing rooftop solar panels through various IEC activities. These include door-to-door campaigns, pamphlet distribution, meetings with residential welfare societies and group housing associations, Gram Sabhas in villages, video films, audio spots on radio, advertisements in print and electronic media, SMS to consumers, WhatsApp chatbots, showcasing solar calculators, tableau presentations, social media engagement, and helpdesks for consumers. These efforts have resulted in active consumer participation, encouraging them to become prosumers.
Also Read :- Gujarat’s Pioneering Role in Advancing Solar Cell Technologies
VENDOR DEVELOPMENT
Vendors are key stakeholders in rooftop solar installations. Due to the surge in rooftop applications, a large number of EPC agencies are required to meet the growing demand. Existing vendors have increased their capacity fourfold, and new entrepreneurs have emerged as a result of vendor development training conducted in engineering colleges, polytechnics, and ITI institutes by DISCOMs. Over a thousand vendors are working for the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojna.
CONSUMERS TO PROSUMERS
Over 7.50 lakh consumers have now become prosumers due to solar rooftop installations, aggregating to 4.2 GW. Of these, over 7 lakh are residential consumers benefiting from green energy by meeting their own energy needs and exporting surplus energy to the grid.