New Delhi [India], February 29 (ANI): The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved the ‘PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana’ with a total outlay of Rs 75,021 crore for installing rooftop solar and providing free electricity up to 300 units every month for one crore households.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the scheme on February 13 this year.
Addressing a press conference after a meeting of the Union Cabinet, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said the initiative would give thrust to solar manufacturing and the supply chain, providing direct employment to 17 lakh people.
“It will strengthen the solar energy ecosystem. It is estimated that the scheme will create around 17 lakh direct jobs in manufacturing, logistics, supply chain, sales, installation, and other services,” he said.
The major highlights of the scheme include central Financial Assistance (CFA) for Residential Rooftop Solar.
An official release stated that the scheme provides a CFA of 60 per cent of the system cost for 2 kW systems and 40 per cent of the additional system cost for systems between 2 to 3 kW capacity. “The CFA will be capped at 3 kW. At current benchmark prices, this will mean a Rs 30,000 subsidy for a 1 kW system, Rs 60,000 for 2 kW systems, and Rs 78,000 for 3 kW systems or higher,” it said.
The release mentioned that households will apply for subsidies through the National Portal and will be able to select a suitable vendor for installing rooftop solar.
The National Portal will assist households in their decision-making process by providing relevant information such as appropriate system sizes, benefits calculator, vendor rating.
It is estimated that the scheme will create around 17 lakh direct jobs in manufacturing, logistics, supply chain, sales, installation, O&M and other services. (ANI)