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Image Credits: PM-Surya Ghar
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In a significant move towards promoting renewable energy, the Indian government recently launched the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana – Surya (PM-SBHGY), also known as the Surya Ghar scheme. This initiative aims to provide affordable and sustainable solar energy for one crore households across the country, addressing the growing energy needs of the nation. This scheme, under the guidance of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has the potential to bring about a significant change in the energy landscape of India. Let us delve deeper into the details of this scheme and understand its benefits and impact.
What is the PM-SBHGY scheme?
The PM-SBHGY scheme is an ambitious project launched by the Government of India, under its flagship program, the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana. This scheme aims to provide electricity connections to all households in the country. Under this scheme, the government plans to install solar panels on the rooftops of one crore households, ensuring access to clean and sustainable energy for low-income households.
How will the Surya Ghar scheme work?
The Surya Ghar scheme will be implemented in a phased manner, with the first phase covering areas where grid power has not been reached yet, or the households are located in remote and inaccessible areas. The second phase of the scheme will focus on providing solar power in areas already having grid-connected electricity. The government has set a target of installing 40 GW of rooftop solar power by 2022, out of which 4 GW will be from the Surya Ghar scheme.
Benefits of the PM-SBHGY scheme
Access to clean and affordable energy for low-income households is the primary objective of the Surya Ghar scheme. However, this initiative also has numerous other benefits, such as:
1. Reduced electricity bills: The solar panel installation will offset the conventional energy consumption of the household, leading to significant cost savings on electricity bills.
2. Minimizes dependence on non-renewable sources: With the increasing demand for electricity and depletion of non-renewable sources, the use of solar energy will help to reduce the dependence on conventional sources of energy.
3. Income generation: The Surya Ghar scheme can also act as a source of income for households, as they can sell the excess electricity generated from their rooftop solar panels back to the grid and earn revenue.
4. Reduction in carbon footprint: Solar energy is a clean source of energy that does not emit any harmful greenhouse gases, making it an environmentally friendly option.
5. Employment opportunities: The implementation of this scheme will create job opportunities for the locals, as the installation, maintenance, and operation of solar panels will require a skilled workforce.
Challenges and the way forward
The Surya Ghar scheme faces challenges, such as high upfront costs, lack of awareness, technical know-how, and availability of space in urban areas. To overcome these challenges, the government has proposed various initiatives, such as providing subsidies and loans for the installation of solar panels, awareness campaigns, and integration of the scheme with existing rural electrification programs.
The Surya Ghar scheme is a significant step towards achieving energy security and promoting sustainable development in the country. It has the potential to transform the lives of millions of households by providing them with access to clean and affordable energy. The government must ensure the effective implementation of the scheme and continuously monitor its progress to achieve the target of one crore households by 2022. The success of this initiative will not only benefit the households but also contribute towards achieving the country's renewable energy targets and reducing the carbon footprint. With the combined efforts of the government and its citizens, the PM-SBHGY scheme can bring about a revolution in the energy sector and lead the way towards a greener and cleaner future.