Bengaluru: The central government’s initiative for promoting rooftop solar systems, the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSY), has garnered significant interest, with approximately 16,000 applications received in the BESCOM jurisdiction within just six months of its announcement. This influx of applications indicates a growing inclination towards renewable energy solutions among residential properties, particularly in Bengaluru and its surrounding districts.

Details of the Scheme

The PMSY offers an attractive subsidy of up to 60 per cent for the installation of solar rooftop systems, making it a compelling option for homeowners looking to reduce their energy costs and contribute to sustainable energy practices. The scheme’s financial incentives have caught the attention of many residents, especially as traditional residential solar rooftop installations in Karnataka had seen a decline due to the Gruha Jyothi scheme, which provided zero power bills to many households.

Insights from BESCOM Officials

Senior officials from BESCOM have noted that many applicants for the PMSY were either ineligible for the Gruha Jyothi scheme or experienced minimal benefits from it. It is estimated that close to 25 lakh households in the region are not eligible for the Gruha Jyothi scheme due to their power consumption exceeding 200 units. This demographic represents a significant market for rooftop solar installations, as they are more inclined to explore alternative energy solutions.

One resident, Praveen K from North Bengaluru, shared his motivation for applying for the PMSY, stating that despite his household’s power consumption being below 200 units, the government’s reluctance to recalculate eligible units for new constructions left him no choice. He had been waiting for nearly a year for the state government to address this issue but decided to move forward with the rooftop solar installation instead.

Urgency and Popularity

The urgency surrounding the PMSY is heightened by the fact that only the first one crore households will receive the subsidy. This limited availability has prompted many residents to act quickly in order to secure their benefits under the scheme. According to BESCOM officials, the processing of applications is being expedited online to facilitate quicker installations.

So far, over a lakh people from Bengaluru have registered on the central government portal for the PMSY, with 16,823 applications specifically submitted in the BESCOM jurisdiction. Among these, 1,212 households have already completed their installations, showcasing a positive response to the initiative.

Karnataka’s Position in Solar Implementation

As of now, Karnataka ranks ninth in the implementation of the PMSY across the country. States like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan are leading in this initiative, reflecting the varied adoption rates of solar energy solutions across different regions in India. The increasing applications in Karnataka indicate a potential shift in the state’s approach to renewable energy, particularly in residential settings.

Conclusion

The rapid surge in applications for the PM Surya Ghar Yojana underscores a burgeoning interest in rooftop solar systems among Bengaluru’s residents. With significant subsidies available and a clear limitation on the number of eligible households, the scheme presents a timely opportunity for homeowners to invest in sustainable energy. As BESCOM continues to process applications and facilitate installations, the trend could signal a positive shift towards greener energy solutions in the state.