Context:

Recently, PM Modi announced the launch of Pradhanmantri Suryoday Yojana .

Background:

Currently, there is no centrally compiled estimate of the number of households in India with rooftop solar installations.
About Pradhanmantri Suryoday Yojana:-

Launched: January,2024.

Objectives:

1. Provide affordable solar energy.
2. Increase energy independence
3. Promote environmental sustainability.

Salient Features:

1. It will provide incentives and financial assistance to make it affordable for residential consumers to adopt rooftop solar.
2. This scheme comes after India missed its initial target of 40 gigawatts of rooftop solar capacity by 2022 under the existing Rooftop Solar Programme.
3. The new scheme signals renewed impetus to achieve the target of 40GW capacity by the extended deadline of 2026.
4. With only around 11GW currently installed, the Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana intends to accelerate rooftop solar adoption. (PM-KUSUM)
5. The scheme aimed to expand India’s rooftop solar installed capacity in the residential sector by providing Central Financial Assistance and incentives to DISCOMs (distribution companies).
6. A consumer can avail of the benefits of the scheme through DISCOM tendered projects or through the National Portal (solarrooftop.gov.in)
7. The DISCOM’s role is limited to issuing of technical feasibility approval, installation of the net meter and inspect the system.
8. Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid.
9. Surplus solar power units generated from the rooftop solar plant can be exported to the grid.

Benefits:

1. Installing solar rooftops under this scheme will help reduce monthly electricity bills of households.
2. It will also support India’s ambitious goal of reaching 500GW of renewable energy by 2030, with solar expected to contribute the major share.
3. It will boost energy security and self-reliance while also benefiting the environment.
4. Additional income generation through surplus electricity production.