Introduction
The Government of India’s ambitious PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana aims to significantly increase the share of solar rooftop capacity, empowering residential households to generate their own electricity. Approved on February 29, 2024, with an outlay of Rs. 75,021 crore, this scheme will be implemented until 2026-27. This initiative not only supports the national renewable energy targets but also provides substantial financial assistance to residential consumers.
Objectives and Scope
Increasing Solar Rooftop Capacity
The primary objective of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is to install solar rooftop systems in 1 crore households during the scheme period. This initiative seeks to reduce the dependence on conventional energy sources, promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly power generation.
Financial Assistance
Residential consumers eligible for Central Financial Assistance (CFA) are free to choose any vendor registered on the National Portal. This flexibility ensures consumers have access to a range of options while maintaining quality and performance standards.
Technical Standards and Quality Assurance
Minimum Technical Specifications
To ensure high-quality installations, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has prescribed technical standards and minimum specifications for various components of the rooftop solar (RTS) system, including solar PV panels and inverters. These standards aim to provide consumers with confidence in the performance and durability of their solar installations.
Star Labelling Programme
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency has introduced the Star Labelling Programme for Solar PV Modules and Energy Labelling Programme for Solar Inverters. This framework builds on these programmes by including additional criteria to help consumers make informed decisions about their RTS systems.
Framework for Enlistment
Voluntary Enlistment
The enlistment of models of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of solar PV modules and inverters is a voluntary programme designed to assist consumers in making informed choices. Installations that do not use enlisted models will still be eligible for CFA, provided they comply with scheme guidelines.
Role of NISE
The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) is designated as the nodal agency for the enlistment of solar PV modules and inverters. Manufacturers can submit online requests to NISE for multiple models in a single application.
Sample Selection and Testing
NISE will conduct random sampling from the manufacturing plant or registered warehouse of the manufacturer. Selected samples will be tested for efficiency and other relevant parameters at NISE labs. The testing fees and administrative costs will be reimbursed by the Ministry.
Consumer Benefits
Product Warranty
Enlisted inverter models must come with a minimum product warranty of 8 years from the date of commissioning, covering any manufacturing defects. This warranty provides additional assurance to consumers about the longevity and reliability of their solar installations.
Efficiency Requirements
The framework stipulates minimum overall efficiency requirements for inverters, ranging from 92% for 1 kW systems to 98% for systems above 20 kW. These stringent efficiency standards ensure that consumers receive maximum energy output from their solar systems.
Conclusion
The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a significant step towards achieving India’s renewable energy goals. By providing financial assistance, ensuring high-quality installations, and offering consumers a range of choices, this scheme empowers residential households to contribute to the nation’s energy security and sustainability. The framework for the enlistment of OEM models further enhances consumer confidence, paving the way for a brighter and greener future.
