PRADHAN MANTRI SURYODAYA YOJANA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env & Ecology)

Context: The Prime Minister of India has announced 'Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana.

Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana

• About: The solar power installation scheme focuses on implementing solar power systems on residential rooftops.
• Aim: To reduce electricity costs for both the "poor and middle class" while contributing to India's energy self-reliance.
• Focus: Scheme would help not only reduce electricity bills of the “poor and middle class”, but also push India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in the energy sector.

India's Solar Capacity

• Total Solar Capacity: As of December 2023, India's total solar capacity stands at 73.31 GW.
• Rooftop Solar Capacity: Reported at 11.08 GW, with Gujarat leading at 2.8 GW and Maharashtra following with 1.7 GW.
• State-wise Distribution: Rajasthan leads in total solar capacity with 18.7 GW, while Gujarat tops the rooftop solar capacity chart with 2.8 GW.
• Solar's Contribution to Renewable Energy: Solar power constitutes a significant share, contributing to the country's total renewable energy capacity of around 180 GW.

Rooftop Solar Programme

• About: Commencing in 2014, the Rooftop Solar Programme focuses on augmenting rooftop solar capacity in the residential sector.
• Objectives: The scheme offers Central Financial Assistance and incentives to DISCOMs, aiming to achieve 40 GW of rooftop solar capacity by March 2026.
• Progress: Since its launch, the programme has elevated rooftop solar capacity from 1.8 GW (March 2019) to 10.4 GW (November 2023), showcasing notable success in its second phase.