new rooftop solar power scheme

PM Modi launches new rooftop solar power scheme: What it is, why it is needed

 Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana:

 Prime Minister Modi announced the “Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana,” a scheme for installing 

solar power systems on residential rooftops.

 The goal is to install rooftop solar on 1 crore (10 million) houses to reduce electricity bills 

and make India self-reliant in the energy sector.

 Current Solar Capacity 

 India’s total solar power installed capacity is approximately 73.31 GW.

 Rooftop solar capacity is around 11.08 GW.

 Rajasthan leads in total solar capacity with 18.7 GW, followed by Gujarat with 10.5 GW.

 Gujarat tops the list in rooftop solar capacity with 2.8 GW, followed by Maharashtra with 1.7 

GW.

 Solar power contributes signifi cantly to India’s renewable energy capacity, which stands at 

around 180 GW.

 Importance of Solar Energy Expansion:

 India is expected to experience the largest energy demand growth globally in the next 30 

years.

 To meet this demand and reduce reliance on coal, India aims to achieve 500 GW of renewable 

energy capacity by 2030.

 Expanding solar power capacity is crucial, considering India’s energy needs and its commitment 

to renewables.

 Rooftop Solar Programme (Phase II):

 Launched in 2014, the programme aims to increase rooftop solar capacity in residential 

sectors.

 It provides Central Financial Assistance and incentives to distribution companies (DISCOMs).

 The goal is to reach 40 GW of rooftop solar capacity by March 2026.

 The programme has already increased rooftop solar capacity from 1.8 GW in March 2019 to 

10.4 GW in November 2023.

 Surplus solar power can be exported to the grid, and consumers receive monetary benefi ts for 

the surplus power.