Rooftop Solar Installations Cross 40 Lakh; Govt Considers Scheme Upgrade

New Delhi, Jul 28 (KNN) The government has begun discussions to expand and strengthen the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana in its next phase, with households benefiting from rooftop solar installations under the scheme nearing 50 lakh.

Launched on February 13, 2024, with an outlay of Rs 75,021 crore, the scheme aims to install rooftop solar systems in one crore households by March 2027. So far, over 40 lakh installations have been completed, benefiting more than 48 lakh households.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) said in a recent stakeholder consultation that the scheme has created demand and established rooftop solar as a national residential market, while flagging challenges such as battery storage, grid integration, discom preparedness, and long-term sustainability, TOI reported.

At the consultation meeting chaired by JVN Subramanyam, government and industry representatives discussed possible changes for the proposed second phase, informally referred to as PM Surya Ghar 2.0.

Maintenance, Access and New Models Under Review

One of the key proposals is to strengthen long-term maintenance and service support. Officials noted that some consumers face difficulties in accessing repairs or warranty services after vendors exit the market. The next phase may introduce stricter service obligations and mechanisms to ensure consistent power generation over the system’s lifespan.

The government is also considering expanding the scheme to apartment residents and households without suitable rooftops through group and virtual net metering. This would allow multiple users to benefit from shared solar installations.

Battery Storage and System Efficiency

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) emerged as a major area of discussion. While batteries can store surplus solar power for use during non-solar hours, their high cost has so far limited inclusion in the scheme.

Officials indicated that the role of battery storage is now being reassessed, with studies planned to determine whether deployment should occur at the household, neighbourhood or utility level.

Improving Quality and Transparency

To enhance reliability, the government may introduce digital monitoring of rooftop systems, alongside efforts to standardise equipment, improve installation quality and simplify financing.

Officials said all suggestions from the consultation will be reviewed before preparing a detailed policy framework for the next phase of the scheme.

(KNN Bureau)