Varanasi is the second-ranked district in Uttar Pradesh for rooftop solar installations funded through the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, based on the most recent reporting period. The PM Surya Ghar programme was implemented by the central government to promote household adoption of solar energy and expand renewable energy production, reducing reliance on traditional grid-based power. 

The statistics indicate a significant number of rooftop solar installations by residential consumers during the last reporting period in Varanasi, placing it in second place, only behind the top-rated district in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The local government officials confirmed that it is indicative of the enthusiasm of local consumers for using solar technology and accessing the provided government assistance to establish their own clean energy generation systems. Rankings for the PM Surya Ghar solar rooftop installation programme are derived from application and completion data for solar photovoltaic installations made by residential consumers.

The PM Surya Ghar programme allows residential grid-connected electricity users to apply online for financial assistance from the government to install rooftop solar photovoltaic systems on their homes. The purpose of this programme is to provide central government financial assistance to reduce the cost to the residential consumer for establishing a solar PV system on their home and to increase the amount of distributed renewable energy in India.

According to available state-level data, the adoption rate of rooftop solar installations has increased markedly under the programme in Uttar Pradesh as a whole, as several districts also report high levels of installation. Officials have attributed this increase to heightened knowledge and understanding of the benefits that consumers can receive from solar, as well as targeted outreach strategies (including local publicity campaigns and help from electricity distributors) that have also contributed to higher uptake rates.

Analysts have stated that the ranking of Varanasi as one of the top-performing areas in the province exemplifies that the development of local demand and environmentally friendly policies can propel the installation of new, cleaner energy technology at the grassroots level. Additionally, they have indicated that municipalities that have been successful in deploying renewable energy technologies in their cities may provide an example to other neighbouring municipalities looking to increase rooftop solar installations, while also eliminating their reliance on conventional sources of electrical generation.

The installed rooftop solar systems will help lower the monthly costs of residential electric service and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with their operation through the PM Surya Ghar programme; thus, the ability of residential customers to take part in this programme is essential if the government is to achieve its goals for overall renewable energy output (increase in renewable energy sources of supply is part of an overall goal to reach 1,000 megawatts of installed solar capacity).

Recently, the modern solar electricity funding model in Uttar Pradesh has helped reduce upfront costs for homeowners. With additional hope for continued support through renewable energy incentives, officials foresee more households installing rooftop solar panels throughout the state and country.

Source: PTI