50 lakh homes to shine with solar

More than 20 lakh households across India have installed rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, with another 30 lakh expected to be added soon, Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said on Thursday.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the states' review meeting of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM schemes, Joshi reiterated the government’s target of reaching one crore households under the rooftop solar programme. He noted that nearly half of the current beneficiaries are already receiving zero electricity bills.

The minister announced approval for a utility-led model to help citizens without rooftops benefit from solar power. States such as Andhra Pradesh are moving at a rapid pace, he added.

Joshi highlighted progress towards the 550 GW renewable energy target by 2030, with India achieving 251.5 GW of installed non-fossil fuel-based capacity so far. He further noted that Rs 50,000 crore investment in the sector has generated 12,600 direct jobs, alongside 100 GW of module manufacturing capacity.

On the PM-KUSUM 2.0 scheme, Joshi said it will be launched after the current phase ends in March 2026, subject to Cabinet approval.