New Delhi: Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi on Thursday said that India has made remarkable progress in the renewable energy sector and has emerged as one of the world’s leading producers of non-fossil fuel energy capacity. He made the remarks during an event marking two years of the PM Surya Ghar Scheme, officially known as the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, in New Delhi.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Joshi highlighted the growing success of the PM Surya Ghar Scheme and credited citizens for embracing rooftop solar technology. He said people across the country have realized that installing solar panels on rooftops allows them to generate their own electricity and significantly reduce their monthly power bills.
According to the minister, the scheme has created greater awareness about renewable energy while encouraging households to become active participants in India’s clean energy transition. The initiative is aimed at expanding rooftop solar installations to one crore households across the country, making solar power accessible and affordable for millions of families.
PM Surya Ghar Scheme Encouraging Solar Adoption
The PM Surya Ghar Scheme is one of the flagship renewable energy programmes launched by the Government of India. The scheme provides financial assistance to households for installing rooftop solar systems.
Under the programme, eligible beneficiaries can receive subsidies covering up to 40 percent of the cost of solar panel installation. The subsidy has helped reduce the financial burden on households and encouraged greater adoption of solar energy solutions.
Mr. Joshi said that renewable energy offers long-term economic and environmental benefits compared to traditional thermal power generation. He noted that increased use of solar energy contributes to reducing carbon emissions, lowering pollution levels, and strengthening India’s energy security.
The minister emphasized that renewable energy will play a critical role in meeting the country’s future power requirements while supporting sustainable development goals.
Launch of SUNtosh Chatbot and New Logo
During the anniversary event, Mr. Joshi launched the SUNtosh WhatsApp chatbot and unveiled the official logo of the PM Surya Ghar initiative. The chatbot has been developed to provide citizens with quick and easy access to information regarding rooftop solar installations, subsidy details, application procedures, and scheme-related services.
Officials believe the chatbot will improve public engagement and simplify access to information, helping more households participate in the government’s solar energy mission.
The new logo is expected to strengthen the scheme’s identity and increase awareness among citizens about the benefits of rooftop solar power.
Progress in Solarising Government Buildings
On the sidelines of the event, the minister chaired a review meeting with officials from various ministries and institutions to assess the progress of rooftop solar installations on government buildings.
During the meeting, Mr. Joshi reviewed the performance of departments and ministries involved in the implementation process. He informed that nearly 80 percent of the targeted rooftop solar installations have already been achieved.
The minister revealed that more than 53,000 government buildings have been solarised across the country, creating a cumulative installed capacity of approximately 855 megawatts. This achievement represents a major step in reducing electricity costs for government institutions while promoting clean energy usage.
Focus on Faster Implementation
Mr. Joshi directed all ministries and departments to appoint dedicated nodal officers to ensure faster implementation of rooftop solar projects. He also stressed the importance of integrating data systems for transparent monitoring and assessment of progress.
The minister called for stronger coordination among institutions and urged stakeholders to accelerate ongoing projects. He said timely implementation would help achieve national renewable energy goals more effectively.
The success of the PM Surya Ghar Scheme reflects India’s commitment to expanding renewable energy capacity and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. With increasing rooftop solar adoption among households and government institutions, the programme is expected to make a significant contribution to the country’s clean energy future and sustainable economic growth.
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