Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently unveiled a significant opportunity for Indian families to save on their electricity bills while contributing to a greener planet. At the Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST 2024), he highlighted how small families can take advantage of the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme. The initiative not only promises financial savings but also aims to reduce India’s carbon footprint by boosting the use of solar energy across the country.
How Families Can Save Rs 25,000 Per Year
The scheme primarily focuses on small families consuming around 250 units of electricity each month. Under the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, families can generate their electricity using solar panels. The extra energy that isn’t used, roughly 100 units per month, can be sold back to the power grid. This energy exchange can lead to annual savings of about Rs 25,000 on electricity bills.
PM Modi emphasized that this saved amount is essentially “earned money,” encouraging families to invest this in long-term saving schemes like the Public Provident Fund (PPF). With the consistent investment of Rs 25,000 annually over 20 years, families could accumulate more than Rs 10 lakh — a substantial fund that could be used for children’s education or marriage.
Turning Savings Into Wealth: A 20-Year Plan
PM Modi pointed out that if families diligently save and invest the amount they save on electricity, they can create a wealth fund for their children’s future. By investing the annual Rs 25,000 savings into the Public Provident Fund (PPF), families can expect to grow their savings to more than Rs 10 lakh over two decades. This practical savings plan serves as a reliable financial safety net for the future, especially for children’s education and other big family expenses.
Massive Job Creation and Environmental Benefits
The PM Surya Ghar Yojana isn’t just about individual savings; it is a critical component of India’s renewable energy revolution. According to PM Modi, the initiative is expected to create around 20 lakh jobs in the coming years. The scheme will generate skilled employment opportunities in the solar energy sector, with a target to train 3 lakh youth as solar energy experts. Of these, 1 lakh will be trained as solar PV technicians who will help implement and maintain solar systems across the country.
The solar revolution will also significantly contribute to environmental protection. For every 3 kW of solar power produced, the scheme will help prevent the emission of 50 to 60 tonnes of carbon dioxide. This aligns with India’s broader goals of combating climate change and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
India’s Solar Revolution and Solar Villages
India has already begun its journey toward becoming a solar energy leader. PM Modi spoke about Modhera, India’s first solar-powered village, which now generates all its energy needs through solar panels. Modhera’s Sun Temple serves as a symbol of India’s solar ambitions, representing both tradition and progress.
Modi further announced plans to replicate Modhera’s success in other villages across India, aiming to convert several communities into “solar villages” in the coming years. These initiatives are helping India transition to a more sustainable energy model, benefiting not just the environment but also the economy and daily lives of citizens.
Solar Cities: Aiming for Ayodhya and Beyond
Taking inspiration from the historical significance of Ayodhya — the birthplace of Lord Ram, who hailed from the Suryavanshi (solar) dynasty — PM Modi’s government is working to turn Ayodhya into an ideal solar city. Solar panels are being installed on homes, businesses, and public services. The city is seeing a rise in solar-powered street lights, boats, water ATMs, and buildings, making it a model for other Indian cities.
The government has identified 17 other cities to be developed as solar-powered cities, following Ayodhya’s example. The vision is clear: to promote solar energy as a sustainable, long-term solution for urban and rural development.
Farmers to Benefit From Solar Energy
PM Modi’s government also aims to extend the solar revolution to agricultural areas. Farmers are receiving assistance to install solar pumps and small solar plants to power their irrigation systems. This not only provides a more reliable source of energy for farming but also allows farmers to contribute to the national grid, increasing their income and reducing their dependence on traditional electricity sources.
