People in Andhra Pradesh are showing keen interest to set up solar power projects as they get additional income in addition to free electricity. Moreover, there are subsidies from the central and state governments. SCs and STs have the opportunity to set up solar power projects without spending a single penny.
Banks will provide subsidies to the rest of them to pay the remaining amount. Under the PM Suryagarh Mufti Bijli Yojana scheme, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has decided to set up 2 kilowatt capacity projects on 20 lakh houses by March 2027. It is estimated that about 4,000 megawatts of additional electricity will be available through this.
Under this scheme, the center is providing subsidy up to a maximum of 3 kilowatts. Banks will provide the remaining amount as a loan after the subsidy amount. While the cost of setting up a 2 kilowatt project will be up to Rs. 1.10 lakh, the center will provide a subsidy of up to Rs. 60,000. The remaining Rs. 50,000 consumers will have to bear the cost.
It is estimated that 240 units of electricity will be generated through this. Out of this, the remaining electricity will be used for household needs and will go to the grid. The power companies will pay the consumers at the rate of Rs 2.9 per unit. Those who want to set up a solar project at home should first register on the national consumer portal.
They should enter their current bill, bank details and address. If they submit an application to the DISCOM by paying a fee of Rs 1,000, the names and details of the companies providing solar panels will be displayed. If they choose one of them and sign a contract, they can choose the option of getting the subsidy provided by the center and the rest as a loan from banks.
However, only those who use domestically manufactured solar panels will get the subsidy. The government is providing 200 units of free electricity every month to about 20.18 lakh SC and ST households in the state. Now, the state government has come forward to bear the remaining Rs 50,000 of the Rs 60,000 subsidy given by the center for 2 kilowatt solar power projects on their homes.
Similarly, the subsidy given by the center to BCs will be provided with an additional Rs 20,000. That is, Rs 30,000 will have to be borne by the consumers. That can also be obtained as a loan. While a subsidy of Rs 60,000 is being given for 2 kilowatt projects installed on homes, a subsidy of Rs 18,000 will be received for each kilowatt after that.
The center will provide a maximum subsidy of 3 kilowatts. It has set a target of setting up one crore solar power projects on houses across the country by 2026-27. For this, a subsidy of up to Rs 75,000 crores will be borne.
