Collector urges public to contribute to greener future by installing solar panels

NTR District Collector promotes solar rooftop systems for energy savings and subsidies, aiming for 2 lakh installations.

Encouraging everyone to set up solar systems on the rooftops of their houses, NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha said the public should play a key role in transforming the district as a renewable energy hub.

Participating in a rally, organised by the Electricity and DRDA departments to raise awareness on PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijili Yojana at Enikepadu near Vijayawada on Thursday, Mr. Lakshmisha explained how one can save oneself from paying high electricity bills by installing solar panels on the rooftops. He added that under the scheme, one can get subsidies on installation costs. For a solar panel with 3 kW capacity, worth ₹2 lakh, a subsidy support of ₹78,000 is offered.

Both the Central and State governments have made the scheme one of their priorities, and therefore, efforts are being made at the district level to ensure the proper implementation of the same, the Collector said.

Once installed, people can reap its benefits for 20 long years, Mr. Lakshmisha said. A solar panel with 300 kW capacity can generate up to 300 units of electricity per month on an average, which one can use as per requirements and give the surplus power to DISCOMS. Thus, one can earn extra income through this method, the Collector said, adding that in the past two months, ₹33 lakh has been disbursed among beneficiaries.

While the target is to achieve 2 lakh installations in the district under the scheme, so far 60,000 registrations have been made, the Collector said.

Urging more people to register the scheme to contribute to an environment-friendly future, Mr. Lakshmisha sought everyone’s support in making the district a renewable energy hub.

Officials from the Electricity and District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) took part in the rally.