Lead solar drive, install panels at home: KPDCL to officials

Srinagar, Nov 16: To accelerate the adoption of renewable energy, the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) Saturday called on its engineers and officials to install solar rooftop systems under the Prime Minister’s Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

This initiative, spearheaded by KPDCL Managing Director Mussarat Islam, aims to set an example for the masses and inspire greater public participation in the scheme.

In a letter addressed to KPDCL officials and staff, MD Mussarat Islam emphasised the importance of leading by example to build consumer confidence.

“While we are on the cusp of achieving an installed solar capacity of 1 MW, it will be prudent to make a beginning from our own homes so that we gain consumer confidence and inspire them to install similar rooftop solar plants,” he wrote. Mussurat Islam underlined the ambitious nature of the programme, which aims to install 44,000 grid-connected solar rooftop plants across Jammu and Kashmir by the sunset date of 2027. He referred to the challenge as a "herculean task" but urged his colleagues to take the lead.

“Good beginning is half done,” he said, adding that such efforts would create a "buzz and feel-good factor" among domestic consumers.

KPDCL has already achieved a significant milestone, having completed 100 rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana.

The scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024, aims to install rooftop solar systems in one crore households across India by March 2027.

MD acknowledged the government’s efforts in making the scheme more accessible through enhanced subsidies.

With the Administrative Council’s approval, the subsidy for a 1 kW system is now Rs 36,000 on a project cost of Rs 55,000.

For a 2 kW system, the subsidy is Rs 72,000 on a cost of Rs 110,000, and for a 3 kW system, the subsidy is Rs 94,800 on a project cost of Rs 159,500.

To make the scheme financially viable for all, the government has arranged loan facilities with a 7 percent interest rate through the State Bank of India (SBI).

“We are also in talks with J&K Bank to provide easier access to financing, ensuring the scheme’s penetration in rural and urban areas alike,” Islam noted.

The PM Surya Ghar Yojana is part of a broader push to make India a global leader in solar energy.

With a total outlay of Rs 75,021 crore, the scheme is expected to add 30 GW of solar capacity in the residential sector, generate 1000 billion units of electricity, and reduce CO2 emissions by 720 million tonnes over 25 years.

Additionally, the initiative is projected to create approximately 17 lakh direct jobs across sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, sales, and installation.

J&K's renewable energy capacity has been modest, with the region’s total solar capacity standing at 55 MW as of October 2023, up from 40.63 MW in April 2020.

Neighbouring states like Himachal Pradesh have made more significant strides, underlining the urgency for accelerated adoption in J&K.

The MD concluded his letter with a motivational call to action: “This is our chance to inspire change and make Jammu and Kashmir a green energy hub. Together, we can pave the way for a sustainable future.”