Bescom holds workshop to promote PM’s solar power scheme

Bengaluru: The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) recently held a day-long workshop in Bengaluru to promote the adoption of the PM-Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana, with participation from solar rooftop vendors and the city’s Residents' Welfare Associations (RWAs).

The discussion mainly focused on ways to implement the scheme.

Bescom Managing Director Mahantesh Bilagi explained that the scheme aims to encourage the use of solar energy in households across the state, thereby reducing reliance on conventional energy sources and contributing to national renewable energy targets.

"Out of 5.15 lakh registrations, 1.17 lakh applicants have been accepted into the scheme. Also, 353 private vendors have registered on the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) portal to execute this initiative," he said.

Bilagi also said the government subsidy for the scheme ranges from Rs 30,000 to Rs 78,000 for domestic grid-connected rooftop plants, along with the availability of bank loans for solar panel installations.

Responding to queries from RWAs about challenges in accessing the scheme, Bilagi directed representatives from the State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC) to provide accurate information on loan facilities for the scheme.

"Since banks have a fixed age limit of 65 years for loan applicants, consumers over 65 can name family members as co-borrowers to avail of the loan," said an SLBC representative.

In response to concerns about apartments being classified as MSMEs by banks when applying for loans, the SLBC representative noted that they had requested the MNRE to issue guidelines for apartment federations.

On the grid 

The PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana aims to provide free electricity up to 300 units monthly to 10 million households by 2025-26, with an outlay of Rs 750 billion. The scheme promotes the installation of grid-connected rooftop solar systems, offering government subsidies up to Rs 78,000, reduced electricity bills, minimal maintenance costs, lower carbon emissions, and eco-friendly renewable energy adoption, all without requiring extra space.