Nagaland has officially launched a rooftop solar scheme under the central government’s ambitious ‘Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana’. The scheme, which aims to install rooftop solar systems across households in the state, is being seen as a game-changer in addressing the state’s persistent power shortages and dependency on external electricity sources.
Bridging the Power Gap
Nagaland, like many northeastern states, faces chronic power supply challenges. With limited local generation capacity and an ever-increasing demand from both rural and urban sectors, the state often relies heavily on importing electricity from other parts of the country. This results in frequent load shedding, voltage fluctuations, and high transmission losses. The adoption of decentralized renewable energy—particularly rooftop solar—is now emerging as a viable and strategic solution.
Under the Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, residents of Nagaland are being encouraged to install rooftop solar panels on their homes, with significant financial incentives offered by the central government. The scheme, launched nationally by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year, provides subsidies of up to 60% for solar installations of up to 2 kW, with additional support for systems up to 3 kW capacity.
Empowering Households with Clean Energy
The central goal of this initiative is to empower one crore (10 million) households across India by enabling them to generate their own electricity, reducing reliance on the grid and slashing electricity bills. In Nagaland, the scheme is tailored to meet the unique geographic and demographic challenges of the state.
Speaking at the launch event in Kohima, state officials from the Department of New and Renewable Energy (DNRE) highlighted the potential of solar energy in transforming Nagaland’s power landscape. “The northeastern region receives ample sunlight, and yet solar adoption has been minimal. This initiative will change that narrative,” said a senior DNRE official.
The scheme not only promotes energy security but also aims to generate employment for local technicians, solar panel installers, and maintenance professionals—thus supporting the green economy.
Implementation & Rollout
To ensure a smooth rollout, the Nagaland government has partnered with local electricity distribution companies and empanelled vendors for system installations. Interested households can register through a dedicated online portal developed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), where they can check their eligibility, apply for subsidies, and track installation progress.
Additionally, awareness campaigns are being organized across districts to educate citizens about the financial and environmental benefits of rooftop solar. Special attention is being given to remote and rural areas, where access to reliable electricity remains a major challenge.
The subsidy under the scheme is directly transferred to beneficiaries’ bank accounts after successful installation and inspection of the solar systems. Net metering provisions allow households to export excess energy back to the grid, effectively turning homes into mini power plants.
A Step Toward Green Transition
Environmental experts have lauded the move, noting that widespread adoption of rooftop solar could significantly reduce the state’s carbon footprint. “This is not just about electricity—it’s about energy independence, climate action, and resilience,” said an energy consultant working on renewable projects in the Northeast.
Nagaland’s initiative aligns with India’s broader goals under its National Solar Mission, which aims for 280 GW of solar capacity by 2030. While urban centers in states like Gujarat and Maharashtra have seen significant growth in rooftop solar, Nagaland’s entry into the space marks an important milestone for the northeastern region.
Nagaland’s push for rooftop solar under the Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana signals a paradigm shift in how the state plans to address its energy woes. By tapping into its abundant solar potential and leveraging central support, the state is setting a precedent for sustainable, decentralized energy generation in the Northeast. If implemented effectively, the scheme promises not just brighter homes, but a brighter, greener future for Nagaland.