Tripura Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Wednesday confirmed that the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has received an overwhelming response from consumers across the state. Launched as part of India’s broader strategy to promote solar energy. The scheme aims to make rooftop solar installations more accessible to middle-class households. By offering free electricity up to 300 units per month.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Civil Secretariat in Agartala, Nath described the public enthusiasm as a “green revolution at the household level,” especially in urban and semi-urban areas of Tripura. The Minister added that the initiative is not only helping reduce electricity bills but is also empowering citizens to contribute to India’s renewable energy goals.
Thousands Apply for Rooftop Solar Installations
According to official data released by the Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA), over 20,000 applications have been received so far from across the state. Most of the interest has come from families residing in Agartala, Dharmanagar, Udaipur, and Kailashahar. The surge in applications is seen as a major milestone in Tripura’s transition to clean and sustainable energy sources.
Nath praised the swift implementation and awareness drives led by TREDA and other departments. “We are witnessing a grassroots movement in clean energy. Citizens are taking charge of their energy needs in an environmentally responsible way,” he said.
Financial Incentives and Government Support
Under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, eligible households receive a central subsidy of up to 60% of the rooftop solar system cost, with additional support from the state government. The remaining cost can be covered through easy EMI-based loans from partnered banks.
Minister Nath noted that the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has also designated Tripura as a priority state for solar energy expansion, especially in light of its hilly terrain and energy import dependence. The aim is to generate at least 150 MW of solar power by 2027 under the rooftop program alone.
Environmental and Economic Impact: Solar power
Apart from lowering household electricity costs, the widespread adoption of solar energy is expected to significantly reduce Tripura’s carbon footprint. Each 3 kW rooftop solar unit can prevent nearly 4 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. The scheme also promotes energy independence, especially in remote areas where grid power can be unreliable.
Power officials noted that with increasing participation, the state could eventually achieve net-metering parity, enabling households to sell excess power back to the grid, further supporting a decentralized and green energy economy.
Focus on Training and Job Creation
To ensure smooth implementation, the Tripura government is partnering with private firms and training institutes to build a skilled workforce for solar panel installation, maintenance, and monitoring. The state’s polytechnic colleges and technical institutes have introduced short-term courses in solar technology.
“By encouraging solar adoption, we are not only securing energy for the future but also creating jobs for our youth in a fast-growing sector,” Nath said.
Challenges and the Road Ahead: Solar power
Despite the positive response, officials acknowledged a few implementation challenges, including supply chain delays and the need for greater outreach in rural areas. However, the government remains optimistic that Tripura will exceed its solar energy targets with continued public engagement and administrative support.
Nath urged citizens who haven’t yet applied to do so via the PM Surya Ghar portal. He assured that all eligible beneficiaries will receive timely installations and benefit from the zero-cost electricity model.
Explore More:
- PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana Portal
- Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA)
- MNRE – Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
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