India is moving towards a future where clean and green energy is at the forefront. One of the significant steps in this direction is the creation of Model Solar Villages under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
This initiative is aimed at empowering rural communities by promoting the use of solar energy, making villages self-reliant in terms of electricity. This article will explain everything about the Model Solar Village in simple terms.
What is a Model Solar Village?
A Model Solar Village is a village that uses solar energy to meet all its electricity needs. The government has decided to create one Model Solar Village in each district across India. These villages will use solar power for homes, streetlights, water systems, and even for agricultural purposes.
PM Surya Ghar Yojana has an outlay of Rs 75,021 crore and is to be implemented till FY 2026-27.
Objectives of the Model Solar Village
The main goals of creating Model Solar Villages are:
- Increase Solar Usage: Encourage more people to use solar energy in villages.
- Green Energy: Provide clean and green energy to all villagers.
- Self-Reliant Villages: Help villages generate their own electricity, reducing their dependence on external sources.
- 24×7 Solar Power: Ensure that the village has a continuous supply of solar power for homes, public areas, and farms.
- Promote Solar Technologies: Use solar-based home lighting, water systems, pumps, and streetlights in the village.
Budget and Funding
The government has allocated ₹800 crore for the Model Solar Village project. Each selected village will receive ₹1 crore as Central Financial Assistance (CFA). This fund will help the village set up solar power systems and other related technologies.
Eligibility Criteria
Not all villages can become a Model Solar Village. To be eligible, a village must meet these criteria:
- Population Size: The village should have more than 5,000 people as per the latest census. However, in some special states and regions like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and the North-East, a village with more than 2,000 people can also be eligible.
- Revenue Village: The village must be a recognized revenue village.
Selection Process
The process to select a Model Solar Village involves several steps:
- District Level Competition: Villages in each district will compete with each other to become the Model Solar Village.
- Evaluation: The village with the highest solar energy capacity installed will be selected.
- District Level Committee (DLC): A committee will be formed to monitor and ensure smooth implementation of the scheme at the district level.
Model Solar Village Guidelines
The central government has released the detailed guidelines for Model Solar Village under PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana on 9th August 2024. Below is the complete PDF of guidelines.
Implementation of Scheme
Once a village is selected as a Model Solar Village, the State Renewable Energy Development Agency or any other nominated agency will implement the project. They will create a Detailed Project Report (DPR) outlining the plan to transition the village to solar power. The report will include:
- Community Solar Plant: Setting up a solar plant with or without battery storage.
- Solar Equipment for Livelihood: Providing solar-powered tools for local businesses.
- Rooftop Solar Plants: Installing solar panels on government buildings.
- Solar Public Lighting: Setting up solar-powered streetlights.
- Solar Agri-PV Pumps: Installing solar pumps for farming.
- Other Solar Technologies: Using other relevant solar-powered technologies as needed.
Benefits of Model Solar Village
- Cost Savings: Villagers save money on electricity bills by using solar energy.
- 24×7 Electricity: Continuous power supply without relying on traditional electricity grids.
- Environmental Impact: Reduces pollution by using clean, renewable energy.
- Self-Sufficiency: Villages become self-reliant in generating their own electricity.
How Funds are Released
The funds for the Model Solar Village project are released in stages:
- First Installment (40%): Released when all work in the DPR is awarded.
- Second Installment (40%): Released after the completion of the work and certification by the DLC.
- Final Installment (20%): Released after six months of successful operation of the solar systems.
Monitoring and Supervision
The District Level Committee (DLC) will regularly monitor the project to ensure that the village becomes fully solar-powered within a year. The committee will also ensure that the funds are utilized correctly.
The Model Solar Village initiative under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a significant step towards a sustainable future. By using solar energy, villages can save money, reduce pollution, and become self-reliant. This project not only benefits the environment but also improves the quality of life for villagers by providing them with continuous and clean electricity.
By understanding this initiative, you can see how the government is working to create a greener and brighter future for all.