Source: Social Media

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued the operational guidelines for the 'Model Solar Village' component under the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. The announcement, made on August 9, 2024, marks a significant step in promoting solar energy adoption across rural India and advancing the nation's renewable energy goals.

Key Highlights of the Scheme

Under this initiative, the Government of India aims to establish one 'Model Solar Village' per district across the country, with a focus on solarizing these communities to promote sustainable and self-reliant energy solutions. Each selected village will be awarded a central financial assistance grant of ₹1 crore, part of a larger ₹800 crore allocation designated for this component.

The scheme, approved on February 29, 2024, as part of the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, is designed to boost solar rooftop capacity and empower residential households to generate their own electricity. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to increase the share of solar energy in the national grid and enhance rural energy infrastructure.

Eligibility and Selection Process

To qualify as a 'Model Solar Village,' a village must be a revenue village with a population exceeding 5,000 (or 2,000 in special category states such as Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and North-Eastern states). Villages will be selected through a competitive process managed by District Level Committees (DLCs), which will assess the total distributed renewable energy (RE) capacity installed within the village.

The village with the highest RE capacity, measured six months after the potential candidate villages are declared, will be chosen as the Model Solar Village for the district. The selection process aims to encourage local innovation and maximize the deployment of solar technologies.

Objectives of the Model Solar Village Scheme

The scheme's primary objectives are to:

• Solarize one village per district and enhance solar rooftop adoption.

• Provide green and clean energy access to rural communities.

• Empower villages to meet their energy needs independently, thereby reducing reliance on utility companies.

• Develop 24x7 solar-powered villages, covering all households and public areas.

• Promote various solar technologies, including home lighting systems, solar water systems, agricultural pumps, and street lighting.

Implementation and Financial Support

The scheme will be implemented by State Renewable Energy Development Agencies or other entities nominated by state or union territory governments. The central financial assistance of ₹1 crore per village will be used to transition selected villages to solar-powered communities.

The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for each village, prepared by the Model Solar Village Implementing Agency (MSVIA), will outline the solar technologies to be deployed, such as community solar plants, solar-powered equipment for livelihood generation, and solar public lighting. Public projects may receive up to 100% of the project cost, while projects supporting collectives will require at least a 10% contribution from beneficiaries.

Monitoring and Evaluation

The District Level Committee will oversee the implementation of the scheme, ensuring that the projects are completed within one year. Funds will be released in stages: 40% upon award of the works, 40% after completion and certification, and 20% after six months of operation. The MSVIA will be responsible for managing the funds and ensuring that the village meets its energy needs sustainably.