Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana

Context (IE): Prime Minister launched the Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana.
Under the scheme, one crore households will receive rooftop solar power systems.
In 2014, the government launched the Rooftop Solar Programme with a goal of 40 GW by 2022. This target was extended to 2026 as it could not be achieved on time.
The new scheme, Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana, is an effort to reach the 40 GW rooftop solar capacity goal.

One gigawatt (GW)= 1,000 megawatts, One megawatt= 1,000 kilowatts, One kilowatts= 1,000 watts.

Rooftop solar panels are the photovoltaic panels installed on the roof of a building which is connected to main power supply unit.

Rooftop Solar Programme

It was launched in 2014 and aims to increase India’s rooftop solar capacity in residential areas.
It provides financial assistance and incentives to distribution companies (DISCOMs) and individuals.
The goal is to achieve 40 GW of rooftop solar capacity by March 2026, currently in its second phase.
Due to the program, rooftop solar has increased from 1.8 GW (2019) to 10.4 GW (2023).
Consumers can avail benefits of the scheme through DISCOM tendered projects or the National Portal.

Total Solar Capacity (GW)	Rooftop Solar Capacity (GW)
73.31 (as of Dec 2023)	11.08 (as of Dec 2023)
Rajasthan leads in total solar capacity with 18.7 GW, followed by Gujarat at 10.5 GW.	Gujarat is in the lead with 2.8 GW, and Maharashtra follows with 1.7 GW.
India’s current renewable energy capacity stands at around 180 GW.

India is the 3rd largest energy-consuming country in the world.
India is the 5th largest solar country in the world. (REN21 Renewables 2022 Global Status Report).
- China– 430 GW>USA-141.8 GW>Japan>Germany>India(72.3GW).
India stands 4th globally in
- Renewable Energy Installed Capacity (including Large Hydro)
- Wind Power capacity

India’s Renewable Energy Capacity (2023)

Nuclear energy is a clean energy but not renewable. Nuclear fuels, such as the element uranium, are a finite material mined from the ground and can only be found in specific locations.

Rising Energy Demand: India’s energy supply is set to rise from 42 exajoules (EJ) in 2022 to 53.7 EJ in 2030 and 73 EJ in 2050. (International Energy Agency (IEA) latest World Energy Outlook).
Diversification of Energy Sources: Dependence on traditional sources like coal is not sustainable in the long term.
Environmental Benefits: Solar energy is a clean and green source of power, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Self-Reliance in Energy: India already imports around 40% of its primary energy. By expanding its solar capacity, India aims to reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Global Commitments: India, at COP26, has pledged to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030.

By 2047, India aims to become an energy-independent nation through a mix of electric mobility, CNG & piped natural gas, 20% ethanol blending & green hydrogen production.
The country also aims to achieve 90% of its energy from renewable sources.

Job Creation: As the solar sector expands, it creates jobs in manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and related fields, contributing to economic growth.
Reduction of Power Deficits: Solar energy projects can be deployed in various regions, including remote and off-grid areas. This helps address power deficits in certain areas.

Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) for National Programme on High-Efficiency Solar PV Modules.
Solar Park Scheme, designed to establish 50 Solar Parks of 500 MW and above.
PM-KUSUM aimed to achieve solar power capacity addition of 30.8 GW by March 2026.
Rooftop Solar Programme for the residential sector.
Off-grid Solar PV Applications Programme for rural areas.
International Solar Alliance (ISA).
Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana.