Goal to install solar panels in 2 L houses in NTR district
Vijayawada: Vijayawada MP Kesineni alias Chinni and NTR district Collector Dr G. Lakshmisha, in an effort to alleviate the burden of electricity bill payments, asked the public to take advantage of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli scheme. To create awareness about the scheme, a rally was organised on Tuesday which was led by Chinni and Lakshmisha which started from NTR Circle and concluded at the Guru Nanak Colony in Vijayawada city.
Chinni explained that the Central government is implementing the scheme to reduce electricity costs for the public. He mentioned that by installing solar panels at very low costs, beneficiaries can generate free electricity for their household needs, instead of paying electricity bills which would result in significant financial benefits. He further explained that a 3 kW solar panel system worth Rs 2 lakh can be installed for Rs 78,000 with government subsidies and the remaining amount can be availed as a low-interest bank loan.
Chinni stated that the system can provide free solar electricity for up to 20 years. A 3 kW system can generate up to 300 units of electricity per month and any excess can be sold to the grid to earn income.
Dr Lakshmisha highlighted that the goal is to install solar panels in 2 lakh houses in the district, making it a top-performing region. He added that more than 1 lakh beneficiaries are expected to receive loans from banks and around 800 people have already applied for loans and over 700 of them have paid their 10% share. He stated that the beneficiaries who receive loans can use the free solar electricity to save on electricity bills and repay the loan.
The collector urged banks to process loan applications promptly without delay and mentioned that nearly 70,000 beneficiaries have already registered for solar panels. Self-help groups, especially women, have been actively registering for the scheme. He encouraged the public to adopt solar energy to contribute to a pollution-free, environmentally sustainable society.
VMC commissioner HM Dhyana Chandra, VMC additional commissioner Dr D. Chandrashekhar and other officials participated.
