12,000 households in Pachora taluka begin applying for smart rooftop solar scheme
Mahavitaran says 12,006 domestic consumers in its Pachora rural sub-division have started the process, and work has begun at about 1,800 to 1,850 homes.
The Centre and the state government are jointly running the smart rooftop solar scheme to cut domestic consumers' electricity bills and bring them down to zero. The scheme is drawing a good response in Pachora taluka.
Under Mahavitaran's Pachora rural sub-division, 12,000 consumers have begun the process of availing the 1 kW solar scheme. The process of installing solar systems has started at about 1,800 to 1,850 homes so far. Applications from the remaining consumers are being filled in.
The rural sub-division has five sections: Pimpalgaon Hareshwar, Varkhedi, Nandra, Lasgaon and Lohara. They cover about 45 to 46 villages with 18,500 domestic electricity consumers. Of these, 12,006 have taken the initiative to avail the government's smart rooftop solar scheme. Use of solar energy in the villages is therefore likely to grow.
For a 1 kW solar system, beneficiaries must pay an amount according to their category. Consumers in the BPL category will pay Rs 2,500. Consumers in the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories will pay Rs 5,000. Consumers in the OBC and general categories will pay Rs 10,000. The solar system is then installed at the consumer's home.
To avail the scheme, a consumer must first apply for 1 kW solar activation. The electricity bill and Aadhaar card are the main documents required. Once about ten applications have come in together, installation is begun through the vendor concerned. The process is expected to be completed in about eight to ten days. After the solar system is commissioned, its effect is directly visible on the electricity bill.
Consumers who use less than 100 units of electricity will also benefit from solar. Units accumulated from the electricity generated by solar and the electricity used are credited to the consumer. Mahavitaran has clarified that the scheme will be beneficial for domestic consumers with low consumption as well.
Consumers with higher electricity bills can install a 1 kW, 3 kW or 5 kW solar system according to their consumption. Heavy users too will thus have the option of solar energy to suit their needs.
