Solar flare: How simple fixes can turn PMSGMBY into a game changer

With summers growing hotter, there is an urgent need for India to lower its dependence on thermal power

Given India’s relatively low solar-power generation and high dependence on thermal, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY), announced in February last year, was seen as a potential game changer. Under the scheme, which aims to supply solar power to 10 million homes by March 2027, residential households are eligible for a subsidy of ₹30,000 for a 1 kilowatt (Kw) system, ₹60,000 for 2 Kw, and ₹78,000 for 3 Kw and beyond. Households benefit from lower electricity bills and can sell excess power back to the grid. All factors for the success of this scheme were in place. It