300 Units Of Free Electricity Every Month
Context:
Recently, the Prime Minister assures 300 Units Of Free Electricity Every Month For Citizens Under PM Surya Ghar Yojana.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Government policies and interventions)
Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana:
- It is a rooftop solar scheme for free electricity.
- The scheme aims to light up 1 crore households by providing up to 300 units of free electricity every month.
- The central government aims to give substantive subsidies, which will be given directly to people’s bank accounts, and heavily concessional bank loans to reduce the cost burden on people.
- Stakeholders from all sectors will be integrated into a National Online Portal.
- Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats shall be incentivised to promote rooftop solar systems in their jurisdictions just so penetration occurs at the grassroot levels.
- The scheme is expected to generate more income, lower power bills and provide employment for people.
Other related Initiatives:
- National Solar Mission
- Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM)
- SRISTI Scheme
- Solar Park Scheme
- Rooftop Solar Scheme
- International Solar Alliance
Solar Energy: Functionality and Application
- The immense energy emitted by the sun in the form of electromagnetic radiation serves as a potent renewable resource. Solar technologies employ diverse methodologies to harness this abundant energy reserve.
- Solar energy extraction primarily occurs through two avenues:
- Direct conversion to electricity via photovoltaics.
- Indirect generation of electricity by harnessing heat from the sun’s rays.
- Utilization: Solar technologies exhibit scalability and adaptability. They can power entire urban centers through expansive solar farms, deliver electricity to remote regions via decentralized setups, and illuminate residences and commercial structures by integrating rooftop solar panels.
- For instance, Cochin International Airport serves as an exemplary case.
- Significance:
- Diminished dependence on dwindling fossil fuels.
- Carbon emission mitigation.
- Enhanced air quality.
- Advanced energy accessibility and security.
