Govt sets target to install 21,200 rooftop solar systems by 2027

PANAJI

The Goa government has set a target of installing 21,200 solar rooftop systems across the State by 2027, aiming to generate 65 Megawatt (MW) of green energy under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PM-SGMBY).  

The central government has set a national target of 30 gigawatt (GW) rooftop solar capacity by 2027 under the same scheme.  

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant chaired a high-level meeting on Tuesday to review the progress of the scheme in Goa.  

According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the State aims to set up 21,200 rooftop solar systems by 2027 and produce 65 MW of clean energy. The government is also considering making rooftop solar systems compulsory for certain sectors.  

“Goa’s performance in PM-SGMBY is steadily progressing with Over 4,700 feasibility approvals, and installations generating 7.34 MW of solar power Released subsidies amounting to Rs 4.28 crores,” CMO said.  

At the meeting, the Chief Minister asked the Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) to promote large-scale rooftop solar installations in both new and existing buildings, including hotels, government offices, and housing complexes.  

Instructions were also given to reach out to poor and middle-income families, to make sure they can access affordable and sustainable energy.  

It was decided that old State schemes such as the Goa Vinamulya Vidyut Yojana (GVVYJ) would be phased out and merged into the PM-SGMBY. The earlier scheme, launched last year, aimed to provide zero electricity bills and free rooftop solar systems (up to 5KW) for homes using 400 units or less per month.  

The government had also announced that the electricity department would waive all charges on the power bill for 10 years.  

The meeting also agreed to speed up the onboarding of contractors who can take up rooftop solar work with a 25-year maintenance commitment.  

“This transformative initiative under PM-SGMBY reaffirms the commitment of the Government towards clean energy, sustainability, and Net Zero carbon goals,” CMO said.