Push for rooftop solar gains momentum as Himachal village meets all eligibility criteria ahead of deadline
In a significant boost to India’s decentralized renewable energy push, Mehli Gram Panchayat in Shimla district has been selected for development as a model solar village under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
The announcement was made by Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap during a district-level review meeting held on Monday reports The Tribune .
Mehli Emerges as Top Performer
According to district officials, Mehli was the only panchayat to complete all formalities within the stipulated deadline of February 28, 2026. As a result, it will receive a financial incentive of ₹1 crore, positioning it as a benchmark for solar adoption in the region.
The recognition underscores the growing role of local governance in accelerating India’s clean energy transition, especially through community-driven rooftop solar initiatives.
Strong Uptake of Rooftop Solar in Shimla
Data shared during the review meeting indicates encouraging progress under the scheme in Shimla district:
- 657 applications received so far
- 231 solar installations completed
- 803 kW of solar capacity generated
- 204 beneficiaries received subsidies
Officials confirmed that inspections have been completed for all installed projects, ensuring compliance and quality assurance.
Incentives Driving Adoption
To further scale adoption, the administration is promoting financial incentives at both household and panchayat levels. Panchayats are eligible for a one-time incentive of ₹1,000 per rooftop solar installation, aimed at encouraging grassroots participation.
Authorities have urged local representatives to intensify awareness campaigns to maximize enrollment and ensure more villages benefit from the scheme.
Scheme Details and Eligibility
Approved by the Government of India in February 2024, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana aims to expand rooftop solar capacity across residential households.
Key benefits include:
- 60% subsidy for solar systems up to 2 kW
- 40% subsidy for additional capacity between 2–3 kW
- Maximum subsidy of ₹85,000 for systems up to 3 kW
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be Indian citizens
- Own a house with a suitable rooftop for solar installation
- Have a valid electricity connection
- Not have availed any prior solar subsidy
A Step Toward Energy Independence
The selection of Mehli as a model solar village reflects a broader shift toward localized clean energy solutions. By enabling households to generate their own electricity, the scheme not only reduces dependence on conventional power sources but also strengthens energy resilience in hill regions.
As Himachal Pradesh scales up rooftop solar deployment, Mehli’s success could serve as a replicable model for other panchayats across India.