A rooftop solar beneficiary in Mokokchung has reported a reduction in monthly electricity bills from Rs 1,700 to Rs 230 after installing a solar system at home, as the Department of Power stepped up awareness and registration drives under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana across Nagaland.
The beneficiary, Asung Jamir, said he installed the rooftop solar system in July and received the subsidy within two months. He also stated that the installation process took approximately one and a half days.
Another beneficiary in Mokokchung reported a significant reduction in the household’s consumption of cooking gas and firewood following the installation of rooftop solar, adding that solar power had made it easier to use an induction cooker.
The experiences were shared during the launch of the Seva Setu Abhiyan under the rooftop solar scheme in Mokokchung on October 14. Similar awareness programmes and registration facilities were organised in Kohima and Longleng to inform residents about the scheme’s benefits, eligibility requirements and application procedures.
In Kohima, the Department of Power is conducting a three-day camp at Secretariat Junction from October 14 to 16 to promote rooftop solar installations and assist eligible residential consumers with registration, applications and installation guidance.
Principal Secretary, Power, Dr KD Vizo, ITS, urged citizens to take advantage of the scheme, highlighting the available central and state subsidies, banking facilities and potential savings on electricity costs. He said greater public awareness was necessary to encourage wider adoption of solar energy.
Vizo also highlighted the potential for solar power to reduce the government’s expenditure on power purchases while enabling consumers to benefit from excess electricity generation. He referred to the availability of on-grid, off-grid and hybrid solar systems.
Chief Engineer, D&R, Er Lobosang Jamir, said eligible consumers could receive subsidies of up to Rs 85,800 from the Government of India and Rs 50,000 from the State Government, amounting to a combined maximum of Rs 1,35,800, subject to applicable eligibility conditions. He encouraged residents to visit the camp for on-the-spot registration and guidance.
In Longleng, the Electrical Department organised an awareness program at the DPDB Hall on October 14. Executive Engineer Temjensangba CTN explained the rooftop solar scheme and how excess electricity generated during the day is fed into the grid for use under the applicable arrangements.
Empanelled rooftop solar vendor representative Shilunaro Jamir of M/s Shan Enterprises explained the application, approval and installation processes, including the timeline for the release of the subsidy to beneficiaries.
C Mhaden Yanthan, representing the State Bank of India, briefed participants on loan facilities for rooftop solar installations. He clarified that beneficiaries must claim the subsidy individually through the designated portal rather than through the bank. He also outlined the loan limit, eligibility age and repayment tenure described during the programme.
In Mokokchung, SDO (Civil) Ajay Moktan, IAS, inaugurated the campaign at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office Compound. He highlighted the benefits of rooftop solar in reducing household electricity expenses and said more than 26 vendors were empanelled in the state to assist consumers with installation.
Moktan also urged residents to adopt solar energy and spread awareness about the scheme. Executive Engineer, Mokokchung Electrical Division, Er Chutsusie Thowachu, said rising energy demand due to population growth and increased use of machinery had created a need to explore alternative energy sources.
The Mokokchung camp is scheduled to provide registration and assistance at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office Complex from October 14 to 16, between 10 am and 2 pm.
The Seva Setu Abhiyan aims to improve public awareness and access to the rooftop solar scheme, which offers eligible residential households financial assistance for installing solar systems. Residents have been encouraged to visit the designated camps to obtain information on eligibility, subsidies, financing and installation.