Patna, August 16: In a major push towards renewable energy adoption, the Bihar government has rolled out a massive rooftop solar panel initiative aimed at both Kutir Jyoti (BPL) households and general domestic power consumers. Under the scheme, 58.89 lakh Kutir Jyoti consumers will be provided rooftop solar panels free of cost, while the remaining 1.30 crore domestic power consumers will receive government assistance to install solar panels at subsidized rates.
According to the Energy Department, each Kutir Jyoti household will be provided with a 1.1 KW capacity rooftop solar panel, with the entire cost borne through a combination of central and state government subsidies. The total cost of installation per unit will be ₹60,000. Out of this, ₹33,000 will be provided as subsidy under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, while the remaining ₹27,000 will be covered by the Bihar government. This ensures that Kutir Jyoti consumers will receive the panels at zero cost.
The scheme is expected to benefit nearly 1.89 crore domestic power consumers across Bihar. Of this, 58.89 lakh BPL households will receive 100% subsidy, while the other 1.30 crore households will also get substantial government assistance for the installation.
Energy Department Secretary and BSPHCL CMD Manoj Kumar Singh stated that the installation for all 58.89 lakh Kutir Jyoti households would cost around ₹16,000 crore, which will be met within two years from the subsidy funds already being provided by the government. Currently, the state spends around ₹8,000 crore annually on subsidies for Kutir Jyoti consumers, which will be redirected to cover this solar initiative.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, during a recent interaction with power consumers in a virtual outreach programme, emphasized the importance of solar adoption. He said, “The state government has been promoting solar energy usage across Bihar. Panels have already been installed on thousands of government buildings, and now we are extending the benefits of this scheme to all domestic consumers to ensure energy self-reliance.”
Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav had also stressed on the state’s commitment to green energy during the announcement of the cabinet’s decision to provide 125 units of free electricity last month. He said the government’s larger vision is to reduce dependence on conventional power and boost non-conventional, renewable sources, especially solar energy.
So far, Bihar has installed grid-connected solar plants in more than 12,000 government buildings under the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Mission, launched in 2019. The latest initiative aims to expand this effort to households, making the state a frontrunner in decentralized solar adoption.
The Bihar government has set an ambitious target to install rooftop solar panels for all domestic consumers, including Kutir Jyoti households, within three years. Officials say this will not only reduce the state’s electricity burden but also empower households with self-sufficient and sustainable energy solutions.
With this move, Bihar is positioning itself as a model state in green energy adoption, balancing social welfare with sustainable development.
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