Uttar Pradesh secures second rank under PM Surya Ghar Yojana
Source:uniindia ↗
Why It Matters
UPPSC frequently asks factual questions on national rankings, UP's status under flagship central schemes, renewable energy targets, and clean energy statistics. Knowing UP's jump to the second position in rooftop solar is critical for Prelims.
Summary
Uttar Pradesh has achieved the second spot in India under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana by installing over 6.74 lakh residential rooftop solar systems, overtaking Maharashtra. Led by UPNEDA, the state now boasts 2.28 GW of residential solar capacity, which generates 3.8 billion units of clean energy annually, saves 9,000 acres of agricultural/developmental land, reduces 27 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, and provides livelihoods for over 85,000 people.
Key Points
- Uttar Pradesh has overtaken Maharashtra to secure the second position in India in residential rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
- Gujarat ranks first nationally with 7,49,839 installations, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 6,74,393, and Maharashtra with 6,73,717.
- Uttar Pradesh has installed approximately 2,283.8 MW (2.28 GW) of residential rooftop solar capacity, generating 3.8 billion units (kWh) of clean electricity annually.
- The initiative has generated over 85,000 direct and indirect jobs and has engaged more than 7,000 solar-related business establishments in the state.
- The residential rooftop solar model saves over 9,000 acres of land in UP compared to equivalent capacity ground-mounted solar systems.
- The program is preventing over 27 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually, supporting India's net-zero climate goals.
Important Terms
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
A central scheme launched in February 2024 to provide 1 crore households with up to 300 units of free monthly electricity by offering subsidies for residential rooftop solar installations.
UPSC context
GS-3: Infrastructure (Energy) and Government Schemes; tests understanding of India's decentralized solar energy policies and transition goals.
UPNEDA (Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency)
The state nodal agency under the Department of Additional Sources of Energy, responsible for implementing renewable energy projects, distributing solar subsidies, and driving energy conservation in Uttar Pradesh.
UPSC context
GS-3: Infrastructure (Energy) and State Initiatives; tests knowledge of local implementation agencies and cooperative federalism in solar deployment.
Net Metering
A billing mechanism that credits residential solar energy system owners for the excess electricity they feed back into the utility grid, lowering their net electricity consumption costs.
UPSC context
GS-3: Infrastructure and Technology; tests technical understanding of grid integration, pricing policies, and incentives for distributed renewable energy adoption.
Domestic Content Requirement (DCR)
A regulatory mandate specifying that solar cells and modules used in government-subsidized rooftop projects must be manufactured locally in India to boost domestic supply chains.
UPSC context
GS-3: Economic Development and Indigenization of Technology; tests comprehension of trade, manufacturing policies, and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives in green sectors.
Prelims Trap
PM Surya Ghar is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme providing 100% subsidy to make UP the top-ranking state.
It is a Central Sector Scheme (100% centrally funded) but the subsidy is strictly capped at 3 kW (max ₹78,000). Furthermore, Gujarat ranks first in installations, not UP.
Static Concepts Connected
What are the core features of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana?
- Target: Aims to provide up to 300 units of free electricity monthly to 1 crore households.
- Funding: It is a Central Sector Scheme administered by MNRE with a ₹75,021 crore outlay.
- Subsidy Cap: Central Financial Assistance (CFA) is provided up to ₹78,000, capped at a 3 kW capacity system.
- Financing: Beneficiaries can access concessional, collateral-free loans at around 7% interest for systems up to 3 kW.
How does 'Net Metering' work for rooftop solar systems?
- Definition: A billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid.
- Mechanism: Excess power generated during the day is exported to the grid, offsetting electricity consumed during the night.
- Regulation: State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) define the net metering regulations and tariffs for each state.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Land-neutral clean energy transition
Rooftop solar bypasses land acquisition hurdles common in ground-mounted solar, saving arable land and addressing the "Energy vs. Agriculture" land-use conflict in densely populated states like UP.
Decentralized generation and Discom health
Distributed generation reduces transmission and distribution (T&D) losses, aiding financially stressed DISCOMs while helping India achieve its NDC goal of 50% cumulative power capacity from non-fossil sources.
Expect a 2026 Prelims multi-statement question mixing PM Surya Ghar funding (Central Sector), 3kW subsidy caps, and net metering principles.
Linked PYQs · 3
Linked PYQs · 3
- 2021UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
With reference to 'NET - ZERO' goal for 2050, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It means that a country will bring down its emissions to zero by 2050. 2. It means that a country's emissions will be compensated by absorption and removal of green house gases from the atmosphere. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
- 2022UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Solar energy is converted into electric energy through
- 2023UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Which of the following scheme/s is/are related to Uttar Pradesh? (1) Anuthee Uphar Scheme (2) Matra Shakti Udyamita Scheme (3) Kaushalya Matritva Scheme (4) Stree Nidhi Scheme Select the 'correct' answer using the code given below -
