An incredible achievement in achieving energy independence and caring for the environment has been achieved by the people of the Kashmir Valley with the monumental success that almost 10,000 homes have installed solar rooftop systems from the Government’s program Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana last year.
Kashmir is a rapidly growing region with nearly 39–40 megawatts installed capacity. While this figure alone can be overwhelming, it represents an enormous amount of sweeping, positive change in our communities.
The Surya Ghar Yojana has created an opportunity that brings together visionary government policy and the active involvement of Kashmiri citizens.
The Surya Ghar Yojana has been instrumental in enabling families to switch to solar energy by providing a very attractive subsidy and a simplified application and approval process. Therefore, solar technology has now become affordable for every family.
The primary motivating force behind this revolution in solar energy in Kashmir has come from the local population, homeowners, the business community, and farmers who see the benefits of both sustainable living and long-term economic savings.
For a region that experiences harsh winters and severe weather, the installation of a solar-powered home has contributed to the overall development of individual homes over time by establishing an example of what is possible through self-reliance and independence from traditional fossil fuels.
The solar energy systems installed in the region provide residents with an alternate and dependable source of clean energy that allows them to reduce their dependence on the power grid and provides a means for them to maintain a warm and well-lit home during peak demand periods and/or interruptions in service from the electrical utilities.
Electricity rates are continuing to decline and provide more income to people as their electricity payments decrease and they spend less on energy.
This initial investment will produce 30-50 years of essentially free energy and allow families to spend their household money elsewhere, thanks in part to government support.
This boom has created green jobs within the communities of installation, maintenance, and sales, and developed a new economic ecosystem.
The amazing rollout of this program demonstrates how focused beneficiary-centric programs can produce quick uptake and meaningful results. Hats off to the government officials as well as the ground teams that are facilitating the transition from a national vision to a local reality.
The currently installed capacity of 40 MW is a strong start, but is still a beginning.
The installed 40 MW of power opens the door to the next 10,000 homes, and 10,000 homes after that.
The installed capacity of 40 MW is also helping to encourage commercial businesses and other organizations to pursue the same goal, and it shows that development and sustainability do not only complement, but can work together fruitfully.
