Mehli to Become Model Solar Village Under PM Surya Ghar Scheme
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₹1 Crore Incentive Announced
Shimla, April 06 : Mehli Gram Panchayat in Shimla district has been selected as a Model Solar Village under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, with an incentive of ₹1 crore to be awarded for its achievement.
The decision was taken during a district-level review meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap. Out of ten panchayats shortlisted earlier—including Tyal, Chakkdail, Datt Nagar, Kitbari, Parech, Shingla, Sarahan, Kumarsain, Baunda, and Mehli—only Mehli successfully completed all formalities within the stipulated deadline of February 28, 2026.
Officials informed that under the scheme, 657 applications have been received in the district so far. Installation has been completed in 231 cases, generating a total capacity of 803 kW solar power. Out of these, 204 beneficiaries have already received subsidies.
The Deputy Commissioner stressed the need to increase awareness and public participation, stating that the scheme has the potential to empower households by promoting solar energy adoption. Panchayats will receive a one-time incentive of ₹1,000 for each rooftop solar installation.
Under the scheme, the Panchayat with the highest number of rooftop solar installations is selected as a Model Solar Village and awarded ₹1 crore to promote energy self-reliance and renewable energy adoption in rural areas.
Launched by the Central Government on February 29, 2024, the PM Surya Ghar scheme aims to boost rooftop solar capacity and enable households to generate their own electricity. It offers a subsidy of up to 60% for systems up to 2 kW and 40% for additional capacity up to 3 kW, with a maximum subsidy of around ₹85,000.
The scheme is being implemented in Himachal Pradesh by HIMURJA in coordination with the State Electricity Department. Eligible applicants must be Indian citizens with a suitable rooftop and a valid electricity connection, and should not have availed any prior solar subsidy.
Grid-connected rooftop solar systems help reduce electricity bills, utilize unused roof space, and improve grid efficiency, with a 1 kW plant generating approximately 3–4 units of electricity per day.
