Agartala: May 04: Tripura’s Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath has highlighted the financial and energy benefits of the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, stating that seventy consumers in the state have collectively earned ₹30,902 by utilizing solar power.
During a press conference at the Secretariat, Nath emphasized that subsidized solar plant installations under the scheme are helping electricity consumers reduce their power costs while also generating income by selling excess electricity. He noted that he personally has benefited from the initiative.
Recognizing electricity as an essential component of modern life, Nath reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on power generation, particularly through renewable sources. He explained that while Tripura primarily relies on gas-based power generation, declining gas reserves have made solar energy a crucial alternative.
The minister pointed out that power generation in Tripura has decreased due to insufficient gas supply, affecting key plants such as Palatana, Monarchak, and RC Nagar. He also noted that hydroelectric projects are not viable in the state, citing flood damage to the Gomati hydro project.
Nath stressed the importance of the PM Surya Ghar Yojana in expanding solar energy production. He shared that seventy consumers have already benefited financially from the scheme, with subsidies available for solar plant installations until March 2027.
Providing cost details, Nath stated that a 1 kW solar plant costs between ₹65,000 and ₹75,000, with a subsidy of ₹33,000. A 2 kW installation costs between ₹1.3 lakh and ₹1.55 lakh, with a ₹66,000 subsidy, while a 3 kW system costs between ₹1.9 lakh and ₹2.2 lakh, with a subsidy of ₹85,800.
As of May 1, 13,536 people had applied for solar plant installations, with 266 homes already equipped. An additional 60 installations have been completed but are awaiting updates in the portal. So far, 184 consumers have received subsidy payments, with remaining applications under processing.
To support those facing financial constraints, banks are offering loans for solar installations, with 95 consumers already receiving loans worth ₹16.67 lakh. The government aims to enroll 50,000 consumers under the scheme by March 2027, potentially generating 150 MW of solar power from consumer-owned plants.
Nath also announced that the electricity corporation is purchasing solar-generated power at ₹2.65 per unit and that the government has decided to install solar plants in all government offices across Tripura.
