Patna: “Solar energy for every household is a top government priority,” Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said as Bihar stepped up its rooftop solar drive with the launch of the Mukhyamantri Solar Protsahan Yojana, additional financial assistance for 25,000 PM Surya Ghar beneficiaries and a statewide awareness campaign through nine Solar Raths.
At an event held at the Urja Auditorium on September 22, the Chief Minister transferred the state government’s additional financial assistance to beneficiaries who have installed rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. He also flagged off nine Solar Rath vehicles to spread awareness about rooftop solar, available financial support and the installation process.
The state is also planning Solar Marts across all 534 blocks with the support of JEEViKA Didis, while incentives of ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh have been proposed for wards and Gram Panchayats showing strong performance in solar installation.
Up to ₹98,000 Assistance for Rooftop Solar
Under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, the Centre provides ₹30,000 for a 1 kW solar system, ₹60,000 for a 2 kW system and up to ₹78,000 for systems of 3 kW or above.
The Bihar government is providing additional assistance of ₹10,000 for 1 kW, ₹20,000 for 2 kW and up to ₹20,000 for systems of 3 kW or above.
With the central and state assistance combined, an eligible consumer can receive:
- 1 kW: Up to ₹40,000
- 2 kW: Up to ₹80,000
- 3 kW or above: Up to ₹98,000
The state government has already transferred its additional assistance to 25,000 beneficiaries as part of the latest initiative.
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Nine Solar Raths to Take the Message Across Bihar
To expand public awareness, the Chief Minister flagged off nine Solar Raths. These mobile awareness vehicles will travel to different parts of the state and provide information about rooftop solar, installation procedures and financial assistance.
The government wants panchayats, urban local bodies and JEEViKA Didis to become important partners in taking the solar campaign to households.
The Chief Minister also interacted with beneficiaries from Samastipur, Supaul, Munger and Nalanda to hear about their experiences with rooftop solar systems.
JEEViKA Didis to Drive Grassroots Awareness
A major part of Bihar’s strategy is the involvement of JEEViKA Didis, who are expected to help households understand the benefits and process of adopting solar energy.
An MoU was signed between electricity distribution companies and JEEViKA during the programme. The agreement will involve JEEViKA Didis in creating awareness about solar energy and encouraging rooftop solar adoption.
The MoU was exchanged by JEEViKA CEO Himanshu Sharma and South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited Managing Director Saurav Jorwal.
The Energy Department has also announced plans to establish Solar Marts in all 534 blocks of Bihar. JEEViKA Didis will receive training related to solar energy systems as part of the initiative.
Incentives for Wards and Panchayats
The government is also bringing local bodies into the solar campaign.
According to the state announcement, wards and Gram Panchayats performing well in solar installation will receive incentives ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh. The funds can be used for local development and awareness activities.
The initiative is intended to make solar adoption a community-level effort rather than limiting it to individual households.
Bihar Targets Solarisation of Agricultural Feeders
The solar push also extends to the agricultural sector.
Agricultural feeders are being connected to solar power to provide farmers with adequate electricity during daytime hours. Under the next phase of the PM-KUSUM scheme, Bihar has set a target of connecting the remaining around 2,500 agricultural feeders to solar energy.
The government has also set a target related to 8.40 lakh farmers’ electricity connections being connected with solar energy.
The move is part of Bihar’s broader effort to increase renewable-energy use while meeting the state’s growing electricity requirements.
20,000 MW Capacity Planned for Growing Power Demand
Alongside rooftop solar, the state is preparing its electricity infrastructure for higher future demand.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said Bihar’s electricity requirement is expected to rise with industrial activity and the arrival of new industrial units. The government is therefore working to strengthen transmission and power infrastructure to support requirements corresponding to 20,000 MW of capacity in the coming years.
The focus includes strengthening the transmission network so that industries can receive reliable and quality power as investment and economic activity increase.
Solar Stalls and Children’s Green-Energy Campaign
The programme venue also featured 22 stalls set up by solar vendors and banks. Visitors can get information about rooftop solar systems, installation, financial assistance and loan facilities. The stalls will remain open on September 23 and 24.
A ‘Theme Solar’ painting activity also brought schoolchildren into the campaign. Students created paintings around solar energy, clean energy, environmental protection and a greener future.
Participants included students from Government Middle School, Dheerchakra, Government Middle School, Amartola, Notre Dame Academy, Carmel High School, Don Bosco Academy and DAV School.
Solar Energy as a Wider Development Push
Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Vijendra Prasad Yadav also highlighted the potential of solar energy to provide cleaner and more affordable power while helping Bihar address rising electricity demand.
Energy Department Secretary-cum-Chairman and Managing Director of Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited Ajay Yadav said the department is working on a time-bound plan to expand the reach of the PM Surya Ghar scheme.
The latest measures combine financial assistance, awareness campaigns, local-body incentives, JEEViKA participation and block-level Solar Marts. Together, these initiatives are designed to take rooftop solar beyond individual installations and create wider participation in Bihar’s clean-energy expansion.
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