AP directs DISCOMs to accelerate solar rooftop installations under PM Surya Ghar

Andhra Pradesh has emerged as one of the leading states in implementing the central government’s flagship PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY), with officials now directed to accelerate the installation of rooftop solar systems across the state. At a video-conference review meeting held on Thursday, Special Chief Secretary (Energy) K. Vijayanand reiterated the commitment to promote clean energy and ensure timely disbursement of Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to all eligible beneficiaries.

The PM SGMBY, launched by the Union government, aims to provide up to 300 units of free electricity every month to households that install rooftop solar units. It is part of India’s broader push to expand renewable energy capacity and reduce dependence on conventional power sources. According to officials, the scheme also helps consumers lower their electricity expenses.

As of August 4, a total of 4,11,915 rooftop solar systems have been installed in the state. Of these, 2,78,438 systems were uploaded on the national portal, while another 1,33,477 systems were physically installed under the SC/ST Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) model and are pending for upload. The state government has set a target of installing 5,99,105 rooftop solar systems with a cumulative capacity of 1,198.21 MW for SC and ST consumers. Materials have been supplied for 3,01,524 systems, and 2,27,549 installations have been completed on the ground.

The ULA model is designed to accelerate adoption by aggregating demand and using a utility-led approach for procurement and installation, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness. Officials noted that the model has been instrumental in reaching out to SC/ST households across the state.

Among the three power distribution companies (DISCOMs), SPDCL is leading with 47% progress, followed by CPDCL at 35% and EPDCL at 32%. Mr. Vijayanand instructed the DISCOMs to resolve all implementation-related issues on a priority basis. He also emphasised that easy access to low-cost loans is critical for the success of the programme. He called for proper coordination between DISCOMs, district collectors, lead banks, and financial institutions to ensure that eligible consumers can readily avail of solar loans.

The review meeting was part of the state’s ongoing efforts to monitor the implementation of the central scheme. Mr. Vijayanand stressed that Andhra Pradesh should make its mark as the best-performing state in the country under the PM Surya Ghar scheme. He directed officials to take all necessary measures to achieve this objective.

With over 4.11 lakh installations, Andhra Pradesh has secured a place among the top four states in the country, reflecting the effective implementation of the scheme. The meeting was attended by DISCOM CMDs L. Siva Sankar, I. Prudhvitej, and P. Pulla Reddy, along with NREDCAP Managing Director M. Kamalakar Babu and other senior officials.