Consider the following statements about 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana': I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector. II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels. III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling, and up-skilling, under scheme component of capacity building. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Contents13
- AI and II only
- BI and III only
- CII and III only
- DI, II and III
Show answer
Answer: (D) I, II and III
(I) 'Targets 1 crore solar rooftop panels in residential sector' — CORRECT.
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was launched on February 15, 2024, with the ambitious target of installing rooftop solar panels on 1 crore (10 million) households.
The scheme provides subsidies for residential rooftop solar installations, aiming to provide free electricity of up to 300 units per month to households. ✓
(II) 'Training on solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels' — CORRECT.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has included a training component to build capacity at grassroot levels.
This includes training local technicians, electricians, and community members on how to install, operate, maintain, and repair rooftop solar systems.
This ensures sustainable long-term operation of the installations. ✓
(III) 'Aims to create 3 lakh+ skilled manpower' — CORRECT.
The scheme includes a capacity building component that aims to create more than 3 lakh (300,000) skilled workers through fresh skilling and up-skilling programs.
These workers would handle installation, maintenance, and repair of solar rooftop systems across the country. ✓
All three statements correctly describe the scheme's components. Answer is (d).
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was launched in February 2024 with a target of 1 crore rooftop solar installations, making it a major current affairs topic for 2025 exams.
The scheme represents India's push toward renewable energy self-reliance and decentralized power generation at the household level.
UPSC is testing whether students know the specific numerical targets and implementation details of this flagship renewable energy scheme.
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
Indian Economy PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana one crore solar rooftop panels three lakhs skilled manpower
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Solar Rooftop Revolution
Launched February 15, 2024 targeting 1 crore households with rooftop solar
Provides up to 300 units free electricity per month to beneficiaries
Creates 3 lakh+ skilled workers through capacity building programs
Includes grassroot training for installation, operation and maintenance
Scheme Overview
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is India's flagship residential solar program launched in 2024. It aims to make every household energy-independent while creating massive employment in the renewable energy sector.
Key Targets & Components
Component | Target/Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
Rooftop Installation | 1 crore households | Free electricity up to 300 units/month |
Skill Development | 3 lakh+ workers | Fresh skilling & up-skilling programs |
Grassroot Training | Local technicians & electricians | Installation, operation, maintenance expertise |
Sector Focus | Residential only | Household energy security & savings |
Implementation Strategy
MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy) is the nodal ministry for execution
Subsidies provided directly to households for rooftop solar panel installation
Training programs conducted at grassroot levels to ensure local capacity
Focus on sustainable long-term operation through skilled local workforce
Question Connection
All three statements in the PYQ are correct - the scheme targets 1 crore installations, includes grassroot training by MNRE, and aims to create 3+ lakh skilled workers. This tests knowledge of recent renewable energy initiatives.
Don't confuse with PM-KUSUM scheme which targets agricultural solar pumps, not residential rooftops
February 15, 2024 launch date - recent scheme, expect more questions on implementation details
MNRE is the implementing ministry, not Ministry of Power or Rural Development
Rooftop Solar Systems
Science And Technology solar rooftop panels installation, operation, maintenance
Rooftop Solar Technology: Components & Benefits
Grid-connected systems allow excess power sale back to grid via net metering
Typical residential system ranges 1-10 kW capacity depending on roof space
25-year lifespan with minimal maintenance requirements
System Components
# Rooftop Solar System
## Solar Panels
- Photovoltaic cells
- Monocrystalline/Polycrystalline
- 25-year warranty
## Power Conditioning
- Inverter (DC to AC)
- Monitoring system
- Safety switches
## Grid Integration
- Net meter
- Grid synchronization
- Power evacuation
## Support Structure
- Mounting rails
- Roof penetration
- Weather protectionInstallation Process
%%{init: {"flowchart": {"wrappingWidth": 460}}}%%
flowchart TD
s1["`**Site Assessment**
Roof condition, area, shading analysis`"]
s2["`**System Design**
Capacity calculation, component selection`"]
s3["`**Approvals**
Electricity board clearance, net metering`"]
s4["`**Installation**
Mounting, wiring, inverter setup`"]
s5["`**Commissioning**
Testing, grid connection, monitoring setup`"]
s1 --> s2
s2 --> s3
s3 --> s4
s4 --> s5Training Requirements
Installation skills: Electrical wiring, mounting techniques, safety protocols
Operation knowledge: System monitoring, performance optimization, troubleshooting
Maintenance expertise: Panel cleaning, inverter servicing, component replacement
Repair capabilities: Fault diagnosis, component testing, grid synchronization issues
Renewable Energy Skill Development
Indian Economy skilled manpower capacity building
Green Jobs & Skill Development in Renewable Energy
Fresh skilling for new entrants, up-skilling for existing workers
India targets 50 crore skilled workers by 2025 across all sectors via Skill India
Renewable energy sector can create 3.4 crore jobs by 2030 globally
Skill Categories in Solar Sector
Skill Level | Job Roles | Training Duration | Key Competencies |
|---|---|---|---|
Basic | Panel cleaner, Helper | 1-2 weeks | Safety, basic maintenance |
Skilled | Solar technician, Installer | 3-6 months | Electrical work, system assembly |
Advanced | System designer, Project manager | 6-12 months | Design software, project coordination |
Expert | Engineer, Quality auditor | Graduate + certification | Technical analysis, standards compliance |
Training Infrastructure
Grassroot training centers established in districts with high solar potential
Public-private partnerships with solar companies for practical training
Certification programs aligned with National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF)
Women participation encouraged through targeted skill development programs
Capacity Building Process
%%{init: {"flowchart": {"wrappingWidth": 460}}}%%
flowchart TD
s1["`**Needs Assessment**
Identify skill gaps in target regions`"]
s2["`**Curriculum Design**
Theory + practical modules for different levels`"]
s3["`**Trainer Training**
Master trainers certified at state/district level`"]
s4["`**Implementation**
Batch-wise training with industry exposure`"]
s5["`**Placement Support**
Job linkages with solar companies`"]
s1 --> s2
s2 --> s3
s3 --> s4
s4 --> s53 lakh workers specifically under PM Surya Ghar - don't mix with broader Skill India targets
Training covers installation + operation + maintenance + repairs - all four components tested
Grassroot level training emphasizes local capacity building, not centralized programs