- Goa Vinamulya Vij Scheme has been withdrawn due to no solar rooftop installations and financial concerns.
- The focus is now on the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which offers good subsidies and a sustainable financial plan.
- The goal is to install 21,200 solar rooftop plants generating 65 MW by 2027 under the new PM Surya Ghar scheme in Goa.
Goa has decided to stop the Goa Vinamulya Vij Scheme and focus on the PM Surya Ghar scheme Goa. This change shows the state’s effort to promote renewable energy more effectively. The older state scheme saw no solar rooftop installations. Now, with the benefits and subsidies under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, many residents can enjoy lower electricity bills and help create a greener Goa.
Why the Goa Vinamulya Vij Scheme is Being Stopped
The Goa government told the State Legislative Assembly that the Goa Vinamulya Vij Scheme will be stopped mainly because no solar rooftop systems were installed under it. Even though the scheme promised zero electricity bills, free rooftop solar systems up to 5KW for homes using over 400 units a month, and full power bill waivers for ten years, people did not take it up.
Ramakrishna Dhavalikar, Minister for New and Renewable Energy, said that since there were no installations, the government did not face any financial issues. But, the scheme also failed to make the impact it was meant to. So, the government chose to end this scheme without making changes or offering a direct replacement.
Features and Reasons Why the Goa Vinamulya Vij Scheme Failed
The scheme was planned to help residents by fully covering the cost of solar rooftop installation for homes using more than 400 units a month. It included 100% funding by the state for rooftop systems up to 5KW and a 10-year power bill waiver, which looked attractive on paper. However, it failed because of limited awareness, possible administrative problems, or lack of promotion, leading to no actual installations.
Shift to the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
Instead of the withdrawn scheme, Goa is now working with the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PM-SGMBY), a national scheme that offers a more financially balanced plan for solar rooftop setups. This change aims to lower the state’s financial load while giving more benefits to residents.
Subsidies and Advantages under the PM Surya Ghar Scheme Goa
Under the PM Surya Ghar scheme Goa, homes installing a 3 KW solar system can get subsidies between Rs 1,80,000 to Rs 2,00,000. The Central Government provides Rs 78,000, and the State Government adds another 30% subsidy to support the beneficiaries.
Plus, the electricity produced by these rooftop solar systems is bought by the government, creating a situation where consumers earn financial returns and the overall renewable energy capacity grows.
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This plan reduces the state’s financial burden compared to the old Goa scheme, which fully funded installations and waived power bills for 10 years, putting more pressure on state funds.
Goals and Future Plans for Solar Rooftop Installations in Goa
Goa government had first planned to install 10 MW of rooftop solar by 2025 under the Goa Vinamulya Vij Scheme with a budget of Rs 35 crore. With its withdrawal, the goal has changed.
Now, under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, Goa plans to set up about 21,200 solar rooftop plants by 2027. This will create around 65 MW of green energy, greatly supporting the state’s clean energy targets.
This challenging goal will not only help Goa cut its carbon footprint but also help residents by increasing their access to sustainable energy.