Free solar plants for 50,000 more homes: Economically weaker and backward classes to benefit

KOCHI: Solar plants will be installed free of cost in 50,000 more houses of economically weaker and backward classes. This is under ANERT's Green Income Scheme (Green In Scheme). The cost is 1,500 crores. Of this, 600 crores is central subsidy. 900 crores is state share. The scheme was previously implemented in 1,700 houses.

Plants with a capacity of 2-3 kilowatts will be installed. The plants will be installed in houses under the Life Mission project, as well as in houses built through Punargaeham and those constructed under Scheduled Caste Department projects. It was earlier assessed that 43 of the 102 Scheduled Tribe (ST) settlements that lacked electricity were found to be feasible for on-grid electrification. Solar plants will be installed in these places as well.

Additional income from surplus electricity

The surplus electricity generated by solar plants under the Green In Scheme, after domestic use, can be given to KSEB. This can generate an additional income of Rs 5,000-6,000 per year. The scheme also provides free induction cookers to the beneficiaries, thereby reducing gas consumption.