“The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY) subsidy makes rooftop solar affordable and easy to install, and residents of Ujjain should utilise it to reduce their electricity bills while also greening the environment”, said Mr Mukesh Tatwal, Mayor of Ujjain.
Tatwal was speaking as the Chief Guest on the inaugural day of Ujjain Saur Urja Mela, a two-day event that brings together consumers, industry experts, academicians, and government officials, aiming to disseminate information about PMSGMBY and motivate people to adopt solar energy.
Ms Kalavati Yadav, Chairperson, Ujjain Municipal Corporation, who was a Special Guest at the event, also urged people to make full use of the PMSGMBY subsidy and said that “this mela can help fulfil Ujjain’s dream of becoming a solar energy hub.”
The highlight of the fair was a stall by the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), where consumers got an opportunity to assess the solar potential of their rooftops through the Rooftop Solar Explorer (RTSE) tool. Through this smart tool, consumers got to know how suitable their rooftop is for solar energy generation. They could also calculate the capacity utilisation factor and the payback period for the upfront investment. This exercise gave consumers an idea of the number of years in which they would receive the financial benefits of adopting solar energy and how efficient would this energy generation capacity be.
To help consumers, electricity distribution companies (DISCOM) also put up stalls, where queries on net metering and electricity bills were addressed and technical issues regarding solar energy were resolved. Along with this, guidance was provided on Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, including its overall benefits, subsidy amount, application process, and steps for solar panel installation.
Then there were stalls by solar vendors, where detailed information on rooftop solar panels, battery storage, solar inverters, and the latest solar technologies was available. Stalls were also set up by banks, where consumers were provided information on loans, EMI schemes, and subsidy options for solar panel installation.
The first day of the fair saw many engaging activities being organised especially for consumers. These included a student project exhibition showcasing innovative solar projects and models; an interactive quiz competition where youngsters answered questions on solar energy; and consumer workshops where information on net metering and inverter technology was provided, along with practical tips for adopting solar energy.
After a successful first day, the Ujjain Saur Urja Mela will continue on Sunday, June 15. On this day, more interesting and useful information will be available for consumers and stakeholders, besides expert consultations, and display of the latest solar products. Residents should take advantage of the fair and get inspired for adopting renewable energy
