Erode Urges Solar Switch As Homes Save ₹15,000 Yearly
Erode district is seeing a growing push for clean energy as local authorities urge residents to take advantage of the Prime Minister’s Surya Ghar rooftop solar scheme. District collector S Kandasamy recently visited homes with rooftop panels and appealed to citizens to utilise the scheme’s central and state subsidies to reduce electricity bills and embrace sustainable living.
The scheme, launched in Erode on February 29, 2024, through the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO), aims to help households shift to solar energy with significant financial backing. Subsidies offered include ₹30,000 for 1 kW, ₹60,000 for 2 kW, and ₹78,000 for 3 kW or more. These amounts are directly transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account within a week of installation, according to the collector. Residents are already witnessing the economic benefits. M Sadhana, a homeowner in NGGO Colony, said she installed a 3 kW rooftop solar system for ₹2 lakh and received the ₹78,000 subsidy within a week. “Our electricity bill used to be ₹1,800 every two months. Now, it’s just ₹300. We’re saving nearly ₹15,000 annually thanks to this scheme,” she said. The system allows her household to generate enough power for daily needs, with solar panels expected to last around 27 years and requiring minimal maintenance.
Officials estimate that 1 kW of rooftop solar panels can produce 4–5 units of electricity daily and help reduce monthly electricity use by 250–300 units every two months. This makes the scheme a long-term investment for residents keen on reducing expenses and supporting Tamil Nadu’s renewable energy transition. The district administration is actively encouraging wider participation through awareness drives and home visits. Collector Kandasamy stressed the programme’s potential to create a “greener and brighter future” while easing the financial burden on families through reduced electricity bills.
The district administration is also focusing on simplifying the application and installation process to ensure more inclusive participation, particularly from middle-income and lower-income households. Officials are coordinating with authorised vendors to streamline rooftop assessments, technical approvals, and timely disbursal of subsidies. Awareness camps and ward-level outreach efforts are being conducted to ensure residents understand the cost benefits, environmental impact, and minimal upkeep required for solar installations. By prioritising accessibility and ease of adoption, Erode aims to scale up residential solar energy use and contribute to Tamil Nadu’s broader climate and energy security goals.
