Ludhiana Leads the Way in Solar Adoption with 771 Households Switching to Renewable Energy in 2024
The environment and an eagerness to adopt sustainable solutions, 771 households in Ludhiana have switched to solar energy in 2024. This significant shift is part of the government’s efforts to encourage renewable energy adoption across India, particularly through the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana (PM-SGY), launched on February 13 last year.
The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has played a central role in this transformation, having disbursed ₹3.3 crore in subsidies to make solar panel installations more accessible to homeowners. These subsidies, ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹78,000 depending on the capacity of the installed systems, have been a game-changer for many families. For instance, a household generating 1 kW of solar power receives a subsidy of ₹30,000, while those generating 2 kW and 3 kW can avail subsidies of ₹60,000 and ₹78,000, respectively. This financial assistance has significantly reduced the upfront cost of solar panel installations, making the transition to solar more affordable for a wider demographic. The popularity of the PM-SGY scheme is evident in the 823 applications received by PSPCL, with 771 of them resulting in successful installations. As the installation process requires a thorough check of the house’s roof space and structural suitability, it ensures that only those homes that are suitable for solar energy benefit from the program.
Among the various regions in Ludhiana, the West Circle, which includes areas such as Aggar Nagar and Janta Nagar, has received the highest subsidy disbursement, totalling ₹1.38 crore. Other regions, including the Sub-Urban Circle, Khanna Circle, and City East, have also seen substantial subsidy allocations. In addition, ₹27 lakh in subsidies are currently being processed, indicating that the adoption of solar energy is set to continue growing. The benefits of solar power go beyond cost savings. As Swati Sharma, a resident of Shimlapuri, shared, her family has seen a dramatic reduction in their electricity bills. “Traditional electricity costs ₹7 per unit, but solar-generated power costs just ₹1.5 per unit. The savings have allowed me to allocate money to other priorities,” she said. This affordability is one of the driving forces behind the rapid adoption of solar power across Ludhiana. Ajay Kumar, a resident of Janta Nagar, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how government subsidies had eased his initial concerns about the cost of solar energy. The growing trend of solar adoption in Ludhiana is not just a financial benefit; it is also contributing to the city’s environmental sustainability.
With more homes transitioning to solar power, the pressure on the power grid has eased, especially during peak demand periods like summer when the demand for electricity surges. Last year, Ludhiana experienced a 40% increase in power demand during the heatwave, underlining the importance of expanding renewable energy capacity to meet such demands and avoid power shortages. This shift towards solar energy is expected to continue, especially with the growing awareness of the environmental and economic advantages of renewable energy sources. As more households embrace solar power, Ludhiana is becoming a model for other cities across India in adopting clean energy solutions. With the scheme set to run until March 2027, the momentum for solar energy adoption in Ludhiana is likely to keep building. As the city continues to invest in sustainable energy, it also sets a positive example for the nation, showing that environmental responsibility and financial savings can go hand in hand.
