In the province of Punjab, the government has decided to start the distribution of solar panels from August 14, 2024. Under this initiative, consumers using up to 200 units of electricity will be able to receive free solar panels.
Chief Minister’s Statement
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister of Punjab’s office, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has decided to begin the distribution of solar panels on August 14.
Program Details
Under the program, initially, 4.5 million domestic consumers will have solar systems installed by the Punjab government in easy installments. In households where this solar system will be installed, the units will be monitored first.
The government will provide free solar panels to consumers who use up to 200 units. Interest-free loans will be offered to consumers using 200 to 500 units, while for those using more than 500 units, the government will cover 75 percent of the interest-free loan.
Solar System Scheme Allocation
Household consumers with monthly electricity consumption of 50 units or less will be given 500-watt solar systems, while those with 50 to 100 units of electricity will be provided with 1-kilowatt solar systems. Similarly, users consuming 200 to 300 units will be able to install 1,100 watts, those using 300 to 400 units will receive 1,650 watts, and those using 500 units will get 2,200 watts.
Registration Procedure
To install a Solar System, domestic customers need to send their identity card number and the reference number on the electricity bill to 8800, which will complete the registration process. After registration is completed, the solar systems will be given to domestic users through a draw.
Initially, through the Bank of Punjab and the National Bank, consumers will pay 25 percent of the cost of the solar system, with no interest charged on this amount. Consumers will have to pay the actual cost of the solar system in installments over 5 years, in the form of electricity bills.
A company registered with the government will set up a home solar system for eligible customers.
Eligibility for Solar System Scheme
Household consumers whose electricity consumption is up to 500 units per year will be able to benefit from the Punjab Solar System Scheme. The user must also be a tax filer to avail of this scheme. In the case of non-filers, the system will not accept the user’s details.
Persons registered under the Benazir Income Support Programme or any other similar government assistance program will be ineligible for this solar power plan.
In the Roshan Gharana scheme, consumers who steal electricity will not receive a solar system. The government will verify through the reference number and identity card number to ensure that no FIR for electricity theft has been registered against the consumer. If there is a case, the solar system will not be provided to the customer, even if their consumption is less than 500 units.