A village in Chhattisgarh has set a remarkable example in the use of renewable energy by installing rooftop solar panels on every pucca house under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The initiative has marked a significant step towards reducing the village’s dependence on conventional electricity grids.
The village, named Khaira, is located in Chhattisgarh’s Rajnandgaon district and has a population of around 889. Every household in the village has been equipped with a 2-kilowatt solar power system. Together, these installations generate approximately 282 kilowatts of solar energy.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the initiative is that no family had to spend money from its own pocket to install the solar panels. After the central and state government subsidies, the remaining installation costs were covered by the district administration through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from various companies.
Solar Systems Connected Through Net Metering Technology
The rooftop solar systems installed in Khaira are connected through net metering technology. Under this arrangement, electricity generated by the solar panels during the daytime is first used to meet the household’s power requirements.
Any surplus electricity is then supplied directly to the conventional power grid. This system ensures efficient utilisation of solar energy while reducing dependence on traditional electricity sources.
Padma Shri awardee Phoolbasan Bai Yadav and local women’s groups have played a significant role in making the initiative successful.
PMAY-G Houses Also Benefit from the Initiative
A total of 141 houses in Khaira have been connected to solar power systems. Of these, 93 houses were constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G).
The initiative has also benefited 21 Scheduled Tribe (ST) families and four Scheduled Caste (SC) families in the village, ensuring wider participation in the transition towards clean energy.
Women’s Participation Makes the Campaign Successful
Women played a crucial role in implementing the solar energy initiative through platforms such as ‘Surya Sakhi’ and ‘Surya Sabha’.
They conducted door-to-door awareness campaigns to educate villagers about the benefits of rooftop solar systems. They also addressed concerns regarding installation costs, maintenance and the practical benefits of solar energy, encouraging more families to participate.
What Did the District Collector Say?
According to media reports, Rajnandgaon Collector Jitendra Yadav said that no household had to bear any personal expense for installing the solar systems. The village sarpanch also extended support to the initiative.
With government subsidies, administrative assistance, CSR funding from companies and active participation by local women, Khaira has emerged as an inspiring example of community-driven renewable energy adoption.
The initiative demonstrates how coordinated efforts between the government, local administration and communities can accelerate India’s transition towards clean and sustainable energy.