Bihar's Leap Towards Sustainable Energy: Free Solar Rooftops and Reliable Power for Millions

• Published
• By Anupam Nath

Bihar, a state long challenged by energy shortages and unreliable electricity supply, is now witnessing a transformative shift in its power sector. In the recent state budget presentation, the government under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced groundbreaking initiatives to provide free solar rooftop plants to millions of poor households while ensuring near-round-the-clock power availability. This move aligns with national goals for renewable energy and aims to reduce dependency on conventional sources, lower electricity bills for the underprivileged, and promote environmental sustainability.

One of the most significant announcements is the installation of free 1.1 kilowatt (kW) solar rooftop plants on the homes of approximately 58 lakh (5.8 million) poor families, identified primarily under the Kutir Jyoti scheme for below-poverty-line (BPL) consumers. The rollout will begin in phases, with the first phase targeting 10 lakh households. This initiative builds on earlier efforts like the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, but goes further by offering fully free installations for the most economically vulnerable sections. Each 1.1 kW system can generate enough clean energy to meet a significant portion of a typical rural or low-income household's daily needs, potentially covering or exceeding the existing free electricity quota and reducing bills to near zero for many.

This solar push complements Bihar's ongoing free electricity scheme. Previously, the state provided up to 150 units of free power per month to domestic consumers, but recent updates have enhanced reliability and access. The government has achieved a record power supply of 8,752 MW, enabling 22-24 hours of electricity in most areas—a dramatic improvement from the frequent outages of the past. In urban centers like Patna, infrastructure upgrades include underground cabling to minimize disruptions from weather or technical faults, ensuring safer and more stable distribution.

Looking ahead, the budget projections indicate a rising demand, with an estimated 9,600 MW consumption expected in the fiscal year 2026-27. To meet this growing need sustainably, the state is accelerating renewable integration. The free solar rooftops for poor homes will add substantial distributed generation capacity, reducing grid strain during peak hours and contributing to Bihar's broader renewable targets under the Bihar Renewable Energy Policy 2025, which aims for massive expansion in solar, wind, and storage by the end of the decade.

The benefits of this solar initiative extend beyond free or reduced bills. For poor families, it means freedom from monthly electricity worries, especially in summer when usage spikes due to fans and cooling needs. A 1.1 kW system can produce around 4-5 units per day on average (depending on sunlight), translating to 120-150 units monthly—perfectly aligning with or surpassing the free quota. This empowers households to use appliances more freely, improves quality of life, and supports small home-based enterprises like tailoring or charging devices.

Environmentally, the scale is impressive. Installing solar on 58 lakh rooftops could offset thousands of tons of carbon emissions annually, promoting cleaner air in a state prone to pollution from coal-based power and diesel generators. It also encourages energy self-reliance, reducing transmission losses and fostering local job creation in installation, maintenance, and manufacturing support industries.

Infrastructure enhancements play a crucial role here. Patna's underground cabling project not only improves aesthetics but enhances reliability by protecting lines from storms, floods, and vandalism—common issues in Bihar's varied terrain. Combined with record supply levels, residents now experience consistent power, boosting productivity in homes, schools, and businesses.

These announcements reflect the government's commitment to the "Saat Nischay" (Seven Resolves) framework, emphasizing inclusive growth, knowledge, and sustainable development. By prioritizing the poor through free solar and reliable power, Bihar is addressing energy poverty head-on while preparing for future demand surges.

Challenges remain, such as ensuring timely implementation, quality installations, and awareness campaigns to gain household consent. Maintenance support and integration with the grid for excess power (net metering) will be key to long-term success. However, the phased approach starting with 10 lakh homes allows for testing and scaling effectively.

In summary, Bihar's latest budget announcements mark a bold step towards a greener, more equitable energy future. Free 1.1 kW solar rooftops for 58 lakh poor families, starting with 10 lakh in the first phase, combined with 22-24 hours of supply, underground infrastructure in Patna, and projections for 9,600 MW demand in 2026-27, position the state as a leader in renewable adoption among developing regions. This not only alleviates financial burdens but lights the path to sustainable prosperity for millions.