Free solar power initiative in Kerala: Understanding the Green Income Scheme's expansion

Alappuzha: The Green Income Scheme, a free solar energy initiative for economically backward families, will be extended to 50,000 additional households. The central and state governments have agreed to contribute ₹600 crore and ₹900 crore, respectively, for the expansion.

The scheme provides an annual income of ₹5,000 to ₹6,000 per family by installing solar panels with capacities of two to three kilowatts in their homes. Any surplus electricity generated will be supplied to the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), while households can use electricity for cooking, reducing reliance on cooking gas.

The expansion will cover homes built under the Life Mission, the Scheduled Caste Welfare Department, and the Punargeham Scheme for Fishermen. Currently, the scheme has been implemented in 1,700 households, with rollout managed by the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT).

Minister for Electricity K Krishnankutty told the assembly on Thursday that the long-term goal is to implement the Green Income Scheme in 1,00,000 homes. Approval for 50,000 households was obtained when the scheme was submitted to the central government.

Kerala had initially planned to roll out the scheme by the end of 2022. Under the programme, the state government will provide ₹1,33,117 for installing a three-kilowatt solar panel, while the central government will contribute ₹57,382. The solar power plants are assured with a 25-year warranty.