The Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) has issued a strong rebuttal to recent reports suggesting that the maintenance costs for rooftop solar plants under the central government's flagship scheme are prohibitively high. The company has categorically stated that such claims are misleading and do not reflect the ground reality experienced by thousands of beneficiaries in the state.
Official Clarification on Maintenance and Battery Costs
Addressing the concerns head-on, a senior CSPDCL official clarified a crucial technical detail. The standard 3 kilowatt (kW) solar rooftop systems installed under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana are on-grid models. This means they are directly connected to the state's electricity grid and do not require batteries to function.
The absence of batteries is a significant cost-saving feature, as it completely eliminates the future expense of battery replacement, which was a primary concern raised in the circulating reports. "This perception is entirely incorrect," the official emphasized, pointing to the successful implementation of the scheme.
Five-Year AMC and Zero Bills: The Real Picture
To further protect consumers from unexpected costs, the scheme has a built-in safeguard. All empanelled installation vendors are mandated to provide a comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) covering the first five years post-installation. This ensures that for the initial half-decade, homeowners bear no additional financial burden for the upkeep of their solar power units.
The power company official highlighted the tangible benefits, stating, "Thousands of consumers in Chhattisgarh have successfully reduced their electricity bills to 0 through this scheme." This direct counter underscores the scheme's primary goal: to provide substantial relief from monthly power expenses through renewable energy.
Understanding the Hybrid Model for Larger Systems
The clarification also addressed scenarios for larger installations. For consumers opting for systems with a capacity exceeding 3 kW, or those who choose a 'hybrid' model, the use of batteries comes into play. Hybrid systems, which can store excess power for use during grid outages, naturally involve battery components and their associated costs.
However, for the vast majority of residential consumers opting for the standard 3 kW on-grid system—the core offering of the PM Surya Ghar Yojana—the maintenance cost structure remains simple and affordable, debunking the myths of it outweighing savings.
The CSPDCL's statement aims to reassure potential adopters in Raipur and across Chhattisgarh, encouraging them to leverage the scheme for long-term energy savings without fear of hidden maintenance charges.
