Why in the news?

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has issued operational guidelines for the Implementation of ‘Model Solar Village’ under PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
- The centre recently allocated ₹800 crore for the same.

About PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

Description

Purpose

To provide 300 units of free electricity per month to beneficiaries through an investment of ₹75,000 crores.

Deadline

Extended the deadline from 2022 to 2026.

Announcement

Initially announced in an Interim Budget 2024-25 speech by the Finance Minister.

Target

Aimed to light up 1 crore households.

Implementation

Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats are incentivised to promote rooftop solar systems.

Financial Support

Average Monthly Electricity Consumption (units)	Suitable Rooftop Solar Plant Capacity	Subsidy Support
0-150	1-2 kW	₹ 30,000 to ₹ 60,000
150-300	2-3 kW	₹ 60,000 to ₹ 78,000
> 300	Above 3 kW	₹ 78,000

	Details
Comprehensive Solarization	Solarize all households and public areas with home lighting, water systems, pumps, and streetlights. Seeks to create one Model Solar Village per district.
Implementing Agency	State Renewable Energy Development Agency (SREDA) or another entity nominated by the State/UT Government will implement the scheme.
24×7 Solar-Powered Village	Develop villages powered entirely by solar energy, promoting self-reliance in meeting energy needs.
Central Financial Assistance (CFA)	₹1 crore grant per village based on a Detailed Project Report (DPR) by the Implementing Agency. The *total financial allocation* for this initiative is *₹800 crore*.
Eligibility Criteria	Revenue village with a population over 5,000 (or 2,000 in special category states). Based on installed renewable energy capacity, overseen by the District Level Committee (DLC) 6 months after the declaration.
Fund Disbursement	40% on the award of works, 40% after completion, 20% after 6 months of operation.

[2018] With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements:

1. India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.

2. The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2