Kamal Kishore
The Eastern Voice Special Correspondent

Patna. Saurabh Jorwal, Managing Director of South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL), has announced a target to install 1-kilowatt capacity solar power plants in the homes of 2.5 lakh BPL (Below Poverty Line) and low-income families in Bihar by November of this year. Under this ambitious scheme, beneficiary families will not be charged any amount; instead, the state government will bear the entire cost of installing the plants. Mr. Jorwal stated that instructions have been issued to all district administrations and the Electricity Department to work expeditiously for the effective implementation of the scheme. Implementing agencies have been selected and assigned to specific districts, and installation work has already commenced in several locations.
The Managing Director noted that the Bihar government is simultaneously implementing multiple schemes on a large scale to promote solar energy. The objective of these schemes is not merely to expand the use of clean energy but also to meet the rising demand for electricity, promote environmental conservation and ensure savings in government revenue. He added that the department is continuously monitoring the entire project to ensure the targets are achieved within the stipulated timeframe.
He stated that the state government has set a goal to power all government buildings and schools with solar energy over the next two years. Under this initiative, solar power equipment will be installed in all government schools, while solar power plants will be set up on the rooftops of all government offices, institutions and other government buildings. This initiative is considered a significant step towards making government institutions self-reliant in the energy sector.
According to Mr. Jorwal, the installation of solar power plants in government buildings and schools will lead to a substantial reduction in the state government’s electricity expenditure. This will result in annual savings of crores of rupees in government revenue, which can be utilized for education, healthcare, rural development and other public welfare schemes. The Managing Director stated that the demand for electricity in Bihar is steadily rising. Given this, relying solely on traditional energy sources will not suffice to meet future needs; therefore, prioritizing clean and renewable energy sources like solar power is the need of the hour. He noted that installing solar power plants in households would not only boost electricity generation but also help reduce pollution and address the challenges posed by climate change.
He explained that the installation of 1-kilowatt capacity solar power plants in 250,000 households would provide regular and affordable electricity to poor and low-income families. This would reduce their dependence on grid electricity and enhance energy security. Since the government is bearing the entire cost, economically weaker families will be able to avail themselves of this facility without any financial burden. Responsibilities have been assigned to executing agencies and departmental officials are regularly reviewing progress. He added that special attention is being paid to both quality and pace in areas where work has already commenced, ensuring that beneficiaries receive the facility on time.
According to experts, the cost of installing a 1-kilowatt solar power plant in India typically ranges from ₹45,000 to ₹75,000. This cost varies based on the type of solar panels, technology used, and battery requirements. With the Bihar government bearing the entire cost, this scheme will prove highly beneficial for economically weaker families.
Energy sector experts believe that if solar power plants are installed in 250,000 households within the set timeframe and all government schools and buildings transition to solar power over the next two years, Bihar could emerge as one of the leading states in the country in the clean energy sector. This initiative is considered a significant and far-reaching step for the state, addressing energy security, environmental conservation, and government financial savings simultaneously.