Hyderabad: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar called for a solar adoption push and urged public representatives to lead by example by installing rooftop solar systems.
He asked elected representatives, from ward members to corporators, to act as role models in promoting renewable energy. According to him, leadership at the grassroots level would accelerate adoption.
Responding to the call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sanjay installed a solar power system at his residence in Karimnagar. He also reviewed its functioning along with officials from Telangana State Renewable Energy Development Corporation. On the occasion, pamphlets on the Pradhan Mantri Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana were released.
He said the scheme aimed to cover one crore households across the country. The Centre allocated ₹75,000 crore for the programme. It seeks to provide up to 300 units of free electricity per month to beneficiaries.
Solar adoption push targets wider public participation
Sanjay said the solar adoption push required active participation from elected representatives. He expressed concern that targets under the scheme were yet to be fully achieved in Telangana.
He noted that funds were allocated to support 5,000 to 7,000 households in each Assembly constituency. These funds would help households install rooftop solar systems.
He also highlighted financial incentives under the scheme. Subsidies ranged from ₹30,000 to ₹78,000 depending on capacity. In addition, he said loans covering up to 80 percent of installation costs were available with easy repayment options.
Sharing his own experience, Sanjay said his monthly electricity bill ranged between ₹25,000 and ₹30,000. However, he expected it to drop below ₹5,000 after installing solar panels.
Solar adoption push linked to farmer income and energy goals
The Minister said the solar adoption push aligned with the vision of turning citizens into power producers. He encouraged both urban households and farmers to adopt solar energy systems.
Referring to the PM-KUSUM scheme, he said it aimed to increase farmers’ incomes through solar power generation. Farmers could sell surplus electricity to DISCOMs after meeting their own needs.
He said TGREDCO had set a target of establishing 1,800 MW solar capacity across Telangana. However, response remained limited. Only 63 applications had been approved so far from Karimnagar and Rajanna Sircilla districts.
Therefore, he urged farmers and the public to come forward in large numbers. He said adopting solar power would reduce energy costs and create additional income opportunities.
On the call of Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji, I have installed solar panels at my residence in Karimnagar.
Appeal to every public representative in Telangana to install solar panels on their homes and lead by example – From ward members to corporators, from sarpanches to all… pic.twitter.com/UFYx5iwckU
— Bandi Sanjay Kumar (@bandisanjay_bjp) March 28, 2026