Shillong, Aug 11: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated the Chief Minister’s Solar Mission on Friday at the State Convention Centre in Shillong. At the event, Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal and Chairman of MNREDA Rupert Momin were also present.

This mission is believed to be a game changer for the people of the state, who have been facing power crises for many years.

While speaking at the inaugural event of the CM Solar Mission, CM Conrad Sangma highlighted the importance of this mission. The CM said that the Government of Meghalaya will provide substantial subsidies.

“Large units stand to benefit upto 70 percent of the subsidy, while small units will receive up to 50 percent of the subsidy. To further ease financial burdens, the mission will facilitate connections with banks, helping secure up to 40 percent of the unit’s cost”, he said.

CM said that the mission represents a paradigm shift by blending cutting-edge technology with innovative financing models.

Talking about the paths, the CM said that the State Government is carving a distinct path from past efforts. He said that the approach is multi-faceted and dynamic, and they are not only focusing on technological solutions but also on providing the necessary financial backing to realise our goals.

Talking about the investment made by the state government for the solar mission, he informed that Rs 100 crore will be invested annually. He said that this commitment is reinforced through a synergy of government initiatives and corporate social responsibility (CSR) endeavours.

CM also informed beneficiaries that they would only need to make a nominal down payment of 10 percent.

“At the core of our strategy is the adoption of hybrid technology. This ingenious solar energy cum hybrid system with backup is a testament to our confidence in its efficacy. We firmly believe that this technology will prove to be a game-changer, driving us closer to the sustainable future we have envision”, he added.

Talking about the challenges that the government faced towards tackling power challenges, he said, “While it may not completely eradicate all issues, we envision a scenario where 30 to 40% of households are equipped with these solar units. Such homes would gain independence from the conventional grid, boasting 8 to 9 hours of backup during load shedding”.

He further said this innovative model, finely tuned to address real-life problems, stems from a meticulous understanding of people’s needs.

He also said that this mission will also benefit the education sector and larger institutions.

Talking about the scheme’s benefits , it is said that units of 40 kVA will enjoy a remarkable 50% subsidy, considerably reducing their cost. For units surpassing 10 kVA, including 25 and 40 kVA, the introduction of net metering adds another layer of advantage. During periods of excess solar generation, the surplus power fed into the grid translates into credits on electricity bills, promoting sustainability.

The Chief Minister also stated that this endeavour will also pave the way for a greener economy.

“We are proud to announce the imminent establishment of LED assembling units across our state. This homegrown production initiative not only generates employment opportunities for our youth but also advances our self-reliance. Additionally, discussions with battery manufacturers are underway to establish battery production and maintenance facilities within Meghalaya. This strategic move aims to minimise challenges associated with battery replacement and maintenance, further solidifying our commitment to sustainability”, he added.

“The CM Solar Mission is not just about addressing power deficits; it’s about ushering in a new era of resilience, independence, and green progress for Meghalaya,” he said.

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