Patna: The deadline for installing rooftop solar systems at 28,000 non-BPL households in Patna district has been extended from Oct 30 this year to March 2027 after progress fell short of targets, with only around 10,800 households covered so far.The extension was decided during a review meeting chaired by deputy development commissioner Shubham Kumar on the directions of district magistrate Kundan Kumar. Officials were directed to accelerate installations as authorised agencies are currently installing only eight to 10 solar systems a day.The administration had earlier targeted installation of rooftop solar systems for 28,000 non-BPL households and solar panels at the homes of 5,585 BPL families by Oct 30. Of the BPL target, only 2,236 installations have been completed so far.The DDC directed the executive engineer (electricity) to expedite the work and complete the remaining installations at the earliest. He also asked officials to identify consumers using more than 300 units of electricity a month and encourage them to adopt rooftop solar systems.According to an official communiqué issued on Saturday, the electricity department will share lists of such consumers with urban local bodies along with details of authorised installation agencies.The review also found that some banks were rejecting solar loan applications due to CIBIL scores and other reasons. The lead district manager was directed to take up the matter with banks and ensure applications are not rejected without valid grounds.Eligible non-BPL consumers can avail themselves of a combined Centre and state subsidy of up to Rs 98,000 for rooftop solar installations.
