CM Punjab Maryam Maryam launches free solar panel scheme

LAHORE: Punjab has officially launched the free solar panel scheme, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directing to complete the installation process expeditiously.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the scheme through an automated digital draw by announcing random numbers. She congratulated the lucky ones selected for the free solar panels.

During the briefing, the Secretary Energy told the Chief Minister that 94,483 solar systems will be installed within a year under the scheme. The program targets households that consume up to 200 units of electricity per month and provides them with free solar systems.

Out of 861,000 applicants, 47,182 systems of 0.55 kW and 47,301 systems of 1.1 kW will be installed. The entire process is completely digitized, and verification will be done using the customers’ reference numbers and CNICs.

A dedicated helpline has also been set up to assist beneficiaries. Solar panels and inverters will be linked to the recipient’s computerized identity card to prevent theft.

The move aims to reduce carbon emissions by 57,000 tonnes and reduce the subsidy burden of the federal government.

After physical verification, the installation of solar panels will begin by the end of March, with the first phase expected to be completed by the end of July.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stressed the need for speedy implementation, saying the aim is to provide relief from expensive electricity without any delay.