Hoshiarpur leads Punjab in Go-Solar

JainFirst district to link Go-Solar project with Common Service CentresSets new benchmark in renewable energy expansionSolar rooftop installations gain momentum from cities to villages via CSCs
Hoshiarpur/Daljeet Ajnoha/Dec.12 : Under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain, Hoshiarpur district has achieved a major milestone in promoting renewable energy by integrating the Go-Solar project with Common Service Centres (CSCs), becoming the first district in Punjab to do so. This initiative has streamlined the solar rooftop installation drive, extending it not just to urban areas but to villages across the district via the CSC network.Addressing the formal launch of the Go-Solar mobile APK—developed jointly by the Red Cross Society and district administration at the District Administrative Complex—and a special workshop for Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), DC Ashika Jain stated that Hoshiarpur is Punjab’s fastest-growing district in solar rooftop installations. This reflects the high awareness and enthusiasm among residents for renewable energy. She added that CSCs will now deliver these services directly to people’s doorsteps, making the process simpler, faster, and more transparent.The DC explained that the application, accessible through VLEs, will collect details from interested consumers, including vendor information, low-interest loan options, and technical installation guidance. Once submitted, the relevant vendor will contact the consumer to initiate the solar system setup. She noted that this provides all facilities near homes, while CSC operators receive incentives per application and installation to accelerate the campaign. The government offers substantial subsidies: ₹30,000 to ₹60,000 for 1-2 kW systems, ₹60,000 to ₹78,000 for 2-3 kW systems, and up to ₹78,000 for systems above 3 kW.Jain praised the commitment of Go-Solar nodal officer Assistant Commissioner Oaishi Mandal (IAS), Red Cross Society Secretary Mangesh Sood, and Joint Secretary Aditya Rana for their pivotal roles in expanding the mission to the public. She expressed confidence that this effort will position Hoshiarpur as a model district for renewable energy, leading to significant achievements in electricity savings and environmental conservation.Among those present were Assistant Commissioner (General) Parmpreet Singh, CSC State Head Bhupinder Singh, State Coordinator Parveen Kumar, District Coordinator Dharwant Singh, empanelled Go-Solar vendors, and a large number of VLEs.