All 141 households equipped with rooftop solar systems, creating a combined capacity of 282 kW and advancing rural energy self-reliance
Published on: November 03, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Khaira village in Rajnandgaon district, recognised as the country’s first 100 per cent solar-powered village under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, was visited by Chief Engineer of the Rajnandgaon region Harsh Kumar Meshram. During the visit, he inspected rooftop solar systems installed in all households and reviewed the implementation of the scheme, solar power generation and benefits reaching rural residents.
Superintending Engineer Shankeshwar Kanwar, village head Kunj Lal Sahu, a large number of women and other villagers were present during the inspection.
All 141 Households Connected to Solar Energy
Khaira has established a distinct identity at the national level through the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar scheme and active community participation.
Rooftop solar systems with a capacity of 2 kW each have been installed in all 141 houses in the village. This has created a combined solar power generation capacity of approximately 282 kW. With a population of 889, the village has achieved complete household coverage under the solar initiative.
During the inspection, Chief Engineer Meshram described the solar energy system as an initiative supporting rural development and clean energy. He said the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana connects ordinary electricity consumers with solar power while offering relief on electricity bills and opportunities for energy self-reliance.
He noted that Khaira’s experience demonstrates how effective implementation of government schemes, public participation and coordination among institutions can bring significant changes to rural areas.
CSR Support Ensures No Upfront Cost for Villagers
A key feature of the project is that villagers did not have to spend their own money on installing the solar systems. After subsidies from the Central and State governments, the remaining project cost was arranged through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support.
Of the 141 solar-equipped households, 93 belong to beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin. This enabled families with limited incomes and those in need to benefit from solar energy.
Women and PM Surya Sakhis Played a Key Role
Local women and PM Surya Sakhis played an important role in making the village-wide solar campaign successful. They visited households, explained the scheme, guided residents through the application process and helped prepare the required documents.
Active participation by self-help groups, along with the cooperation of villagers, helped connect every household with the initiative.
Net Metering Enables Households to Supply Surplus Power
Through rooftop solar systems, residents are now generating their own electricity. The net metering facility allows surplus electricity, after household consumption, to be fed into the electricity grid.
As a result, villagers are not just electricity consumers but are also participating in power generation and contributing to the energy system.
Khaira’s achievement demonstrates the implementation of the objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana at the village level. The Chief Engineer’s visit was aimed at understanding this model and encouraging greater awareness and adoption of solar energy. The initiative is being presented as a model for other villages in Chhattisgarh, highlighting the role of clean energy in rural development and self-reliance.
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