The Uttar Pradesh government is gearing up to train 30,000 youngsters as "Surya Mitras" to support its ambitious goal of installing solar panels on rooftops of every house in the state. This initiative is part of the broader PM Surya Ghar Yojana, launched in February last year, which targets installing one crore solar rooftops nationwide. Under this scheme, Uttar Pradesh has already made significant progress, having installed over 25 lakh solar panels across the state.

Who are Surya Mitras?

Surya Mitras are skilled workers being trained by the Uttar Pradesh government to install solar panels on rooftops across the state.

Key points about Surya Mitras:

— They undergo a 3-month, 600-hour training program that includes classroom instruction, practical lab work, exposure to solar plants, on-the-job training, and soft skills development.

— To qualify, candidates must have passed Class 10 and hold an ITI certification in trades like electrician, wireman, electronic mechanic, fitter, or sheet metal.

— After training, Surya Mitras receive assistance securing employment in the solar energy sector.

— As of August 2024, 3,000 youths have already completed Surya Mitra training, with a target of training 30,000 total.

Training Surge to Meet Growing Demand for Solar Energy Experts

To meet the increased demand for skilled workers in the solar energy sector, the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) has announced a plan to train 30,000 "Surya Mitras." The training will be conducted at district centers and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the state. According to a senior UPNEDA official, this training initiative is essential for the successful implementation of the solar panel installation project.

The National Solar Energy Mission has outlined a detailed plan to develop this skilled workforce. The training program, spanning three months, includes 600 hours of instruction covering classroom lessons, practical laboratory work, exposure to solar photovoltaic technology, on-the-job training, and soft skills and entrepreneurship development. .

Progress Report: Solar Panel Installation and Future Goals

UPNEDA data indicates that registration for installing solar panels on rooftops has already been completed for more than 18 lakh houses in Uttar Pradesh, with applications pending for approximately two lakh additional houses. This reflects the state's commitment to expanding solar energy usage and achieving widespread adoption.

To further promote solar energy, the Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a "net billing/net metering" system, allowing homeowners to benefit financially from their solar energy production. Additionally, UPNEDA has partnered with the Tata Group to install solar panels on 10 lakh rooftops across the state. This partnership recently commenced in Varanasi, marking a significant step in the solar panel installation drive.

Government’s Vision and Future Prospects

The training and installation programs are aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ensuring solar panels on every household. More than 3,000 youngsters have already completed training courses related to solar projects, underscoring the state’s proactive approach in developing a skilled workforce to support its renewable energy goals.

The ongoing efforts in Uttar Pradesh represent a significant push towards sustainable energy solutions, reflecting the state's commitment to enhancing its solar infrastructure and contributing to the national renewable energy targets. As the training programs advance and the installation projects progress, Uttar Pradesh is poised to make substantial strides in its quest for widespread solar energy adoption.