Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, has achieved a significant corner in India’s renewable energy trip by successfully enforcing Virtual Net Metering (VNM) in a domestic society under the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana. This action marks the first case in the country where a casing society has espoused the VNM system, paving the way for civic communities with limited rooftop space to harness solar energy inclusively.
The perpetration of the VNM model in Raipur highlights Chhattisgarh’s visionary approach to promoting clean energy and aligns nearly with the central government’s vision of expanding solar power relinquishment across homes. With this, Chhattisgarh has deposited itself among the early adopters of this innovative renewable energy medium.
The airman design was executed at Parthivi Pacific, a domestic society in Raipur, where multiple apartment possessors joined hands to install a single solar factory that generates electricity for collaborative use. The action was carried out under the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) model, meaning that the residents themselves invested in the solar system and took power of it from the day of installation. Around twenty families shared in the design, participating in both the cost and the benefits of the installation.
The total cost of the design was roughly ₹ 24 lakh. Each occupant contributed an investment of about ₹ 1.20 lakh, for which they entered a Central government subvention of ₹ 78,000 under the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The Chhattisgarh government further supported the trouble by introducing a fresh subvention of ₹ 30,000 per occupant, mainly reducing the fiscal burden and encouraging broader participation in solar energy relinquishment.
Following the installation, residents began entering credits for nearly 300 units of solar power, which significantly lowered their electricity bills. For numerous people, the savings have demonstrated the long-term viability and fiscal benefits of espousing participatory solar systems through the VNM frame.
The system works in a simple but effective manner. In a domestic complex similar to Parthivi Pacific, a single large solar factory—say-so of 100 kW capacity—is installed on the rooftop. Rather than every apartment setting up its own solar panels, the power generated from the collaborative installation is connected to a common import cadence that feeds electricity into the original distribution grid. The total quantum of energy generated is recorded, and credits are distributed among all sharing residents based on their individual investment or allocated solar share. This ensures that every ménage enjoys the benefits of solar power indeed without the need for particular rooftop panels.
Bimbisar, the state nodal officer for the PM Suryaghar scheme, verified that Raipur’s success with VNM is a pioneering achievement for India and will serve as a model for replication across Chhattisgarh. He added that the state government plans to expand the action to other casing societies, government establishments, and institutions that face challenges related to limited rooftop space.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai lauded the action, emphasizing that it reflects Chhattisgarh’s commitment to advancing renewable energy results in line with public pretensions. “It’s a heartening feat, as numerous people aspiring to gain from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision can now contribute to promoting solar energy for a clean and green India,” he said. The Chief Minister further noted that the success of VNM in Raipur underlines the state’s leadership in espousing sustainable and practical approaches to energy transition.
Rohit Yadav, Chairperson of Chhattisgarh State Power Companies and Secretary (Energy), described VNM as a transformative step for civic consumers. He stressed that the model not only enables participant benefits from solar energy but also promotes effective use of available space and accelerates the overall relinquishment of clean energy in the state. “VNM is a game-changer for civic consumers, enabling participated solar benefits, reducing bills, and accelerating the relinquishment of clean energy across Chhattisgarh,” he stated.
The conception of virtual net metering offers a feasible result for civic areas where individual rooftop installations are frequently impracticable due to space constraints or structural limitations. Through this model, multiple consumers can partake in the affair of a common solar factory, making renewable energy more accessible and inclusive. It also simplifies operation, ensures translucency in benefit sharing, and reduces the duplication of structure.
With the success of the Raipur model, Chhattisgarh is now set to become a leader in community-grounded renewable energy enterprises. The government’s focus on expanding VNM across the state is anticipated to not only help reduce average electricity bills but also contribute mainly to India’s broader clean energy pretensions.
By integrating virtual net metering into its domestic energy strategy, Raipur has demonstrated how civic centers can virtually apply solar power systems that are both economically feasible and environmentally responsible. The action stands as a standard for other countries, offering a replicable model that combines technological invention with public participation in the nation’s transition toward sustainable energy.
