How Khaira Village Went Solar Without Spending a Rupee

Electricity bills are a growing concern for many rural families. In Chhattisgarh, the village of Khaira offers a different story. Located in Rajnandgaon district, it has become the first village in the state to fit solar panels on every pucca house, a transformation driven by the PM Surya Ghar free electricity scheme.

With 889 residents, Khaira has installed 2 kW solar systems in each home, creating a combined capacity of 282 kW. The model is notable because villagers did not have to pay for the systems themselves. Central and state subsidies were the first source of funding. The balance was covered by the district administration through corporate CSR contributions.

A system that feeds the grid

The installations use net metering. Solar electricity generated during the day first powers the home. Any extra power flows back into the grid, allowing households to benefit beyond their own consumption.

The campaign's success owes much to Padma Shri Pulbasan Bai Yadav and local women's groups. Through the 'Surya Sakhau' and 'Surya Sabha' platforms, women went from home to home, explaining the project and addressing concerns about cost and maintenance.

Reaching PM Awas and marginalised families

Nearly two-thirds of the solar homes, 93 of 141, were built under PM Awas Yojana Gramin. These homes are now part of the solar network as well. Families from 21 Scheduled Tribe and 4 Scheduled Caste households have also gained from the project.

Rajnandgaon Collector Jitendra Yadav said no household had to pay out of pocket for installation, and he acknowledged the sarpanch's support. Khaira's residents are now steadily turning their rooftops into sources of electricity.