Punjab to Give Free Solar Panels After Physical Verification

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has officially launched the Chief Minister Punjab Free Solar Panel Scheme through a digital balloting process. She conducted the automated balloting, assigning numbers to applicants and congratulating the selected beneficiaries.

The CM emphasized the need for swift installation of the solar panels, stating, “We aim to provide maximum relief from costly electricity, and there should be no delays in this process. The free solar panel scheme must be completed as soon as possible.”

Implementation and Timeline

Officials informed that after physical verification, the installation of solar systems will commence across the province by the end of March. The first phase of installations is set to be completed by the end of July.

The Secretary of the Energy Department briefed the CM, revealing that 94,483 solar systems will be installed in the first phase.

Eligibility and Process

The scheme is designed for consumers using up to 200 electricity units per month. Over 861,000 applications have been received.

The first phase includes:

• 47,182 solar systems of 0.55 kW
• 47,301 solar systems of 1.1 kW

Eligibility verification will be conducted using the reference number and CNIC on consumers’ monthly bills. A dedicated helpline has also been set up to assist beneficiaries.

To prevent theft, the solar panels and inverters will be linked to consumers’ computerized identity cards.

Environmental and Economic Impact

The briefing highlighted that installing 100,000 solar systems in Punjab will help reduce carbon emissions by 57,000 tonnes. Additionally, the scheme will alleviate the federal government’s subsidy burden.