CM Punjab launches free solar panel scheme

Punjab has officially launched its Free Solar Panel Scheme, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directing authorities to accelerate its implementation.

The initiative was inaugurated through an automated digital lottery, where CM Maryam Nawaz randomly selected the beneficiaries.

During a briefing, Punjab’s Secretary of Energy revealed that 94,483 solar systems will be installed within a year. The scheme is specifically designed for consumers using up to 200 units of electricity per month, providing them with free solar power solutions.

Officials reported that 861,000 consumers applied for the fully digitized program. To ensure security and prevent theft, each solar panel and inverter will be linked to the recipient’s computerized national identity card (CNIC).

Beyond providing free energy, the initiative is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 57,000 tons annually and ease the federal government's subsidy burden.

Following physical verification, installations are scheduled to begin by the end of March.