The Punjab government has conducted digital balloting for the ‘Punjab CM Free Solar Panel Scheme,’ marking a crucial step in its effort to promote renewable energy and provide relief to households struggling with rising electricity costs.

The initiative, spearheaded by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, aims to equip eligible consumers with solar panels free of cost, reducing dependency on conventional power sources.

The digital balloting took place on Monday, with CM Maryam Nawaz overseeing the process. Addressing the event, she congratulated the successful applicants and reaffirmed her government’s commitment to facilitating citizens amid soaring energy prices.

“This scheme is a step towards empowering the people of Punjab by offering them a sustainable energy solution,” she remarked.

How to apply for Punjab CM Free Solar Panel Scheme

Individuals can register for the scheme through two primary methods:

1. Online Registration via the Official Portal

   • Interested applicants must visit cmsolarscheme.punjab.gov.pk and register.
     
     
   • They need to provide their personal details and electricity bill information.
     
     
   • The system will verify eligibility based on predefined criteria.
     
     
   • If eligible, applicants will be entered into a digital balloting process.
     
     
   • Selected candidates will undergo a physical verification process before installation.

2. SMS Registration

   • Applicants can send their bill reference number and CNIC to 8800 for registration.
     
     

Eligibility, selection process for Punjab CM Free Solar Panel Scheme

The initiative prioritizes consumers with lower electricity consumption, aiming to provide solar panels to those most affected by power costs. Following the completion of the registration phase, digital balloting was held to ensure transparency.

According to CM Maryam Nawaz, a staggering 861,000 applicants registered for the scheme. The selected consumers will be verified physically to ensure the legitimacy of applications before the solar panel installation begins.

Timeline for Punjab CM Free Solar Panel Scheme

The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by July 2024, while the installation of solar panels for selected applicants will commence by the end of March.

To assist applicants, the Punjab government has also established a dedicated helpline for queries related to the scheme. Moreover, to curb potential misuse, all solar panels and inverters will be linked to consumers’ computerized national identity cards (CNICs), ensuring that the allocated equipment reaches the rightful recipients.

This initiative aligns with Punjab’s broader goal of promoting renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. With electricity prices continuing to rise, the scheme is expected to provide substantial financial relief to thousands of households across the province.