Punjab government has approved one of the biggest solar lighting schemes ever rolled out in the state. Under the newly approved 2026 Punjab Solar Street Lighting Scheme, nearly 3 lakh solar street lights will be installed across 11,500 villages in the state. This is a massive push for cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable street lighting in rural Punjab, and gram panchayats can now opt in to get these lights for their villages.
The scheme was cleared in a Punjab Cabinet meeting held in April 2026, and it is being launched as an opt-in scheme for gram panchayats across the state. With 70% of the cost being covered by the state government and the remaining 30% to be contributed by the gram panchayat, this is a very affordable way for villages to get good quality solar-powered lighting without worrying about electricity bills every month.
Why Solar Street Lights?
Solar street lights are preferred over conventional street lights for a simple reason, once installed, they run on sunlight and cost nothing in terms of electricity. They are also reliable because they work even during power cuts, which are still common in many rural areas. The Punjab government has specifically chosen solar lights because they are suitable for rural areas where grid electricity can sometimes be irregular.
Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA), which is the state agency that handles all renewable energy work in Punjab, has been running solar street light programmes in the state for many years now. As per PEDA's records, it had earlier installed over 52,000 solar street lights across 2,191 villages in Punjab. This new scheme is a huge scale-up from those earlier efforts and will cover a much larger number of villages across the state.
Key Highlights of Punjab Solar Street Lighting Scheme
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Punjab Solar Street Lighting Scheme |
| Launched By | Punjab Government (CM Bhagwant Singh Mann) |
| Approved On | April 2026 (Punjab Cabinet Meeting) |
| Implementing Agency | Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) |
| Total Villages Covered | 11,500 gram panchayats |
| Total Solar Lights | Approximately 3 lakh (3,00,000) |
| State Government Share | 70% |
| Gram Panchayat Share | 30% |
| Scheme Type | Opt-in (Panchayats can voluntarily join) |
| Priority Areas | Public areas and SC residential areas |
| Official Website | peda.gov.in |
How Will the Scheme Work?
The Punjab Solar Street Lighting Scheme works on an opt-in basis. This means gram panchayats that want solar street lights in their villages can choose to participate. The state government will cover 70% of the total cost of installing the lights, and the gram panchayat will need to contribute the remaining 30%.
The scheme is not just about putting up lights and walking away. It includes new installations, proper maintenance, and modern monitoring systems so that the lights can be tracked and any issues can be fixed quickly. This monitoring feature makes this scheme different from older programmes where lights would often go dark and nobody would know about it for a long time.
Priority for SC Areas and Public Spaces
One of the important aspects of this scheme is that priority will be given to public areas and SC (Scheduled Caste) residential areas. This means that localities where residents from the SC community live, which have historically had less access to proper infrastructure, will be given first preference for getting these solar lights installed. Public spaces like streets, lanes, and community areas will also be prioritized so that everyone in the village benefits from better lighting.
Benefits of Punjab Solar Street Lighting Scheme
This scheme brings several real and practical benefits for villages in Punjab. Here is what gram panchayats and village residents can expect:
- Zero electricity cost: Once installed, solar street lights generate their own power from sunlight stored in batteries. Villages will not receive any electricity bill for these lights, which saves the panchayat money every month.
- Reliable lighting even during power cuts: Solar lights work independently of the grid. So even if there is a power outage in the village, the solar street lights will keep working through the night using the energy stored during the day.
- Better safety and security: Well-lit streets and lanes mean people - especially women and children - can move around more safely after dark. It also reduces the risk of accidents and crime in village areas.
- Environment-friendly: Solar lights do not use coal or other fossil fuels to run. They use clean energy from the sun, which means no carbon emissions and a greener village environment.
Role of PEDA in the Scheme
Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) will be the key agency for implementing this scheme. PEDA has been working on solar energy projects in Punjab since the 1990s and has deep experience in solar street lighting specifically. It has already successfully installed solar lights across thousands of villages in the state and understands the ground realities of rural Punjab well. With PEDA leading the implementation, the quality of the installations and the maintenance support is expected to be reliable.
The solar lights under such programmes typically use LED technology along with a solar panel and a battery unit. The system works automatically - the panel charges the battery during the day, and the lights switch on at dusk automatically and switch off at dawn. This automatic operation means there is no need for anyone to manually operate the lights, making it very convenient for panchayats.
How to Apply / How Gram Panchayat Can Join
Since this scheme works on an opt-in basis, gram panchayats across Punjab need to formally express their interest in joining the scheme. The exact process for applying is likely to be announced by the Punjab government and PEDA shortly after the scheme is formally launched. Panchayat heads (Sarpanch) and panchayat members can visit the official PEDA website at peda.gov.in for application details and guidelines.
Once the detailed guidelines are out, panchayats will need to submit an application showing their willingness to participate and make arrangements for their 30% contribution. PEDA will then likely conduct surveys and finalize the installation plan for each participating village.
Punjab's Renewable Energy Push
This scheme is part of a bigger plan by the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government to move the state towards cleaner and greener energy. The government has been working to increase Punjab's green energy share from the current 20% to 80% over the next several years. Solar power has been tied up at very competitive rates, and now with this street lighting scheme, even rural villages are being brought into the clean energy fold.
If you want to know more about PM KUSUM Yojana, which also supports solar energy for farmers and rural areas, that is another scheme worth checking out.
FAQ's
What is the Punjab Solar Street Lighting Scheme?
It is a scheme approved by the Punjab Cabinet in April 2026 to install about 3 lakh solar street lights across 11,500 villages in Punjab. The state government pays 70% of the cost and gram panchayats pay 30%.
Who will implement this scheme?
Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) will be the main agency handling the installation, maintenance, and monitoring of solar lights under this scheme.
Is it compulsory for all gram panchayats to join?
No, this is an opt-in scheme. Gram panchayats that want to participate can choose to do so voluntarily. There is no obligation to join.
Which areas will get lights first?
Priority will be given to public areas and SC (Scheduled Caste) residential areas in the villages.
Will villages have to pay electricity bills for these lights?
No. Solar street lights run on solar energy, so there is no electricity cost. Once installed, the lights work on sunlight stored in batteries and do not draw power from the grid.
What does the 30% gram panchayat share mean?
Out of the total cost of installing solar lights in a village, the gram panchayat will need to contribute 30% of the amount. The remaining 70% is covered by the Punjab state government.
Where can I get more information or apply?
Gram panchayats and sarpanches should check the official PEDA website at peda.gov.in for detailed guidelines and application information once the scheme is formally launched.