Meghalaya Solar Push: School, Community and Household Installations Across Rural Areas

The Meghalaya New & Renewable Energy Development Agency (MNREDA) has initiated the installation of off-grid solar power systems across 63 BharatNet-1 sites in the state. The sites include government schools, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centres, and community halls. 

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The aim is to ensure uninterrupted power supply to BharatNet infrastructure - a crucial enabler of digital connectivity in remote and rural areas.

BharatNet is a Central Government programme that seeks to connect all Gram Panchayats in India with high-speed broadband. The integration of solar energy into this backbone is expected to enhance reliability and promote clean energy in underserved regions.

CM Solar Mission Powers Up Primary Schools in East Garo and East Jaintia Hills

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Under the Chief Minister’s Solar Mission, MNREDA has begun solarisation of government Lower Primary Schools using off-grid inverter systems in East Garo Hills and East Jaintia Hills districts.

In East Garo Hills, 125 schools are being equipped with solar systems - 72 with 1.1 kVA and 53 with 2.2 kVA capacities. Similarly, in East Jaintia Hills, 123 schools (72 with 1.1 kVA and 51 with 2.2 kVA systems) are scheduled for installation.

The CM Solar Mission aims to match Meghalaya’s current installed power capacity with renewable energy systems within the next 2 to 3 years, offering subsidies and affordable bank financing to drive clean energy adoption.

Community Infrastructure Also Covered

As part of the same BharatNet-linked initiative, MNREDA is also working on solarising 22 government Lower Primary Schools, 8 secondary schools, 4 ICDS centres, and 29 community halls across the state. Installation work is already underway at selected sites.

The move is part of a broader strategy to ensure a reliable power supply for educational and community infrastructure, particularly in areas with limited grid access.

Solar Systems Rolled Out for Rural Households under PMAY

In addition to public infrastructure, MNREDA is extending solar power access to individual homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). In the Mylliem Block of East Khasi Hills, 492 households are being equipped with solar hybrid inverter systems - 352 with 0.85 kVA and 140 with 1.7 kVA capacity.

Another 354 beneficiaries in North and East Garo Hills districts are also set to receive solar systems - 253 with 0.85 kVA and 101 with 1.7 kVA.