In a move aimed at making rooftop solar adoption easier and more accessible, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched “SUNtosh”, a WhatsApp-based chatbot that provides households with instant estimates of solar power benefits and potential savings.

The chatbot has been introduced under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and is designed to help consumers understand the financial and technical aspects of installing rooftop solar systems through a simple mobile interaction.

Bringing Solar Advisory to Every Household

SUNtosh has been developed to simplify the decision-making process for families considering rooftop solar installations. Through a quick WhatsApp conversation, users can receive a personalized assessment of their solar potential without visiting multiple websites or consulting technical experts.

The initiative aims to bridge the information gap that often prevents households from exploring solar energy solutions and government support available under the scheme.

Simple and User-Friendly Process

The chatbot is accessible through a QR code and requires only two basic details from users:

• The sanctioned electricity load of the household
• The amount of the latest monthly electricity bill

Using this information, SUNtosh instantly generates a customised advisory for the consumer.

The chatbot provides estimates related to:

• Suitable rooftop solar system capacity
• Applicable Central Financial Assistance, wherever eligible
• Potential reduction in monthly electricity expenses
• Long-term financial benefits from solar installation
• Estimated lifetime savings from the system

Officials said the process has been designed to be simple enough for first-time users and does not require any technical knowledge.

Supporting the PM Surya Ghar Mission

The launch of SUNtosh is part of the government’s efforts to accelerate rooftop solar adoption under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

The programme aims to facilitate the installation of rooftop solar systems in one crore households across the country. To achieve this objective, authorities believe that consumers need easy access to reliable information regarding costs, subsidies and expected savings.

By offering instant and personalised guidance, the chatbot is expected to encourage more households to explore solar energy solutions.

Making Solar Adoption Easier

For many consumers, understanding subsidy provisions, installation requirements and expected returns on investment can be a challenging process.

SUNtosh addresses these concerns by presenting key information in a simple and easy-to-understand format. Instead of navigating multiple platforms or seeking preliminary consultations, households can now receive an initial assessment within seconds.

Officials believe this convenience will help potential beneficiaries take informed decisions about adopting rooftop solar systems.

Accessible Across Urban and Rural India

One of the major advantages of the initiative is its accessibility. Since the service operates through WhatsApp, users do not need to download a separate application or create a new account.

The platform is expected to benefit consumers in both urban and rural areas, where smartphone usage and WhatsApp penetration are already widespread.

The simplified approach is particularly useful for first-time users who may be unfamiliar with renewable energy technologies or government support schemes.

Encouraging Clean Energy Adoption

The government sees rooftop solar energy as a key component of India’s clean energy transition. Wider adoption of solar systems can help households reduce electricity costs while contributing to sustainable energy generation.

By making information more accessible and reducing entry barriers, SUNtosh is expected to play an important role in increasing awareness and participation under the PM Surya Ghar initiative.

A Digital Push for Renewable Energy

The launch of the SUNtosh chatbot reflects the growing use of digital tools to improve citizen access to government programmes and services.

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With instant solar assessments, subsidy information and savings projections available through a familiar platform, the initiative aims to make the journey towards clean energy adoption simpler, faster and more convenient for millions of households across the country.

As rooftop solar installations continue to expand, SUNtosh is expected to serve as a useful first point of contact for families looking to understand the benefits of switching to solar power.

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