LAHORE: The Punjab government on Friday inaugurated the free solar panel scheme for 100,000 power consumers in the province. “Our aim is to provide free solar panels to the masses in order to save them from [paying for] expensive electricity,” Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said at the inauguration of the scheme here. The Punjab consumers can apply under the scheme via SMS or online portal from Dec 6. “Earlier, 7.3 million consumers of Punjab benefited from the Rs14 per unit subsidy. Public resources will be spent only for the public convenience and relief,” she said. Under the scheme, 100,000 solar systems will be installed in Punjab over a period of one year. Solar systems will be given free of cost to the electricity consumers of the province who consume up to 200 units per month. It was briefed that 52,019 people who consume 100 units per month would be given free 550-watt solar systems, while those consuming up to 200 units of electricity per month will get a free 1,100-watt solar system. To get registered under the scheme, one can visit the online portal “cmsolarscheme.punjab.gov.pk”. People can also register themselves for the scheme by sending an SMS to 8800. Verification of the applicants’ particulars will be done using the reference number and the CNIC number mentioned on most of the consumers’ bills. The solar panels will be given to the consumers picked through a computerised balloting process to ensure transparency in the scheme. A helpline will also be established to support and guide the consumers who will get free solar systems. To protect the solar panel and inverter from theft, these items will be linked to the CNIC of the consumer. It was briefed that the installation of 100,000 solar systems in Punjab would held reduce carbon emissions by 57,000 tons.