The Indian government has introduced several initiatives to promote the adoption of solar energy among residential consumers, which aim to make sustainable energy solutions both accessible and affordable. A prominent step in this direction is the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. It is carefully designed to minimize the financial burden associated with solar installations.
Overview of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana was launched in February 2024. It aims to help one crore households with rooftop solar panels by providing up to 300 units of free electricity monthly. This initiative allows people to reduce electricity bills and contribute to environmental sustainability by promoting renewable energy sources. As of recent updates, over 1.28 crore registrations have been recorded, which indicates a high public interest in the scheme.
Subsidy Structure
The scheme offers financial assistance to households installing rooftop solar systems, structured as follows:
| Capacity | Subsidy |
| 1 kW Systems | Rs. 30,000 |
| 2 kW Systems | Rs. 60,000 |
| 3 kW Systems or Higher | Rs. 78,000 |
This government subsidy structure effectively covers up to 40% of the installation cost for 2 kW to 3 kW systems and 60% for systems up to 1 kW. This makes solar energy more accessible to a broader segment of the population.
State-Specific Additions
In addition to the central subsidies, certain states, including Uttar Pradesh and Kerala, offer additional financial incentives to encourage solar adoption. Uttar Pradesh provides supplementary subsidies for residential solar installations, further reducing the upfront costs for homeowners. Kerala offers state-specific incentives to promote solar energy usage among its residents. Citizens should consult their respective State DISCOMs or official state portals to obtain detailed information on additional subsidies and state-wise eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, applicants must meet certain conditions. The following criteria ensure that the benefits reach the intended demographic, which promotes equitable access to renewable energy solutions:
- The applicant must be a citizen of India and own a residential property.
- The applicant must have a registered electricity connection
- The building should possess a suitable rooftop for solar panel installation.
- The applicant should not have previously availed of any solar subsidy from the government.
- This is intended for the middle and lower-class population.
Application Process
The government has designed the application process to facilitate easy access to the scheme. Here is what it entails:
- Visit the official PM Surya Ghar Yojana portal and register by providing details such as state, district, electricity distribution company, customer account number, mobile number, and email.
- The local electricity company will evaluate the structural suitability of the applicant’s rooftop for solar panel installation.
- Upon approval, select a registered vendor to install the rooftop solar system as per the guidelines.
- After installation, the system undergoes inspection by the DISCOM to ensure compliance with technical standards.
- After successful commissioning, the government subsidy amount is directly credited to the applicant’s bank account within 30 days.
Impact and Benefits
The PM Surya Ghar Yojana has significantly increased the adoption rate of solar energy in India. Till now it has achieved over 10 Lakh installations in rooftop solar in the country depicting a growing demand. This growing rate of adoption showcases the effectiveness of the scheme in promoting renewable energy.
By reducing electricity bills and providing a reliable power source, the scheme enhances energy security for households. Additionally, it contributes to environmental conservation by reducing dependence on fossil fuels, which decreases carbon emissions.
