The Government of India started a new scheme called PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana on 29th February 2024. The goal of this scheme is to help people install solar panels on their rooftops so they can make their own electricity at home. This will help families save money on their electricity bills and also support clean and green energy in the country.
The government has set aside ₹75,021 crore for this scheme, and it will run until the year 2026-27. At the national level, the work will be managed by a National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA). At the state level, the scheme will be carried out by State Implementation Agencies (SIAs), which will usually be the DISCOMs (local electricity companies) or State Energy Departments.
These electricity companies will need to take several steps to make the scheme work well. They must provide net meters, which allow people to send extra electricity back to the power grid and get credit for it. They should also make sure that the solar systems are inspected and started quickly. The companies will also be in charge of registering trusted vendors who will install the solar panels in homes. In addition, they will work with other government departments to help install solar panels on government buildings too.The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana will help families use solar power at home, save money, and use clean energy. It will also help India become more energy independent and protect the environment.
How does PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijlee Yojana work?
The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a government scheme that helps people install solar panels on their rooftops by offering financial support (subsidy). The main goal is to help households generate their own electricity, reduce their power bills, and promote clean energy. Once the solar panels are installed, they convert sunlight into electricity. Any extra electricity not used by the home can be sent back to the power grid through net metering, which gives the household credit and helps lower their bill even more.
As part of the scheme, the government provides a 60% subsidy for systems up to 2kW capacity, and a 40% subsidy for the extra cost of systems between 2kW and 3kW. The maximum subsidy is given only for up to 3kW capacity. Based on current prices, this means you can get a ₹30,000 subsidy for a 1kW system, ₹60,000 for a 2kW system, and ₹78,000 for a 3kW system or higher. The subsidy amount is directly transferred to the applicant’s bank account after installation and approval.
The scheme is managed by central and state agencies, and local electricity companies (DISCOMs) assist with providing net meters, inspecting the system, and helping homeowners complete the process smoothly. Overall, this scheme makes solar power more affordable and easy to adopt for families across India.
Who is eligible to apply for the Scheme?
To be eligible for the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, the applicant must be an Indian citizen and must own a house with a suitable rooftop for installing solar panels. The household should have a valid electricity connection in the applicant’s name. Also, the family must not have received any other government subsidy for solar panel installation at the same location. This scheme is mainly for residential users who want to generate their own electricity and save on power bills by using clean solar energy.
How to apply for PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?
To apply for the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, the first step is for the interested household to register on the official website pmsuryaghar.gov.in. During registration, the applicant must select their state and electricity distribution company (DISCOM). The National Portal will then guide the user with helpful tools such as a benefits calculator, suggested system sizes, and vendor ratings. After registration, the user can log in and fill out the application form with basic details about their home and solar needs. They can also choose the vendor and the brand of the rooftop solar unit they wish to install, from the list of approved vendors.
Once the application is submitted, the DISCOM will check if the rooftop is suitable for solar panels and give feasibility approval. After approval, the selected vendor can install the system. The user then needs to apply for a net meter, which measures both the electricity used and the extra electricity sent back to the grid. After the system is installed and the net meter is connected, the DISCOM will inspect the setup and issue a commissioning certificate. Finally, the applicant uploads their bank details and a cancelled cheque on the portal to receive the subsidy directly in their bank account, usually within 30 days.
Applicants should also keep documents like ID proof, address proof, electricity bill, ownership proof of the rooftop, and a passport-size photo ready for the process. This scheme makes it easier for homeowners to shift to solar energy and save on electricity bills.
