solar Scheme
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana –
A Comprehensive Guide to Free Rooftop Solar
In a significant stride towards energy independence and sustainable development, the Government of India launched the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana on February 15, 2024. This ambitious scheme, with an outlay of over Rs. 75,000 crore, aims to electrify one crore households across India by promoting the adoption of rooftop solar systems, ultimately providing them with free electricity. It’s a transformative initiative designed to empower citizens, reduce energy bills, and accelerate India’s transition to a greener future.
The Vision: Free Electricity, Sustainable Living
At its heart, the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is about democratizing access to clean energy. The core idea is to enable individual households to become self-sufficient in their electricity needs by harnessing the abundant power of the sun. The scheme envisions a future where millions of Indian homes contribute to the national grid while simultaneously enjoying the benefits of reduced or zero electricity bills.
How it Works: A Framework of Support
The scheme provides substantial financial assistance to make rooftop solar accessible and affordable for a vast majority of the population. Key features include:
Significant Subsidy: Households are offered a direct subsidy to cover a substantial portion of the installation cost. For systems up to 2 kW capacity, a 60% subsidy is provided, while for systems between 2 to 3 kW capacity, an additional 40% subsidy is offered on the extra capacity. The maximum subsidy is capped at Rs. 78,000 for systems of 3 kW or higher. This translates to:
Rs. 30,000 for a 1 kW system
Rs. 60,000 for a 2 kW system
Rs. 78,000 for a 3 kW system or higher
Free Electricity: The ultimate goal is to provide households with up to 300 units of free electricity every month. By generating their own power, consumers can significantly reduce their reliance on the conventional grid and drastically cut down on their electricity bills.
Concessional Loans: To further ease the financial burden, the scheme facilitates collateral-free, low-interest loans, typically around 7% interest, for installing residential rooftop solar systems up to 3 kW.
National Portal for Seamless Application: A dedicated online portal (pmsuryaghar.gov.in) has been established to streamline the application process. This digital platform allows for easy registration, application submission, tracking of approval, and direct bank transfer of the subsidy.
Net Metering Integration: Households installing rooftop solar systems will be eligible for net metering. This allows them to feed surplus electricity generated back into the grid, earning credits on their electricity bills or even income by selling excess power to the Distribution Companies (DISCOMs).
Focus on Domestic Content: The scheme emphasizes the use of domestically manufactured solar modules (made from domestically manufactured cells), promoting the ‘Make in India’ initiative and fostering the growth of the domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Benefit?
To avail the benefits of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Indian Citizenship: The applicant must be a citizen of India.
Home Ownership: The applicant must own a residential property with a rooftop suitable for installing solar panels.
Valid Electricity Connection: The household must have an active and valid electricity connection with the local DISCOM.
No Prior Solar Subsidy: The household should not have previously availed of any other central government subsidy for solar panel installation
The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is designed to be user-friendly and can be completed online through the National Portal:
Registration: Visit the official portal (pmsuryaghar.gov.in) and register by providing details such as your state, electricity distribution company, consumer number, mobile number, and email.
Application Submission: Log in with your registered mobile and consumer number, fill out the detailed application form, and submit the required documents (e.g., Aadhaar card, electricity bill, property proof, bank account details).
Feasibility Approval: Await feasibility approval from your DISCOM.
Vendor Selection & Installation: Once approved, choose a registered vendor from the list available on the portal to install the rooftop solar system.
Net Meter Application: After installation is complete, submit the plant details online and apply for a net meter.
Commissioning & Subsidy Release: Upon successful installation of the net meter and inspection by the DISCOM, a commissioning certificate will be generated. Submit your bank details and a cancelled cheque through the portal, and the subsidy amount will be credited to your account within 30 days.