PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana - Solar Power Scheme

The Finance Minister introduced a new rooftop solar scheme in the 2024-25 Budget, subsequently launched by the Prime Minister as the ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’. Solar panels are installed in households under this initiative to provide electricity and generate additional income through surplus electricity sales. The Central Government will offer significant subsidies directly to individuals' bank accounts and highly concessional bank loans to alleviate any financial burden. 

This scheme is projected to help poor and middle-class households save between Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 18,000 crores annually by accessing free solar electricity and selling excess power to distribution companies. The government aims to install solar panels in one crore homes nationwide under this program. 

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana objectives 

The objectives of the said scheme are given below: 

1. PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana offers 300 units of free electricity monthly to one crore households. 
2. Reduce household electricity expenses through rooftop solar panel installations.
3. The scheme aims to diminish reliance on traditional energy sources. 
4. Its goal is to promote clean and sustainable energy practices through solar power adoption. 

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana benefits

The benefits of this scheme are given below: 

1. Cost Savings: Annual savings of Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 18,000 through free electricity and income from surplus power sales.
2. Income Opportunity: Sell surplus electricity to distribution companies for additional revenue.
3. Electric Vehicle Support: Surplus electricity can also be used for EV charging.
4. Employment Generation: Job opportunities for youth in solar panel manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.
5. Entrepreneurial Growth: Opportunities for vendors in solar panel supply and installation services.

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana subsidy rates 

The subsidy rates for PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana are given below in the table: 

Installation Procedure for Rooftop Solar/PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana 

Photovoltaic panels, commonly referred to as rooftop solar panels, are mounted on the roofs of residential or commercial buildings and linked to the central power supply system. This setup reduces dependence on grid-connected electricity, resulting in cost savings. 

Net Metering enhances the financial viability of the entire process. It allows any excess energy generated by the solar panels to be sold back to electricity distribution companies at a fair price. Consequently, this practice significantly lowers overall electricity expenses by ensuring a balance between consumption and contribution. 

Eligibility Critertia 

The eligibility criteria are given below: 

1. Applicant household must be Indian citizens. 
2. Applicant household must possess a house with a roof suitable for solar panel installation. 
3. Applicant household must hold a valid electricity connection. 
4. Applicant households must not have utilized any other subsidy for solar panels. 

How to apply for PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana / Rooftop Solar Scheme

Given below are the steps to apply for PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: 

1. Visit the official website of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. 
2. Click on the ‘Apply for Rooftop Solar’ button on the left-hand side of the homepage. 
3. Choose your state, district, and electricity distribution company, then enter your customer account number and proceed to the next step. 
4. Provide your mobile number and email and follow the instructions to complete the registration. 
5. Log in using your customer account number and mobile number. 
6. Fill out the Rooftop Solar application form. 
7. Await feasibility approval from DISCOM after applying. Once approved, proceed to install the solar plant through a registered vendor. 
8. Submit plant details and apply for a net meter post-installation. 
9. Following net meter installation and DISCOM inspection, obtain a commissioning certificate from the portal. 
10. Submit your bank account details and a cancelled cheque on the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana portal upon receiving the commissioning report. Subsidy will be credited to your bank account within 30 days. 

How Rooftop Solar Works

1. Solar Panels: Convert sunlight into electricity, reducing dependence on grid power.
2. Net Metering: Surplus energy generated is sold back to the grid, reducing overall electricity costs.

Conclusion 

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a significant step toward achieving sustainable energy for all. By making solar energy accessible, the government is empowering citizens to save on energy costs and contribute to a greener future. This scheme is particularly beneficial for economically weaker sections and middle-class families, helping them reduce their financial burden while promoting renewable energy adoption.