Introduction
Launched on February 15, 2024, the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at promoting rooftop solar installations across the country. The scheme envisions empowering 1 crore households to generate their own electricity, providing them with up to 300 units of free electricity every month.
Objectives of the Scheme
- Promote Renewable Energy: Increase the adoption of solar energy in residential sectors.
- Reduce Electricity Bills: Provide financial relief to households by reducing their dependence on grid electricity.
- Environmental Conservation: Decrease carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy practices.
- Employment Generation: Create job opportunities in the solar energy sector.
Key Features
- Subsidy Support: The government offers substantial subsidies to make solar installations affordable.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Subsidy amounts are directly credited to the beneficiary’s bank account.
- Net Metering: Allows households to feed excess electricity back into the grid, earning credits.
- Online Portal: A dedicated portal pmsuryaghar.gov.in facilitates application and tracking.(forbesindia.com)
Subsidy Details
The subsidy is structured based on the capacity of the solar system installed:
- Up to 2 kW: 60% subsidy of the benchmark cost.
- 2 kW to 3 kW: 60% for the first 2 kW and 40% for the remaining capacity.
- Above 3 kW: Total subsidy capped at ₹78,000.(india.gov.in)
For instance, at current benchmark prices:(india.gov.in)
- 1 kW system: ₹30,000 subsidy.
- 2 kW system: ₹60,000 subsidy.
- 3 kW system: ₹78,000 subsidy. (india.gov.in, indianbank.in, srtpv.bescom.org)
Eligibility Criteria
To avail the benefits of the scheme, applicants must:
- Be Indian citizens.
- Own a residential property with a suitable rooftop.
- Have a valid electricity connection.
- Not have availed any previous solar subsidy from the government. (drishtiias.com, en.wikipedia.org)
Application Process
- Registration: Visit pmsuryaghar.gov.in and register using your electricity connection details.
- Application Submission: Fill out the application form and upload necessary documents.
- Feasibility Assessment: DISCOM officials will assess the site’s suitability.
- Vendor Selection: Choose an empaneled vendor for installation.
- Installation & Net Metering: Vendor installs the system; DISCOM sets up net metering.
- Subsidy Disbursement: Post-inspection, the subsidy is credited to your bank account. (forbesindia.com)
Required Documents
- Aadhaar Card.
- Proof of property ownership.
- Latest electricity bill.
- Bank account details.
- Passport-sized photograph. (forbesindia.com, freyrenergy.com)
Financial Assistance
In addition to subsidies, beneficiaries can avail concessional loans from various banks to cover the remaining cost of installation.
Environmental and Economic Impact
- Carbon Emission Reduction: Significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.
- Energy Independence: Households become self-reliant in energy production.
- Economic Savings: Reduction in electricity bills and potential earnings from surplus energy.(forbesindia.com)
State-Level Initiatives
- Andhra Pradesh: Targeting 3 lakh rooftop solar connections by June 2025, with special emphasis on SC/ST households.
- Gujarat: Leading with 3.36 lakh installations, generating 1,232 MW of solar energy.
- Tripura: Aiming to provide solar power to 80,000 low-income households. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
Conclusion
The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a transformative step towards sustainable energy in India. By leveraging solar power, the scheme not only reduces the financial burden on households but also contributes to the nation’s environmental goals. With streamlined processes and substantial financial support, it’s an opportune time for households to embrace solar energy.
