The Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme is a major and far-sighted initiative of the Government of India, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 15, 2024. The scheme aims to promote rooftop solar systems across the country, enabling ordinary families to generate their own electricity. The government aims to connect one crore (10 million) households to this scheme by 2026-27. A total budget of ₹75,021 crore has been allocated for this purpose.
Through this scheme, the government wants to transform rooftops from mere living spaces into centers of energy production. This will not only reduce dependence on conventional electricity but also increase the share of solar energy in the country’s total energy needs.
How to Benefit from 300 Units of Free Electricity
Under this scheme, if a family consumes up to 300 units of electricity per month, their electricity bill can be zero. Solar panels generate electricity during the day, which is used in the home. If the generation exceeds consumption, the excess electricity is sent to the grid. In return, the consumer receives credit or payment.
This system can result in annual savings of ₹15,000 to ₹20,000. Many households have even eliminated their electricity bills.
How Much Subsidy is the Government Providing?
To reduce the cost of solar systems under the Surya Ghar scheme, the central government provides direct financial assistance. A subsidy of ₹30,000 is provided for a 1 kW system, ₹60,000 for a 2 kW system, and a maximum of ₹78,000 for systems with a capacity of 3 kW or more.
The subsidy amount is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account after the installation and net metering process is completed. This payment is usually made within 30 days.
Who Can Avail of This Scheme?
Only Indian citizens with a valid electricity connection are eligible for this scheme. The house must be in the applicant’s name, their spouse’s name, or under joint ownership. The roof should be suitable for the safe installation of solar panels and receive sufficient sunlight.
Individuals who have previously benefited from any other government solar subsidy scheme are not eligible. There is no income limit for this scheme, although priority is given to poor and middle-class families.
Complete Online Application Process
The application process for the Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme) is entirely digital. Applicants need to register on the official portal, pmsuryaghar.gov.in. During registration, they must provide information such as their state, DISCOM (Distribution Company), consumer number, and mobile number.
After logging in, the application form is filled out, a solar vendor is selected, and the system capacity is determined. After the installation is complete, net metering approval is obtained. The subsidy amount is then directly transferred to the applicant’s bank account.
Scheme Progress as of December 2025
According to government data, approximately 19.46 lakh rooftop solar systems have been installed by December 2025. This is benefiting more than 24.35 lakh households. Of these, the electricity bills of about 7.71 lakh households have been eliminated.
More than ₹13,926 crore in subsidies have been disbursed so far. The government has also introduced new models like RESCO and ULA to reduce the burden of initial investment on people and simplify the installation process.
Why this scheme is considered a game-changer
The Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is transforming people from mere consumers into energy producers. This is reducing household expenses, creating employment in the solar sector, and providing significant environmental benefits. This scheme is accelerating India’s progress towards clean energy and has the potential to bring about a major transformation in the lives of ordinary citizens in the coming years.