The central government’s PM Surya Ghar: Free Electricity Scheme is very popular. Under this scheme, rooftop solar panels have been fixed in more than 20 lakh homes in the country. People are getting up to 300 units of free electricity.
This scheme was started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 February 2024. The aim is to give free electricity by putting solar panels on house roofs. The scheme gives up to 40% subsidy to families. The target is to help one crore families. This program will also save the government about ₹75,000 crore every year in electricity costs.
Eligibility
The applicant must be an Indian citizen. There should be a house with a roof suitable for solar panels. An electricity connection is also necessary. The applicant should not have taken any other subsidy for solar panels.
Families under the scheme can get collateral-free loans at low interest, around 7%, for rooftop solar (RTS) systems up to 3 kW. Only basic bank documents like a canceled cheque or copy of passbook are needed. The name on the bank account and the electricity bill must be the same. If there is any difference, the consumer must update the details with the discom or bank. Uploading the electricity bill is optional.
Installed in More Than 20 Lakh Homes
On Thursday, New and Renewable Energy Minister Prahlad Joshi said that rooftop solar systems have been installed in more than 20 lakh homes under the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme. Very soon, 30 lakh more homes will be added.
He did not share any timeline for achieving half of the target of 1 crore rooftop solar installations. Joshi also said that some states are moving very fast. Andhra Pradesh is one such state. Under this scheme, almost half of the beneficiaries are already getting zero electricity bills.