PM Surya Ghar Yojana: The Central Government has launched the ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’ to address rising electricity consumption and alleviate the burden of high electricity bills. The scheme aims to encourage the installation of rooftop solar panels on as many homes as possible, promote clean energy, and provide financial relief to people regarding electricity costs. The government envisions ordinary families generating their own electricity by installing solar panels on their rooftops, thereby reducing their bills and potentially supplying surplus power back to the grid.

Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, eligible families receive attractive subsidies from the Central Government for installing rooftop solar systems. The scheme offers a subsidy of ₹30,000 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 higher.

Generally, a 3 kW solar system is considered suitable for a family with a monthly electricity requirement of around 300 units. The scheme’s objective extends beyond merely lowering electricity bills; it aims to promote solar energy use and reduce carbon emissions.

What is the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a flagship scheme of the Central Government that provides financial subsidies for installing rooftop solar panels on homes. Through this scheme, citizens can generate their own electricity during the day by installing solar panels on their roofs. This leads to reduced electricity bills and offers the facility to feed surplus electricity back into the grid through a prescribed process.

Understand the objectives of the scheme.

The government launched this scheme with several key objectives: reducing electricity bills for the general public, promoting the use of solar energy, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and contributing to environmental conservation.

How much subsidy is provided?

For reference, the subsidy under this scheme is based on the solar system’s capacity. A subsidy of ₹30,000 is provided for a 1 kW solar system. The government provides a subsidy of ₹60,000 for a 2 kW solar system. For solar systems with a capacity of 3 kW or higher, the government provides a subsidy of ₹78,000.

What solar system capacity is required for 300 units of free electricity?

According to the scheme’s guidelines, a 3 kW capacity rooftop solar system is considered suitable for a household with a monthly electricity consumption of approximately 300 units. Electricity generation depends on several factors, such as the amount of sunlight in your area, weather conditions, panel quality, system efficiency, and the roof’s orientation and tilt.

Who can avail the benefits of the scheme?

To avail the benefits of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, certain eligibility criteria must be met. The applicant must be a permanent resident of India. The applicant must hold a valid electricity connection in their name. The house roof must be suitable for installing a rooftop solar system. The applicant must not have previously availed of any other central solar subsidy for the same solar system. The application must be submitted in accordance with the scheme’s prescribed rules.

Documents required for application

Generally, the following documents are required when applying online: Aadhaar card, electricity bill, bank passbook or bank account details, passport-sized photograph, mobile number, email ID (if required), and other necessary documents.

How to apply online?

The application process for this scheme is entirely online.
First, visit the official portal of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
Click on the “Apply For Rooftop Solar” option available on the homepage.
Enter details such as your state, electricity distribution company, consumer account number, etc.
Complete your registration by entering your mobile number and other required information.
Log in to the portal using the login details received after registration.
Fill out the online application form for the rooftop solar system.
Enter the necessary personal details and information regarding your electricity connection.
Once the application is submitted, the concerned electricity distribution company (DISCOM) reviews the application. Once approval is received, ensure the solar system is installed only through a vendor registered on the portal.
After the solar panels are installed, the required information must be uploaded to the portal.
The subsidy amount is transferred directly to the eligible beneficiary’s bank account upon verification of documents and completion of the necessary procedures.

What is a net meter?

A net meter is a specialised electricity meter that records the amount of electricity drawn from the grid and the excess electricity sent back to the grid from the solar system. It plays a crucial role in rooftop solar systems.

Key benefits of the scheme

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana offers numerous benefits, including reduced electricity bills, government subsidies for solar systems, clean energy use, contributions to environmental conservation, reduced dependence on the grid, long-term savings on electricity costs, and optimal utilisation of rooftop space.

Points to remember while applying

Apply only through the official portal.
Select the correct DISCOM.
Enter the correct consumer number.
Get the solar system installed only by a registered vendor.
Upload clear and accurate documents.
Complete the net metering process on time after installation.
Provide accurate bank account details to ensure the subsidy is credited directly to the account.

Conclusion
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a significant initiative aimed at promoting solar energy in the country and reducing electricity costs for ordinary citizens. Under this scheme, a central subsidy is provided: ₹30,000 for a 1 kW rooftop solar system, ₹60,000 for a 2 kW system, and ₹78,000 for systems with a capacity of 3 kW or higher.

A 3 kW solar system is generally considered suitable for households with a monthly electricity requirement of approximately 300 units. To apply, eligible citizens must visit the official portal and register via the ‘Apply For Rooftop Solar’ option. The application process involves entering details such as the state, DISCOM, and consumer account number. Once approval is granted, the solar system is installed by a registered vendor.