PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet approved the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. This initiative focuses on installing rooftop solar panels and delivering free electricity, up to 300 units monthly, to one crore households. Launched by PM Modi on February 13, 2024, the solar scheme has a total budget of Rs 75,021 crore.

As stated in a government press release, the scheme provides financial aid amounting to 60% of the system cost for 2 kW systems and 40% of the additional system cost for systems between 2 to 3 kW capacity. The subsidy is capped for systems with a capacity of 3 kW. Presently, considering benchmark prices, this translates to a subsidy of Rs 30,000 for a 1 kW system, Rs 60,000 for 2 kW systems, and for systems with a capacity of 3 kW or higher it is Rs 78,000.

The scheme is anticipated to enhance solar power generation in Kerala. According to recent data, rooftop solar panels have been set up in 1,70,015 households in Kerala as part of KSEB's solar project. These installations are facilitated through subsidy schemes jointly administered by the central and state governments. A 40% subsidy is offered for projects with a capacity of up to 3 kilowatts, while a 20% subsidy is applicable for capacities exceeding this threshold. No subsidy is provided for projects exceeding 10 kilowatts.

Details of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana subsidy Scheme

The Union Government has recently introduced the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Under this scheme, households will receive subsidies for rooftop solar installations ranging from 1 to 2 kW, with subsidy support ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹60,000. Owners consuming an average of 150 to 300 units of electricity per month can install rooftop solar plants of 2 to 3 kW, receiving subsidy support ranging from ₹60,000 to ₹78,000. Owners with monthly consumption exceeding 300 units can install rooftop solar plants exceeding 3 kW, with a subsidy support of ₹78,000.

The proposed scheme aims to add 30 GW of solar capacity through rooftop solar in the residential sector. This will generate 1000 BUs of electricity and lead to a reduction of 720 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions over the 25-year lifespan of rooftop systems.

Eligibility Criteria:

Household must have an existing electricity connection.
Consumption of electricity within specified limits as per the scheme guidelines.
Must meet any additional criteria specified by the state or central government.

Online Application Process:

Go to the official website of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
Register by providing details such as state, electricity distribution company, consumer number, mobile number, and email.
Sign in using your consumer number and mobile number.
Fill out the online application form for rooftop solar installation.
Wait for feasibility approval from DISCOM.
Once approved, proceed with installation by a registered vendor.
After installation, apply for a net meter.
Upon net meter installation and inspection by DISCOM, they will generate a commissioning certificate.
Provide bank account details and a cancelled cheque through the portal to receive subsidy.