🌞 PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Free Rooftop Solar Scheme Explained

Balasahana Suresh
The PM surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a major government initiative to help residential households install rooftop solar systems and receive free or highly subsidised electricity — significantly cutting power costs and promoting renewable energy transition in India.

🌟 What the Scheme Offers

🔋 Free or Subsidised Electricity

  • Eligible households can receive up to 300 units of solar electricity per month generated from rooftop solar panels.
  • This effectively reduces or even eliminates most of their electricity bills.
☀️ Financial Assistance for Rooftop Solar

The government provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to lower installation costs:

  • 60% subsidy of the system cost for solar systems up to 2 kW.
  • 40% subsidy of the additional cost for systems between 2 kW to 3 kW.
  • Subsidy capped at 3 kW capacity systems.
    That translates roughly to:
  • ₹30,000 per kW for 1 kW,
  • ₹60,000 for 2 kW,
  • ₹78,000 for 3 kW (approx).
💰 Low‑Interest Loans Available

Households can also access collateral‑free, subsidised bank loans for the installation cost through public sector banks and approved financing channels.

📈 Net Metering Benefits

If the solar system generates surplus electricity, households can sell excess power back to the grid (through net metering) and earn credits or income.

🏡 Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for PM surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, households must meet basic requirements:

  • Indian citizen with valid identity and residence documents.
  • Own a house with a suitable rooftop for solar panel installation.
  • Have a valid electricity connection from the local distribution company (DISCOM).
  • The household should not have received another solar subsidy earlier for the same purpose.
Other conditions may apply depending on local implementations and priority categories (e.g., low‑ to middle‑income households may be prioritised).

⚡ How the Scheme Works — Step‑by‑Step

Register Online:
Visit the official portal (typically pmsuryaghar.gov.in) and fill out the application form with household and electricity details.

Choose a Vendor:
Applicants usually select an approved solar vendor from a list provided on the portal or through DISCOM facilitation.

Installation & Inspection:
Vendors install approved rooftop solar panels. After installation, inspections verify correctness and quality.

Subsidy & Benefits:

The government credits the installed subsidy directly to the beneficiary’s bank account.

Once the system begins generating power, household can enjoy free electricity (up to 300 units) and possibly sell extra power back to the grid.

📊 Impact So Far

This scheme has been rapidly adopted across India:

  • Over 28 lakh+ homes have been powered by rooftop solar under this programme.
  • Various states, including Chandigarh and Uttar Pradesh, are installing thousands of rooftop systems and generating millions of units of green power daily.
  • Many households have already achieved zero or very low electricity bills, with some even earning by feeding surplus power back to the grid.
🌍 Why This Scheme Matters

🔋 Reduced electricity Bills

Households save substantially on monthly power costs, especially in regions with high electricity tariffs.

🌱 Clean & Renewable Energy Adoption

The programme significantly supports India’s renewable energy goals, contributing to reduced carbon emissions and energy independence.

💼 Employment & Growth

Solar installations under the scheme create jobs in manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and associated services.

📌 Key Takeaways

✔️ Up to 300 free electricity units per month for eligible houses.
✔️ Large central subsidies to cover major installation costs (up to 60% + 40%).
✔️ Net metering lets you earn from surplus power.
✔️ Wide national rollout targeting 1 crore households.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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