The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a major solar rooftop initiative launched by the Government of India to bring affordable and clean electricity to households. Formally approved by the Cabinet on 29 February 2024, it targets installing rooftop solar systems on one crore (10 million) households by March 2027.
Under this scheme, participating households can receive substantial subsidies for installing rooftop solar panels — making it easier and cheaper to switch to solar power. The aim is to help households get up to 300 units of electricity per month from solar generation, reducing electricity bills and promoting renewable energy use across India.
Key Benefits of the Scheme
The Surya Ghar Yojana offers multiple benefits for households that adopt rooftop solar:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Subsidised Solar Installation | Subsidy covers 60% of system cost for up to 2 kW systems and 40% for additional cost for 2–3 kW systems (capped at 3 kW) PM India+2mint+2 |
| Free / Low-Cost Electricity | Solar power from rooftop panels can supply up to 300 units per month, effectively reducing or eliminating monthly electricity bills PM India+2Press Information Bureau+2 |
| Additional Income Opportunity | Surplus electricity generated beyond household consumption can be sold back to distribution companies (DISCOMs), offering extra income to households India Brand Equity Foundation+1 |
| Reduced Dependence on Grid & Fossil Fuels | Promotes renewable energy use, reduces carbon emissions, and decreases reliance on grid electricity nimi.gov.in+1 |
| Job Creation & Local Solar Ecosystem Boost | The large-scale rollout is expected to create jobs in manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and supply chains of solar equipment mint+1 |
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible under PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, applicants must satisfy certain conditions:
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a resident Indian citizen India Brand Equity Foundation+1 |
| House Property | Must own a house with a roof that is structurally suitable for installing solar panels beed.gov.in+1 |
| Electricity Connection | Must have a valid electricity connection at the premises beed.gov.in+1 |
| Subsidy Eligibility | Should not have already availed subsidy under another solar panel installation scheme beed.gov.in+1 |
How to Apply for PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
Households interested in availing the benefits of this scheme can follow this process:
- Visit the official portal: pmsuryaghar.gov.in
- Click on “Apply for Rooftop Solar.”
- Fill in required details such as state, district, consumer account number (from electricity bill), and select your electricity distribution company (DISCOM).
- Upload required documents: proof of house ownership, electricity connection details, Aadhaar/bank account for subsidy transfer, and other necessary paperwork as per instructions.
- Select an empanelled vendor from the list provided on the portal for installing the rooftop solar system.
- After installation and inspection by DISCOM or relevant authority, subsidy (Central Financial Assistance) will be directly credited to your bank account.
Once approved, you can start using solar-generated electricity immediately. Any surplus electricity can also be sold back to the grid.
Typical Subsidy & Solar System Details
Here is a simple table showing subsidy amounts under the scheme depending on the rooftop solar system capacity:
| Solar System Capacity | Typical Subsidy from Government* | Approximate Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | Around ₹30,000 PM India+1 | Helps generate free solar electricity per household |
| 2 kW | Around ₹60,000 PM India+1 | Can supply major household electricity needs |
| 3 kW (or up to cap) | Around ₹78,000 www.narendramodi.in+1 | Maximum subsidy — higher electricity generation, potential surplus |
* Subsidy amount varies as per system cost and prevailing benchmark prices.
FAQs
Q1: Does PM Surya Ghar provide free electricity regardless of usage?
The scheme enables households to generate electricity through rooftop solar; electricity is “free” because you generate it — actual free units depend on sunlight and consumption.
Q2: Can I sell surplus electricity back to the grid under this scheme?
Yes, surplus electricity generated from rooftop solar can be sold back to the grid (through DISCOM) where net‑metering or feed‑in arrangements are allowed.
Q3: Is the subsidy amount same for all households?
No, subsidy depends on the size of solar system (1 kW, 2 kW, or 3 kW) and prevailing benchmark costs; larger capacity attracts higher subsidy (up to cap).