PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Apply Online, Eligibility, Installation Subsidies, Benefits

In the 2024-25 budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the 'Rooftop Solar Scheme', also known as the 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana'. This initiative offers subsidies to facilitate the installation of rooftop solar panels in residential buildings, promoting the use of solar energy to reduce electricity expenses. This article provides comprehensive coverage of the Rooftop Solar Scheme, outlining its objectives and benefits.

PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

In the 2024-25 budget, the Finance Minister introduced a novel rooftop solar initiative. Subsequently, on February 15, 2024, the Prime Minister officially launched the 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana'. This program involves the installation of solar panels in households to provide electricity and generate additional income through surplus power generation. The Central Government will extend substantial subsidies directly to individuals' bank accounts and offer highly concessional bank loans to ensure minimal financial burden. The government subsidy will cover up to 40% of the solar panel installation costs.

This scheme is expected to result in significant annual savings for poor and middle-class households, ranging from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 18,000 crores, by facilitating access to free solar electricity and enabling the sale of excess power to electricity distribution companies. With the ambitious target of installing solar panels in one crore homes nationwide, the government anticipates saving approximately Rs. 75,000 crores annually in electricity expenses.

Objectives of Rooftop Solar Yojana/PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

The Rooftop Solar Yojana, also known as the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, seeks to deliver 300 units of complimentary electricity monthly to illuminate one crore households. The primary goal of this initiative is to alleviate household electricity expenses through the installation of rooftop solar panels and the utilization of solar energy. This scheme is geared towards reducing reliance on conventional energy sources by integrating rooftop solar panels into households, thereby promoting the adoption of sustainable energy practices. It advocates for the adoption of clean and sustainable energy solutions.

Benefits of Rooftop Solar Scheme/PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

• Annual savings ranging from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 18,000 crores through free solar electricity and surplus power sales to distribution companies for electric vehicle charging.
• Facilitation of electric vehicle charging.
• Creation of entrepreneurship avenues for numerous vendors involved in supplying and installing solar panels.
• Generation of employment opportunities for skilled youth in solar panel installation, manufacturing, and maintenance.
• Decrease in government electricity expenses.
• Promotion of increased utilization of renewable energy sources.
• Reduction of carbon emissions.

Eligibility Criteria for Rooftop Solar Scheme

• Applicants must be Indian residents.
• Applicants must come from poor and middle-income households.
• Applicants should own a residence with a suitable roof for solar panel installation.
• Applicants must possess a valid electricity connection.
• Applicants should not have previously received any other subsidy for solar panels.

Rooftop Solar/PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana Installation Subsidies

The Rooftop Solar Scheme entails the following subsidies provided by the government for solar panel installation:

• For capacities up to 2 kW: Rs. 30,000 per kW
• For additional capacity up to 3 kW: Rs. 18,000 per kW
• Total subsidy for systems exceeding 3 kW: Maximum of Rs. 78,000

For Group Housing Societies (GHS) or Resident Welfare Associations (RWA), the subsidy provided is Rs. 18,000 per kW for shared facilities, encompassing electric vehicle (EV) charging up to 500 kW capacity at Rs. 3 per kW per household. This ceiling covers both communal rooftop installations and individual rooftop plants installed by residents within the GHS or RWA.

Rooftop Solar/PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana Installation Process

Photovoltaic panels, commonly known as rooftop solar panels, are installed on the roofs of houses or buildings and connected to the central power supply unit. This installation reduces reliance on grid-connected electricity, resulting in cost savings.

The entire process is further financially beneficial through Net Metering, where any surplus energy or electricity generated by the solar panels is sold to electricity distribution companies at a reasonable rate. This substantially reduces overall electricity bills by balancing consumption and contribution.

How to Apply for Rooftop Solar Scheme/PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?

Below are the steps to apply for PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana:

1. Visit the official website of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
2. Click on the �Apply for Rooftop Solar� button available on the left-hand side of the homepage.
3. Select the state, district, and electricity distribution company, enter your customer account number, and click on �Next�.
4. Enter your mobile number and email, and follow the instructions to complete the registration.
5. Log in with your customer account number and mobile number.
6. Apply for the �Rooftop Solar� as per the form.
7. After applying for Rooftop Solar, wait for the feasibility approval from DISCOM. Once approved, install the plant through a registered vendor in your DISCOM.
8. Submit the plant details and apply for a net meter after installation.
9. After the installation of the net meter and DISCOM inspection, a commissioning certificate will be generated from the portal.
10. Once you receive the commissioning report, submit your bank account details and a cancelled cheque by logging into PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana portal. The subsidy will be credited to your bank account within 30 days.

Documents Required for Rooftop Solar Scheme

• Proof of identity
• Proof of address
• Electricity bill
• Roof ownership certificate