Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ambitious PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana on February 13, 2024, aiming to provide up to 300 units of free electricity every month to one crore eligible households. This scheme, announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Interim Budget 2024-25, comes with a substantial investment of Rs 75,000 crore. By promoting sustainable energy, the scheme seeks to improve the quality of life for millions of Indians.
Overview of the Scheme
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is designed to offer substantial financial assistance to households for installing rooftop solar panels. This initiative not only aims to provide free electricity but also to reduce the financial burden on the government and decrease carbon emissions.
Key benefits of the scheme include:
- Free electricity for households: Up to 300 units of electricity will be provided free of charge each month.
- Reduced electricity costs: By generating their own electricity, households can significantly cut down their monthly utility bills.
- Environmental benefits: Increased use of solar energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to lower carbon emissions.
Subsidy Details
The scheme provides subsidies based on the capacity of the installed solar panels:
- Rs 30,000 per kW for systems up to 2 kW
- Rs 18,000 per kW for additional capacity up to 3 kW
- Maximum subsidy of Rs 78,000 for systems larger than 3 kW
The suitable rooftop solar plant capacity and corresponding subsidy support are as follows:
| Average Monthly Electricity Consumption (units) | Suitable Rooftop Solar Plant Capacity | Subsidy Support |
|---|---|---|
| 0-150 | 1-2 kW | Rs 30,000 to Rs 60,000 |
| 151-300 | 2-3 kW | Rs 60,000 to Rs 78,000 |
| Above 300 | Above 3 kW | Rs 78,000 |
Applying for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
Follow these steps to apply for the scheme:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to pmsuryaghar.gov.in.
- Register: Provide the necessary details including your state, electricity distribution company, electricity consumer number, mobile number, and email.
- Login: Use your consumer number and mobile number to log in.
- Apply for Rooftop Solar: Fill out the application form for rooftop solar installation.
- Approval Process: Wait for technical feasibility approval from your DISCOM (electricity distribution company).
- Install the Solar Plant: Upon approval, install the solar plant using registered vendors.
- Net Meter Installation: Submit plant details and apply for net meter installation.
- Final Inspection: After the net meter is installed and inspected by DISCOM, a commissioning certificate will be generated.
- Receive Subsidy: Submit your bank account details and a canceled cheque through the portal. The subsidy will be credited to your account within 30 days.
Required Documents
To apply for the scheme, you will need the following documents:
- Photograph of the beneficiary
- Aadhaar card scanned copy
- Scanned copy of bank passbook
- Latest electricity bill scanned copy
- Technical specifications of solar panels and inverters
- Site photographs after installation
- Grid clearance/net meter installation certificate from DISCOM
- Joint inspection report
- Domestic content requirement report
Conditions and Guidelines
- Use your own mobile number and email ID for registration.
- Ensure that the electricity connection and bank account are in the applicant’s name.
- Applications using vendor email or mobile number will be rejected, and such vendors will be blacklisted.
Time Frame for Subsidy
Your subsidy claim will be processed and approved within 30 days of application.
Financial Support for Solar Installation
Several banks offer loans for rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, including:
- State Bank of India
- Canara Bank
- Union Bank of India
- HDFC Bank
- IDBI Bank
- Punjab National Bank
- ICICI Bank
- Bank of Maharashtra
- UCO Bank
- Electronica Finance Limited
- Mysun
- Ecofy
- Credit Fair
- Metafin Cleantech
- PayTM
- Saraswat Bank
- Karnataka Bank
- Bank of Baroda
Capacity Building and Operational Guidelines
To ensure the scheme’s success, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has developed a comprehensive capacity-building program. This program focuses on training individuals in the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of solar rooftop systems, aiming to create a skilled workforce of over 300,000 personnel by 2026-27.
Training and Certification
Training programs will be offered through accredited and affiliated training centers, providing courses ranging from 30 to 600 hours. These courses will cover:
- Up-skilling and re-skilling
- Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
- Short-term training (STT) aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)
Implementation and Monitoring
The National Programme Implementing Agency (NPIA) will oversee the national-level implementation and monitoring of the capacity-building efforts. State Implementation Agencies (SIAs) will handle state-level activities. Regular monitoring and evaluation will be conducted through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) platform.
Conclusion
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a transformative initiative aimed at promoting sustainable energy and reducing electricity costs for households across India. By offering substantial subsidies and support for rooftop solar installations, the scheme empowers citizens to generate their own electricity, contributing to a greener and more self-reliant nation.
For more details and to apply, visit pmsuryaghar.gov.in.
