India is on the path of rapid development, and with that comes a rising demand for energy. However, the rising cost of electricity continues to be a burden for millions of households. Recognizing this challenge, the Indian government has introduced a transformative initiative: the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024, this scheme aims to provide free electricity to over one crore households across the country through the installation of rooftop solar panels.
This initiative not only makes electricity affordable but also plays a crucial role in promoting renewable energy and reducing India’s carbon footprint. Let’s dive deeper into what this scheme is all about, how it benefits the common man, and how you can apply for it.
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was launched to provide affordable electricity to lower and middle-income households in India. Under this scheme, one crore households will receive up to 300 units of electricity free every month by installing rooftop solar panels.
This ambitious program was initially announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget for 2024-25. With a budget allocation of Rs 75,021 crore, the scheme promotes the use of solar energy, offering households a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional electricity sources.
The primary goal of the PM Surya Ghar Yojana is to provide relief from high electricity bills while promoting clean energy. Let’s break down the key objectives of the scheme:
The government has made it easy for households to adopt solar energy by providing substantial subsidies under the scheme. The PM Surya Ghar Yojana subsidy structure is as follows:
Category | Subsidy |
Residential Households | Rs. 30,000 per kW up to 2 kW |
Rs. 18,000 per kW for additional capacity between 2 to 3 kW | |
Total subsidy capped at Rs. 78,000 for systems larger than 3 kW | |
Suitable Rooftop Solar Plant Capacity | |
Average Monthly Electricity Consumption | Suitable Rooftop Solar Plant Capacity |
0-150 units | 1 – 2 kW |
150-300 units | 2 – 3 kW |
> 300 units | Above 3 kW |
Group Housing Societies/Resident Welfare Associations (GHS/RWA) | Rs. 18,000 per kW for common facilities, including EV charging, up to 500 kW capacity |
This includes rooftop plants installed by individual residents |
This financial assistance makes solar energy not just accessible but also affordable for millions of households, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
To benefit from the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, households must meet the following eligibility criteria:
This ensures that the benefits of the scheme are directed toward those who need them the most, particularly low and middle-income families.
The application process for the scheme has been simplified, thanks to the government’s dedicated online portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for rooftop solar panels under the scheme:
To apply for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, you need to submit a few essential documents to complete the registration process. Here’s a list of the key documents required for the application:
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana provides households with up to 300 units of free electricity per month, leading to significant cost savings of around ₹15,000 annually. Additionally, households generating surplus electricity can sell it back to DISCOMs for extra income. The scheme promotes renewable energy, reduces carbon emissions, and offers subsidies on solar panel installations—60% for systems up to 2kW and 40% for systems between 2kW and 3kW.
To be eligible for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the applicant must be an Indian citizen, own a house with a roof suitable for solar panel installation, and have a valid electricity connection. The household should not have availed any other subsidy for solar panels. Additionally, the solar rooftop unit installed should comply with the guidelines provided under the scheme.
The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a government initiative aimed at providing free electricity to Indian households through the installation of rooftop solar units. Launched in February 2024, the scheme offers up to 300 units of free electricity per month to one crore households across India, promoting the use of renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and offering subsidies to make solar power affordable.
To be eligible for the PM Muft Bijli Yojana, the applicant must be an Indian citizen and own a house with a suitable rooftop for solar panel installation. Additionally, the household must have a valid electricity connection and should not have availed any other subsidy for solar panels under similar government schemes.
PM Yojanas generally target Indian citizens, and eligibility depends on the specific scheme. For the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, individuals must own a house with a suitable rooftop for solar panel installation, possess a valid electricity connection, and should not have previously availed a solar panel subsidy. Specific eligibility may vary based on the scheme's focus, such as income criteria for low-income families.
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was launched on February 13, 2024, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The scheme was initially announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the presentation of the interim budget for 2024-25, aiming to provide free electricity to households and promote the use of renewable energy sources like solar power.
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is more than just a scheme—it’s a revolutionary step towards making energy affordable, clean, and accessible for millions of Indian households. It reflects the government’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainability, while also providing financial relief to families struggling with high electricity costs. With a user-friendly application process, substantial subsidies, and the potential to earn from surplus energy, this scheme is truly a game-changer for India’s energy landscape.
By adopting solar energy, not only can households save money, but they can also contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for India. If you’re eligible, don’t miss the opportunity to register for this transformative scheme and enjoy the benefits of free, clean electricity!