PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana – Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply

Illustration of a house with rooftop solar panels under PM Surya Ghar Yojana

PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana – Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply

The PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana is a transformative government initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of rooftop solar energy across India. Under this scheme, eligible households can install solar panels on their rooftops and receive up to 300 units of free electricity every month, significantly reducing their power bills.

Launched by the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the scheme is a major step towards energy self-reliance and sustainability. It not only makes clean energy accessible to the masses but also supports the country’s long-term vision of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

With financial assistance, simplified procedures, and a direct benefit transfer of subsidies, the PM Surya Ghar Yojana encourages millions of Indian families to harness the power of the sun—right from their homes.

Objectives of the PM Surya Ghar Yojana

The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is designed with several key objectives that align with India’s broader goals of sustainability, energy independence, and economic empowerment:

  1. Empowering Households with Clean Energy
    The primary goal is to make solar energy accessible to millions of households, enabling them to generate their own electricity and reduce dependency on conventional energy sources.
  2. Reducing Dependency on the Grid
    By promoting rooftop solar systems, the scheme aims to ease the burden on India’s power grid and reduce the strain caused by rising electricity demand, especially in urban areas.
  3. Supporting India’s Net-Zero Emissions Goal
    In line with India’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, the PM Surya Ghar Yojana contributes to a cleaner, greener future by encouraging the use of renewable energy.
  4. Creating Jobs in the Green Energy Sector
    The scheme also focuses on creating green jobs across the country by encouraging the solar energy industry’s growth, fostering skill development, and increasing opportunities in installation, maintenance, and system monitoring.

Key Benefits of the Scheme

The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana offers several compelling benefits for eligible households and group housing societies (GHS) in India. Here’s a breakdown of the key advantages:

1. Subsidy for Residential Households

The government provides a substantial subsidy to make rooftop solar systems more affordable:

  • ₹30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW of the system
  • ₹18,000 per kW for the additional capacity, up to 3 kW
  • Maximum subsidy of ₹78,000 for systems larger than 3 kW

🧮 Example:
For a 4 kW system, you will receive:
₹30,000 × 2 kW = ₹60,000
₹18,000 × 1 kW = ₹18,000
Total Subsidy = ₹78,000

2. Subsidy for Group Housing Societies (GHS) / RWAs

For residents of group housing societies or residential welfare associations (RWAs), there is also a provision for subsidies on common area solar systems:

  • ₹18,000 per kW for shared systems, including EV charging setups
  • The total subsidy is applicable for up to 500 kW capacity (with an upper limit of 3 kW per household)

3. Additional Benefits for Special States

In India’s special category states (such as the North Eastern states and hilly regions), the scheme offers an additional 10% subsidy per kW to further encourage solar adoption in these areas.

4. Free Electricity

Households participating in the scheme will receive up to 300 units of free electricity per month, significantly lowering electricity bills.

To help consumers choose the right rooftop solar system size based on their electricity usage, the PM Surya Ghar scheme provides guidelines for selecting the optimal capacity:

Monthly Electricity Consumption (Units)Recommended Solar Capacity
0 – 150 units1 – 2 kW
150 – 300 units2 – 3 kW
Above 300 unitsAbove 3 kW

  • 1-2 kW: Suitable for households with low energy consumption (0-150 units/month).
  • 2-3 kW: Ideal for medium usage (150-300 units/month).
  • Above 3 kW: Recommended for households with high electricity demand (more than 300 units/month).

Consumer Application Journey

The application process for the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is straightforward, designed to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for eligible consumers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

1. Registration on the Portal

  • Visit the official website: https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in
  • Create an account by providing basic details like Aadhaar number and electricity consumer number.

2. Submit Your Application

  • Fill out the application form with necessary details, including:
    • Your electricity provider (DISCOM)
    • Monthly electricity consumption
    • Property details (for residential owners)

3. Verification of Feasibility

  • After submission, your electricity provider (DISCOM) will verify the feasibility of installing a solar system on your rooftop.
  • You’ll be informed if the roof is suitable for solar panel installation.

4. Choose an Approved Vendor

  • Once your application is approved, you can select an authorized vendor from the list provided on the portal.
  • The vendor will conduct a site inspection and provide a customized solar installation plan based on your electricity needs.

5. Installation and Net Metering

  • After selecting a vendor, the installation of the rooftop solar system will take place.
  • The system will be connected to the grid through net metering, which allows you to earn credits for excess electricity generated.

6. Commissioning and Subsidy Disbursement

  • Once the installation is complete, the system will be commissioned by the DISCOM.
  • The subsidy amount will be credited directly to your bank account within 30 days of commissioning.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria. These requirements ensure that only those who qualify can benefit from the scheme’s subsidies and incentives:

1. Indian Citizenship

  • The applicant must be a citizen of India.

2. Residential Property Ownership

  • The applicant should be the owner of a residential property with a suitable roof space for installing solar panels.

3. Valid Electricity Connection

  • The applicant must have a valid electricity connection in their name from a licensed Distribution Company (DISCOM).

4. Rooftop Space Requirements

  • The property should have enough unshaded rooftop space to accommodate the solar panels, depending on the system size.

5. Preference for Low-Income Households

  • Although the scheme is available for all residential properties, preference may be given to low-income households and those in remote or off-grid areas.

7. How This Scheme Benefits the Nation

  • Reduces electricity bills
  • Promotes renewable energy
  • Lowers carbon emissions
  • Strengthens energy independence

How This Scheme Benefits the Nation

The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana not only benefits individual households but also plays a pivotal role in supporting India’s renewable energy goals. Let’s take a look at how this scheme contributes to the broader national mission:

1. Reduction in Electricity Demand from the National Grid

  • By encouraging households to generate their own solar energy, the scheme reduces the demand on the national power grid. This helps alleviate the pressure on the grid, especially during peak consumption hours.

2. Supporting India’s Renewable Energy Targets

  • The scheme is a significant step toward meeting India’s ambitious renewable energy targets, particularly the goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.
  • It promotes solar energy as a key source of clean, renewable power, contributing to reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality.

3. Job Creation in the Green Energy Sector

  • The increased demand for rooftop solar systems stimulates the growth of the solar industry, creating thousands of jobs in installation, maintenance, sales, and technical support.
  • The scheme also drives the need for skill development, enabling local workforce empowerment in the green energy sector.

4. Encouraging Sustainable Living

  • With the emphasis on renewable energy, the scheme encourages households to adopt sustainable practices, reducing their dependence on fossil fuels.
  • The shift towards clean energy directly contributes to a healthier environment, promoting sustainable living and the protection of natural resources.

5. Economic Savings for Consumers

  • Through free electricity and substantial subsidies, the scheme helps reduce the financial burden on families, especially those in low-income households.
  • The long-term savings on electricity bills allow families to allocate their resources to other essential needs, improving their economic well-being.

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Conclusion

The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a game-changing initiative by the Government of India that empowers residential households to harness the power of the sun for free electricity and long-term energy savings. By making rooftop solar systems more accessible, this scheme not only supports individuals in reducing their electricity bills but also contributes significantly to India’s renewable energy goals.

With its straightforward application process, attractive subsidies, and numerous benefits, the scheme presents an excellent opportunity for millions of households to become part of India’s clean energy revolution. Whether you’re looking to save on electricity costs or contribute to a greener future, the PM Surya Ghar Yojana provides the perfect platform to do so.

As more families adopt solar energy, the scheme will continue to play a crucial role in reducing India’s carbon footprint and moving towards a sustainable, energy-efficient future.

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