PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana on February 13, 2024, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing free electricity to one crore households across India through the installation of rooftop solar units.

This scheme was announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the interim budget for 2024-25. The initiative focuses on promoting renewable energy usage, reducing household electricity costs, and lowering carbon emissions

Overview

This scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet with a significant outlay of Rs 75,021 crore, reflects the government's commitment to promoting renewable energy, reducing electricity costs, and fostering environmental sustainability.

The scheme offers substantial subsidies—up to 60% for systems up to 2 kW and 40% for systems between 2 kW and 3 kW—making solar power more accessible and affordable for Indian households.

Objectives

The primary objective of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is to provide households with up to 300 units of free electricity per month, significantly cutting down on electricity expenses and encouraging the use of renewable energy.

Households can save approximately Rs 15,000 annually on electricity bills, and those generating surplus power can sell it back to DISCOMs for additional income.

By simplifying the application process through a dedicated portal and offering collateral-free, low-interest loans, the government ensures that this initiative is accessible to a wide range of citizens.

Subsidy Structure

The scheme offers substantial subsidies to make solar power more accessible and affordable. Suitable Rooftop Solar Plant Capacity for Households:

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the scheme, households must:

• Be Indian citizens.
• Own a house with a roof suitable for installing solar panels.
• Have a valid electricity connection.
• Not have availed any other subsidy for solar panels​.

Benefits

The scheme provides several key benefits:

• Households can save around Rs 15,000 annually on electricity bills.
• Additional income through the sale of surplus power to DISCOMs.
• Increased use of renewable energy, leading to reduced carbon emissions.
• Support for the government's broader goals of energy security and sustainability​.

Registration and Application Process

To apply for a rooftop solar system under the PM Surya Ghar, you need to register on the official website at - pmsuryaghar.gov.in and follow these steps:

• Step 1: Click on the "Apply For Rooftop Solar" button in quick links section on the homepage.

• Step 2: Now click on the Registration option.
• Step 3: Select your State and Electricity Distribution Company.
  Enter your Electricity Consumer Number, Mobile Number, and Email.

• Step 4: Log in with your Consumer Number and Mobile Number.
  Apply for the Rooftop Solar system using the provided form.
• Step 5: Once you receive feasibility approval, have the solar plant installed by a registered vendor.
• Step 6: After installation, submit the plant details and apply for a net meter.
• Step 7: A commissioning certificate will be generated from the portal following the net meter installation and inspection by DISCOM.
• Step 8: Submit your bank account details and a cancelled cheque through the portal. Receive your subsidy in your bank account within 30 days.

Vendor Registration

• Step 1: Vendors interested in executing projects through the National Portal can register with their respective DISCOM by submitting an application along with a declaration, as per the format provided on the official website. Additionally, they must deposit a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) of Rs. 2,50,000/- valid for at least five years.
• Step 2: Applications can be submitted at the Division or Circle level, and within one month, the vendor's name will be added to the list of empanelled vendors. DISCOM updates this list monthly, ensuring a current and comprehensive list of qualified vendors.
• Step 3: After registration, the DISCOM will upload the vendor details on the National Portal, and vendors will receive a registration confirmation via email. Vendors can then log into the National Portal using their PAN number and the mobile number used for registration to input product rates and contact details. These details will be visible to consumers applying to the respective DISCOM for rooftop solar installations.

Solar Rooftop Calculator

A Solar Rooftop Calculator is a useful tool available on www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in, designed to help individuals estimate the potential benefits and costs associated with installing rooftop solar panels. To use this, follow the steps outlined below:

• Step 1: Go to the official website of the PM Suryaghar scheme.
• Step 2: Click on the "Calculator" option on the homepage.

• Step 3: Enter the following details:
  • State
  • Category
  • Average Monthly Bill
• Optional:
  For more accurate information, you can also enter:
  • Total Available Roof Top Area
  • Investment Amount
  • Required Solar Plant Capacity (in kW)
  • Sanction Load
• Step 4: After entering all the required details, click on "Calculate" to get your results.

Helpline

If you have any queries, you can call the national call center at 15555. Additionally, if you want to create a ticket, click the "Contact Us" option on the primary menu bar on the homepage.

You will be redirected to pmsgg.in, where you can fill out your complaint form and submit it. You can also track your ticket using your ticket number, mobile number, and Document Reference Type.