PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: A Complete Guide To Application, Eligibility & Installation Subsidies

In an ambitious move towards sustainable energy and economic relief, the Indian Government has launched the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana . This initiative aims to install solar panels on one crore households across the nation. This scheme is designed to reduce electricity costs for poor and middle-class families while promoting the use of renewable energy. With substantive subsidies and concessional loans, the government ensures minimal financial burden on the citizens.

Objectives of the Scheme
The primary goal of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is to provide 300 units of free electricity every month to households. By installing rooftop solar panels, the scheme aims to decrease dependence on traditional energy sources, promoting a shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy practices. Additionally, it seeks to cut down on the government’s electricity expenditure, potentially saving around Rs. 75,000 crore annually.

Financial Incentives and Subsidies
The scheme offers significant financial incentives to ensure broad participation without imposing a cost burden on the households. The government provides direct subsidies to cover up to 40% of the installation cost of solar panels. For a system of up to 2 kW, the subsidy is Rs. 30,000 per kW. For an additional capacity of up to 3 kW, it is Rs. 18,000 per kW, with a maximum subsidy of Rs. 78,000 for systems larger than 3 kW. Furthermore, residents can avail concessional bank loans to cover the remaining costs.

Economic and Environmental Benefits
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is expected to generate substantial savings for households, estimated between Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 18,000 crores annually. By selling surplus electricity to distribution companies, families can also earn additional income, further alleviating financial pressures. The scheme encourages the charging of electric vehicles, which contributes to a reduction in fossil fuel use and supports the government's broader environmental goals.

Moreover, the initiative is set to create numerous employment opportunities in the installation, manufacturing, and maintenance of solar panels, thereby fostering entrepreneurship and technical skill development among the youth. The widespread adoption of solar energy will significantly reduce carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment.

Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, applicants must be residents of India, belonging to poor or middle-income households. They should own a residence with a roof suitable for installing solar panels and possess a valid electricity connection. Additionally, applicants should not have previously availed of any other subsidy for solar panels.

Installation Process
The installation process of rooftop solar panels under this scheme is straightforward and designed to maximise efficiency. Photovoltaic panels are installed on the roofs and connected to the central power supply unit. This setup reduces reliance on grid-connected electricity, leading to significant cost savings. The process is made even more financially viable through Net Metering, which allows households to sell surplus energy generated by the solar panels to electricity distribution companies, thereby offsetting overall electricity costs.

For Group Housing Societies (GHS) or Resident Welfare Associations (RWA), the scheme provides a subsidy of Rs. 18,000 per kW for common facilities, including electric vehicle charging stations up to 500 kW capacity. The upper limit of this subsidy includes individual rooftop plants installed by residents within the GHS or RWA.

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana represents a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions and economic empowerment for Indian households. By harnessing solar energy, the scheme not only aims to reduce electricity costs and promote environmental sustainability but also seeks to foster economic opportunities through job creation and entrepreneurship. With comprehensive subsidies and a clear installation process, this initiative is poised to bring about a transformative impact on the nation's energy landscape and the lives of millions of its citizens.