PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Empowering Indian Households with Free Solar Electricity
The Government of India launches various schemes from time to time. The Indian government is highly aware of the well-being of its citizens and continuously introduces different schemes for their benefit.
The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PM-SGMBY), is also one such scheme for Indian citizens that was launched on February 15, 2024, is a transformative initiative by the Indian government aimed at providing free electricity to households through rooftop solar installations. This scheme not only reduces electricity expenses for families but also promotes the adoption of renewable energy across the nation.
What are the main key benefits of this scheme
This scheme is not just about lighting up homes; it is also about adopting a faster and more affordable way to harness solar energy. It works with a comprehensive approach to reducing the financial burden on Indian households while contributing to environmental sustainability. Benefits of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bujli Yojana are :
Free Electricity: Households can receive up to 300 units of free electricity monthly by installing rooftop solar panels.
Financial Savings: The scheme is projected to help families collectively save between ₹15,000 to ₹18,000 crore annually on electricity bills.
Government Savings: By reducing reliance on traditional power sources, the government anticipates saving approximately ₹75,000 crore each year in electricity costs.
Environmental Impact: Increased use of solar energy contributes to a significant reduction in carbon emissions, promoting a cleaner environment.
Eligibility Criteria
To benefit from the PM-SGMBY, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Indian Citizenship: The applicant must be a citizen of India.
Age Limit :
The applicant’s age must be above 18 years
have an Aadhaar card linked to a bank account to participate in the scheme.
Home Ownership: Ownership of a residential property with a suitable roof for solar panel installation is required.
Valid Electricity Connection: The property should have an existing electricity connection.
No Prior Solar Subsidy: Applicants should not have previously availed any other government subsidy for solar panel installation.
Subsidy Details
The government offers substantial subsidies to encourage participation:
Up to 2 kW: ₹30,000 per kW
Additional Capacity up to 3 kW: ₹18,000 per kW
Systems Above 3 kW: Maximum subsidy of ₹78,000.
For Group Housing Societies (GHS) or Resident Welfare Associations (RWA), a subsidy of ₹18,000 per kW is available for common facilities, including EV charging stations, up to a capacity of 500 kW. The total subsidy includes individual rooftop installations by residents within the GHS or RWA.
Application Process
Interested individuals can apply for the PM-SGMBY through the following steps:
Online Registration: Visit the official PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana website and click on ‘Apply for Rooftop Solar’.
Provide Details: Select your state, district, and electricity distribution company. Enter your customer account number and proceed.
Documentation: Upload necessary documents, including proof of identity, address, recent electricity bill, and roof ownership certificate.
Installation: Upon approval, choose a registered vendor for the installation of the solar panels.
Net Metering and Inspection: After installation, the local DISCOM will install a net meter and conduct an inspection.
Subsidy Disbursement: Post-inspection, submit your bank details and a cancelled cheque on the portal. The subsidy amount will be credited to your account within 30 days.
Required Documents
Applicants need to furnish the following:
Proof of Identity (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, etc.)
Proof of Address (Utility bill, Passport, etc.)
Recent Electricity Bill
Roof Ownership Certificate
Ration Card
Income Certificate
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions, offering financial relief to households and promoting environmental conservation. Eligible individuals are encouraged to take advantage of this scheme to harness solar energy for a brighter, cost-effective future.
For more information and to apply, visit the official PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana website.