In the 2024–25 Union Budget, the Government of India unveiled the revolutionary PM Surya Ghar (Muft Bijli) Yojana, aimed at promoting rooftop solar energy while providing economic relief to households. With a budget allocation of ₹75,021 crore, the scheme seeks to:In a remarkable step towards promoting clean energy and reducing the electricity burden on middle and low-income households, the Government of India has launched a visionary scheme — PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana 2024. The scheme was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in early 2024 and aims to provide up to 300 units of electricity free every month to 1 crore households by installing rooftop solar systems on residential buildings.With a massive budget of ₹75,021 crore, this scheme is part of India’s broader goal to become a green energy leader while also empowering its citizens to become energy independent. The program provides subsidies for rooftop solar panel installations, along with easy loan facilities to make it affordable for every household.This initiative not only reduces monthly electricity bills but also contributes to protecting the environment by promoting the use of renewable solar energy. The solar energy produced will be used to power the house and any extra electricity generated can be exported to the power grid — further adding to the savings.
- Equip 1 crore households with rooftop solar panels
- Provide up to 300 units of free electricity per month
- Offer generous subsidies and concessional loans to cover installation
- Empower citizens via clean, sustainable solar energy
Officially launched by PM Modi on 13–15 February 2024, the scheme is driven by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE)—with support from DISCOMs, Nodal Agencies, and financial institutions
Why PM Surya Ghar? Objectives
- Lower household electricity bills by offsetting grid consumption
- Promote rooftop solar and reduce carbon footprint (projected CO₂ reduction of 720 million tonnes over 25 years)
- Enable energy self-reliance for citizens
- Create green jobs—especially in installation and maintenance sectors
- Transform villages, and even schools, into Solar Model Villages
Eligibility Criteria
- To apply, households must meet the following criteria:
- Indian citizen, age 18+
- Residents with a roof suitable for solar panels
- Must have an active electricity connection
- Should not already have another solar subsidy
- Priority focus on poor and middle-income households, including SC/ST and BPL families
- Households should not currently hold solar system subsidies
- DISCOMs ensure compliance based on the consumer’s name and connection
Benefits & Subsidies
Free Electricity
- Up to 300 units free per month, generated via rooftop solar.
- Installation Subsidies (Central Aid)
Installation Subsidies (Central Aid)
- 1 kW → ₹30,000
- 2 kW → ₹60,000
- 3 kW → ₹78,000 (cap applies for 3+ kW)
Financing Support
Loans available at concessional rates (SBI, PNB, ICICI, HDFC, and more)
Wikipedia
Additional Benefits
- Net Metering—surplus solar power is credited to your electricity bill
- Eco-friendly: provides local green energy and saves approx. ₹15–18K/year per household
- Job creation in rural solar sectors
Documents Required
Before applying, keep these documents ready:
- Latest electricity bill
- Aadhaar card (for KYC)
- Bank passbook/cancelled cheque
- Proof of roof ownership
- Passport-size photo
- For Group Housing: title proof and RWA documentation
How to Apply Online
Visit the official portal: pmsuryaghar.gov.in
Step-by-Step:
- Register/Log in: Enter State, DISCOM, Consumer Number, Mobile, Email. Validate via OTP
- Fill Application: Provide rooftop area, system size, vendor capability, etc.
- Upload Documents: Electricity bill, Aadhaar, bank details, roof proof.
- Feasibility Approval: DISCOM assesses and approves system design
- Choose Vendor & Install: Install through empaneled vendors
- Net Meter Installation: Add net meter and fetch commissioning certificate
- Submit Bank Info: Upload cancelled cheque and account details
- Receive Subsidy: Bank transfers subsidy to your account within ~30 days
Institutional Extensions
- Schools and government buildings can also participate; many schools in Prayagraj are being solarized under the scheme
- Model Solar Villages—each district will have one showcase solar village; Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region leads in this effort
Eligibility & Application Recap
To qualify:
- Own suitable rooftop & electricity consumer connection
- Be a middle- or low-income Indian citizen
- Affordable loan or self-fund the installation
- Apply through the DISCOM-backed national portal
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is eligible?
Any Indian household 18+ with a rooftop and electricity connection. Preference given to poor/middle-income groups
Q2. How much does subsidy cover?
1 kW→₹30K | 2 kW→₹60K | 3+ kW→₹78K max
Q3. How much free electricity?
Up to 300 units/month, generated from solar production.
Q4. What if I have no savings?
Concessional bank loans are available—including SBI at ~7% interest
Q5. How to track application?
Use the online portal: login > Dashboard > View application status.
Q6. Net Metering query?
Excess solar power is exported to grid, credited via net-metering
Q7. What if my roof is shaded?
Your vendor and DISCOM will assess feasibility during system audit.
Conclusion
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is an ambitious and thoughtful step towards sustainable energy, financial relief, and national decarbonization. Eligible households can benefit by:
- Installing rooftop solar—up to 3 kW—with 40–60% subsidy
- Receiving 300 free electricity units per month
- Reducing long-term electricity bills
- Contributing to national renewable energy goals
- Supporting green jobs and community empowerment
Apply through the pmsuryaghar.gov.in portal or your local DISCOM, and take part in India’s solar revolution—make your home a Surya Ghar today!