New Delhi: Rising electricity costs across the country have become a financial burden for the general public. Consumers often face hefty bills when running multiple appliances simultaneously especially when using air conditioners, coolers, and refrigerators. To alleviate this concern, the government has launched a special initiative the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. Under this scheme, installing solar panels can effectively reduce your electricity bill to zero, allowing you to use fans, ACs, and coolers without worry. Solar panels can be easily installed on rooftops without causing any inconvenience.
Consumers receive 300 units of electricity completely free of charge under this scheme. The government provides a subsidy to offset the installation costs. Additionally, various state governments are offering extra benefits, ensuring a hassle-free experience for users.
How many homes have been illuminated in 2024?
The Central Government launched the ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’ (Free Electricity Scheme) in 2024. It received an overwhelming response right from the start. Government data indicates that over 50 lakh (5 million) households have benefited from this scheme, with approximately 19 lakh (1.9 million) households reporting that their previously high electricity bills have dropped to zero.
The Modi government aims to install solar panels in 1 crore (10 million) households by 2027. A key factor driving the scheme’s popularity is the provision of 300 units of free electricity. Furthermore, the government offers financial assistance through subsidies to reduce the cost burden of rooftop solar panel installation.
There has been a significant surge in the number of people adopting this scheme. The Modi government provides a subsidy of up to ₹78,000 for 3-kilowatt solar panel installations. Additionally, various state governments are boosting the scheme’s popularity by offering their own supplementary subsidies to participants.
UP and Delhi Governments Also Offering Subsidies
Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the Yogi government is offering incentives for installing 3 kW solar panels on rooftops. The Modi government provides a subsidy of up to ₹78,000, while an additional subsidy of ₹30,000 is also being offered, bringing the total benefit to ₹1.08 lakh. The Delhi government is also providing subsidies.
Incentives Offered by the Jharkhand Government
The Jharkhand government is also providing subsidies to beneficiaries under this scheme. Here, low-income families receive an additional subsidy of ₹15,000 per kilowatt. Consequently, for a 3 kW solar panel, an additional aid of ₹45,000 is provided alongside the central assistance of ₹78,000, resulting in a total benefit of ₹1.23 lakh.
Incentives Offered by Rajasthan and Bihar Governments
The Rajasthan government is also offering significant incentives under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. Under this scheme, the state government provides a subsidy of ₹17,000 in addition to the central subsidy for solar panel installation. As for the Bihar government, assistance of up to ₹20,000 is provided at a rate of ₹10,000 per kilowatt, allowing beneficiaries to save ₹98,000.
How to Apply for the Free Electricity Scheme
First, visit https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in.
Next, select the ‘Apply for Rooftop Solar’ option on the homepage.
Then, select your state and electricity distribution company on the new page.
You will need to enter your electricity consumer number, mobile number, and email address.
Log in using your consumer number and mobile number on the subsequent page.
Apply for the RTS (Rooftop Solar) panel by following the guidelines provided on the form.
You will then receive feasibility approval, after which you can have the panels installed by a vendor registered with the DISCOM.
