The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, launched on February 15, 2024, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revolutionizing India’s energy sector. This scheme seeks to provide free electricity to millions of households across the country by harnessing solar power. The core of the program involves installing rooftop solar panels on residential buildings, with the government offering a substantial subsidy of up to 40% of the installation costs.

The ambitious project targets benefiting 1 crore (10 million) households, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy adoption in India. By encouraging the use of solar power, the scheme not only aims to reduce the burden on the national power grid but also promises to cut down on electricity bills for participating families. This dual benefit of environmental conservation and economic relief for citizens makes the Yojana a cornerstone of India’s green energy push.

From a financial perspective, the government anticipates saving approximately Rs. 75,000 crore (750 billion rupees) annually in electricity costs. This massive saving could potentially be redirected towards other developmental projects, further boosting the country’s growth. The scheme also aligns with India’s international commitments to reduce carbon emissions and increase the share of renewable energy in its power mix.

Implementation of the Yojana is expected to create numerous job opportunities in the solar energy sector, from manufacturing to installation and maintenance of solar panels. This could provide a significant boost to employment, especially in semi-urban and rural areas. Moreover, by reducing dependence on fossil fuels for electricity generation, the scheme contributes to energy security and helps in balancing India’s energy import bill.

What is PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana 2024

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana by the Government of India is a public welfare scheme that will free one crore (10 million) households in the country from expensive electricity bills. For this scheme, the government has set aside a budget of 75,000 crore rupees (750 billion rupees) which will be used for subsidies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a free electricity scheme. This PM Free Electricity Scheme 2024 aims to illuminate about 1,00,00,000 (10 million) homes in India. Under this scheme, the government will provide subsidies to install solar systems in 1,00,00,000 households across the country.

Benefits of the Scheme

• Free Electricity : Households can generate their own electricity, potentially eliminating or greatly reducing their electricity bills.
• Government Subsidy : The scheme offers a subsidy of up to 40% on the installation of rooftop solar panels, making it more affordable for families.
• Environmental Impact : By promoting solar energy, it helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lowers carbon emissions.
• Energy Independence : Households become more self-reliant for their electricity needs, reducing pressure on the national power grid.
• Long-term Savings : After the initial setup cost, families can save money on electricity bills for many years.
• Job Creation : The scheme is likely to create jobs in the solar energy sector, from manufacturing to installation and maintenance.
• Boost to Solar Industry : Increased demand for solar panels and related equipment will boost the domestic solar industry.
• Reduced Power Outages : With decentralized power generation, the impact of grid failures or power cuts can be minimized.
• Excess Power Selling : In some cases, households may be able to sell excess power back to the grid, creating an additional income source.
• National Energy Security : By reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, the scheme contributes to India’s energy security.
• Awareness : The scheme helps in raising awareness about renewable energy and its benefits among the general public.
• Support for Rural Areas : It can particularly benefit rural areas where grid connectivity might be inconsistent.

Documents Required

• Proof of identity.
• Proof of address.
• Electricity bill.
• Roof ownership certificate.

Eligibility Criteria

• The household must be an Indian citizen.
• The household must own a house with a roof that is suitable for installing solar panels.
• The household must have a valid electricity connection.
• The household must not have availed any other subsidy for solar panels.

How to Apply Online

Step-1 : Visit the official website of the scheme.

Step-2 : Provide the following details for registration.

– Select your State

– Select your Electricity Distribution Company

– Enter your Electricity Consumer Number

– Enter Mobile Number

– Enter Email

– Please follow as per the direction from the portal.

Step-3 : Login with Consumer Number & Mobile Number.

Step-4 : Apply for the Rooftop Solar as per the form.

Step-5 : Fill out the online application form.

Step-6 : Wait for the feasibility approval from DISCOM. Once you get the feasibility approval install the plant by any of the registered vendors in your DISCOM.

Step-7 : Once installation is over, submit the plant details and apply for net meter.

Step-8 : After installation of net meter and inspection by DISCOM, they will generate commissioning certificate from portal.

Step-9 : Once you get the commissioning report. Submit the bank account details and a cancelled cheque through the portal. You will receive your subsidy in your bank account within 30 days.