The Union Cabinet has approved the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, a scheme that provides subsidies for installing solar panels on homes to generate solar electricity. The scheme will run from 2023-24 to 2026-27 with an allocation of Rs.75,021 crore.
The subsidy is divided into two parts: 60% subsidy for a 2 kW capacity and 40% subsidy for capacities above 2 kW. For example, if it costs Rs.1.45 lakh to set up a 3 kW solar power plant, the government will provide a maximum of Rs.78 thousand. The remaining amount can be raised in the form of an unsecured bank loan. Interest of 0.5% will be charged on the loan in addition to the repo rate, which is currently at 7%.
Rooftop Solar Scheme 2024
Beneficiaries can use the first 300 units of electricity generated by the solar system installed on their houses for free, and the remaining 600 units can be sold through net metering. This will generate an income of Rs.1,265 per month, out of which Rs.610 will be deposited under bank loan interest. Union Minister Anurag Thakur said that this will clear the debt in seven years.
The capacity of the solar power plant required depends on monthly electricity consumption. For those who consume 0-150 units of electricity per month, installing a rooftop system of 1-2 kW is sufficient. For those consuming 150-300 units, a plant of 2-3 kW capacity is needed. Those consuming more than 300 units of electricity should install a solar system with a capacity of 3 kW and above. A maximum of Rs.78 thousand will be paid as subsidy even if the solar system is installed above 3 kW.
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna
Residents’ welfare associations and those who have set up residences as a group can set up a rooftop solar system of up to 500 kW for electric lamps and vehicle charging stations in the common area. A subsidy of up to Rs.18 thousand per kilowatt will be given. A solar model village will be developed in each district, and incentives will be provided to urban and rural local organizations that work well in this regard.
By 2025, rooftop solar power generation systems will be installed on all central government offices in the country, and the subsidy amount will be given entirely by the centre. This scheme will provide direct employment to 17 lakh people.
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana Online Application Process
To register for installing a solar plant on your rooftop, you need to follow the steps given below:
- First, visit the PM Suryaghar portal (pmsuryaghar.gov.in) and register your name. You will be required to select your state and electricity supply company, and enter your electricity connection consumer number, mobile number, and email ID.
- Once you are registered, log in to the portal using your consumer number and mobile number and apply for ‘Rooftop Solar’.
- Complete the application and wait for approval from your electricity distribution company (discom).
- After receiving the approval, you can proceed with the installation of the solar plant. Make sure to chooase a registered vendor of your discom.
- Once the installation is complete, submit the plant details in the portal and apply for a net meter.
- The discom officials will carry out inspections after the installation of the net meter. Once the inspection is done, you will receive a commissioning certificate from the portal.
- Finally, submit a canceled cheque and your bank account details in the portal. The subsidy will be credited to your account within 30 days.