PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

✦Key Features

• Free rooftop solar: up to 300 units free electricity per month
• Central subsidy: ₹30,000 for 1 kW; ₹60,000 for 2 kW; ₹78,000 for 3 kW+ systems
• Collateral-free loan at low interest from nationalized banks (additional to subsidy)
• Net metering: surplus electricity sold back to distribution company
• 1 crore+ registrations on portal (first year); 7 lakh+ installations completed
• Budget: ₹75,021 crore till FY2026-27
• Jobs: 17 lakh direct employment in solar installation and maintenance

✓Eligibility Criteria

• Residential households in India.
• Must have a valid electricity connection.
• Sufficient unshaded rooftop space for solar panel installation.
• Adherence to specific technical standards for installation.

★Benefits

• Significant reduction in monthly electricity bills, potentially to zero.
• Financial subsidy for solar panel installation, reducing upfront costs.
• Opportunity to earn income by selling surplus electricity to the grid (net-metering).
• Contribution to environmental protection by using clean, renewable energy.
• Increased energy independence and reliability for households.

▶Application Process

• Register on the National Portal for Rooftop Solar with electricity consumer number and mobile number.
• Apply for rooftop solar by providing required details and documents.
• Wait for technical feasibility approval from the respective DISCOM.
• Get the solar plant installed by an empaneled vendor of choice.
• Apply for net-metering and physical inspection by the DISCOM.
• Receive the Central Financial Assistance (subsidy) directly into the bank account.

₹ Budget Allocation

75021

Funding Ratio (Centre:State): Central Sector Scheme (100% Central Funding for subsidies/CFA)

Historical Context

Launched in February 2024 to replace the previous Phase-II Rooftop Solar Program with a higher subsidy outlay and a focus on 'Muft Bijli' (Free Electricity).