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PM Surya Ghar provides free rooftop solar installations to 1 crore households, giving them 300 units free electricity per month. Launched Feb 2024 with ₹75,021 crore budget. As of early 2025: 1 crore+ registrations; 7 lakh+ solar installations completed. India's largest rooftop solar push.
Target Beneficiaries: 1 crore households; priority to those consuming up to 300 units/month; all residential consumers eligible
Implementing Agency: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in coordination with State DISCOMs
75021
Funding Ratio (Centre:State): Central Sector Scheme (100% Central Funding for subsidies/CFA)
GS Paper: GS3
Syllabus Tags
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).
A component to incentivize local bodies for promoting rooftop solar in their jurisdictions.
Metric
1.28 Crore
Source: PIB / MNRE
Metric
INR 75,021 Crore
Source: Union Budget Document
The scheme represents a paradigm shift from large-scale solar parks to decentralized energy production. By incentivizing 1 crore households, it addresses the 'Last Mile' energy security while reducing the subsidy burden on DISCOMs (estimated at INR 27,000 crore annually). However, the success hinges on the technical efficiency of net-metering and the capacity of local DISCOMs to handle bi-directional flow. The 300 units free electricity promise serves as a socio-economic equalizer, yet the initial capital requirement for consumers, despite subsidies, remains a hurdle for the lowest income strata. It effectively democratizes the power sector by turning consumers into 'prosumers'.
Evaluate how the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana balances the objectives of energy equity and environmental sustainability.
The PM Surya Ghar Yojana can be used to discuss: 1. Energy Transition and India's INDC targets under the Paris Agreement. 2. Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) as a tool for rural empowerment. 3. Reduction of the 'Cross-Subsidy' burden in the Indian power sector. 4. Role of solar energy in achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat by reducing coal imports. 5. Integration of technology (National Portal) in streamlining subsidy disbursement.