PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Eligibility, How to Apply and Benefits to Check

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is an initiative launched by the Indian government in February 2024. This scheme aims to empower households across the country with free electricity and accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar power. This ambitious project promises a brighter future for many Indian families, contributing to both environmental and economic sustainability.

The initiative was approved by the cabinet in a recent meeting and was announced Union Minister Anurag Thakur on his Twitter (X) account stating: “A major step in our quest for energy sufficiency was taken by the #Cabinet, under the leadership of Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi. The PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna has been approved that will provide free electricity up to 300 units every month to 1 crore households. With a total outlay of ₹75, 000 Crore central assistance will be provided, & households can apply for subsidies through the national portal. They will also be provided a collateral-free, low-interest loan at around 7% and a model solar village will be developed in each district. Further, it will help in :

• Reduction of CO2 emissions 

• Addition of 30 GW of solar capacity 

• Create more than 17 lakh direct jobs.”

A major step in our quest for energy sufficiency was taken by the #Cabinet, under the leadership of Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji. The PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna has been approved that will provide free electricity up to 300 units every month to 1 crore households. With a… pic.twitter.com/sIGlSrpP2I

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) February 29, 2024

What is the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?

The My Scheme Government of India mentions: “PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a government scheme that aims to provide free electricity to households in India. The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 15, 2024. Under the scheme, households will be provided with a subsidy to install solar panels on their roofs. The subsidy will cover up to 40% of the cost of the solar panels. The scheme is expected to benefit 1 crore households across India. It is estimated that the scheme will save the government Rs. 75,000 crore per year in electricity costs.”

What are the Benefits of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana offers several potential benefits, both for individual households and for the nation as a whole. Here's a breakdown of the key advantages:

• Reduced Electricity Bills: The most significant benefit is the potential for significant cost savings on electricity bills. With up to 300 units of free electricity generated per month, dependence on the grid and associated expenses can significantly decrease.
• Energy Security and Independence: By having their own source of power through solar panels, households gain greater control over their energy needs. This can be particularly advantageous in areas with unreliable grid supplies or frequent power cuts, providing a sense of security and independence.
• Potential for Additional Income: Any excess electricity generated beyond a household's consumption can be sold back to the electricity grid through net metering. This creates a potential source of additional income, further offsetting energy costs.
• Environmental Contribution: By adopting solar power, individuals directly contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future. This reduces their reliance on fossil fuels and their associated environmental consequences, like greenhouse gas emissions.

What is the Eligibility for PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?

Here is the eligibility criteria for this initiative as described by the My Scheme website: 

• Be a citizen of India
• Own a home with a suitable rooftop for installing solar panels
• Have a valid electricity connection at your residence
• Not have previously received any other subsidy for solar panel installation

What is the Process to Apply for PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?

1. Register on the official website:

• Visit the official website.
• Select your state and electricity distribution company (DISCOM).
• Enter your electricity consumer number, mobile number, and email address.
• Follow the instructions provided on the portal to complete the registration process.

2. Apply for Rooftop Solar:

• After successful registration, log in using your consumer number and mobile number.
• Apply for rooftop solar installation by filling out the online application form.
• Wait for the feasibility approval from your DISCOM.

3. Installation and Net Metering:

• Once approved, choose a registered vendor from your DISCOM to install the solar plant.
• After installation, submit plant details and apply for a net metre through the portal.
• Following installation and inspection by DISCOM, they will generate a commissioning certificate accessible via the portal.

4. Claim your subsidy:

• Once you receive the commissioning report, submit your bank account details and a cancelled check through the portal.
• The subsidy will be credited to your bank account within 30 days.