In a significant push towards renewable energy, Prime Minister Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme has successfully installed solar power plants in over 10 lakh homes across India. Launched on February 13, 2024, with a massive budget of ₹75,021 crore, the scheme aims to provide 1 crore households with 300 units of free electricity annually.
Union Minister for Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, recently shared this achievement on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, highlighting India’s historic progress in solar energy adoption.
“India has achieved a historic milestone in solar energy. The PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme has empowered 10 lakh homes with solar energy.”
With over 47.3 lakh applications already received, the scheme is rapidly moving toward its 1 crore installation target by March 2025.
How the PM Surya Ghar Yojana Works
The PM Surya Ghar Yojana is designed to encourage residential solar energy adoption, ensuring sustainable and cost-effective electricity for Indian households.
✔ 300 units of free electricity every month for enrolled homes.
✔ Annual income of ₹15,000 through excess electricity sold back to the grid.
✔ Subsidized rooftop solar panel installation to reduce upfront costs.
Government Subsidy for Solar Plant Installation
The scheme provides direct financial assistance to families installing rooftop solar panels, covering a significant portion of the installation cost.
| Solar Plant Capacity | Estimated Cost | Government Subsidy | Loan Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 kW | ₹97,000 | 60% subsidy | Low-interest loan |
| 3 kW | ₹1.45 lakh | ₹78,000 subsidy | Loan at minimal interest |
For those opting for a 3 kW solar plant, the total cost is ₹1.45 lakh, of which the government provides ₹78,000 as a subsidy. The remaining ₹67,000 can be financed through low-interest bank loans, with interest rates capped at just 0.5% above the repo rate.
How to Apply for PM Surya Ghar Yojana
The Government of India has launched an official portal for easy online registration. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply:
Step 1: Visit the National Solar Portal
Go to the official PM Surya Ghar Yojana website.
Step 2: Register with Required Details
- Consumer number (as per electricity bill)
- Name and address
- Preferred solar panel capacity
Step 3: Verification by DISCOM
Your application will be verified by the electricity distribution company (DISCOM) before approval.
Step 4: Choose a Certified Vendor
- Select from government-approved vendors listed on the portal.
- The vendor will install the rooftop solar panels at your home.
Step 5: Net Meter Installation
Once the installation is complete, DISCOM will set up net metering, enabling users to sell excess electricity back to the grid.
Step 6: Government Subsidy Disbursement
- After installation, a certificate of completion is uploaded to the portal.
- The subsidy amount is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account under DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).
Documents Required for PM Surya Ghar Yojana
Applicants need to submit the following documents for successful enrollment:
✅ Aadhaar Card
✅ Residential Proof (Electricity Bill/ Ration Card)
✅ Income Certificate
✅ Bank Passbook (for subsidy transfer)
✅ Mobile Number
✅ Passport-size Photograph
How Homeowners Benefit from Solar Energy?
The PM Surya Ghar Yojana ensures free electricity and additional income for participating households.
Electricity Generation & Savings
- A 1 kW solar plant generates 4-5 units of electricity per day.
- A 3 kW plant generates around 15 units per day, totaling 450 units per month.
- Households receive 300 units of free electricity every month.
- Excess energy is sold back to the power grid, providing homeowners with an additional annual income of ₹15,000.
Why Should You Opt for PM Surya Ghar Yojana?
✔ Significant Reduction in Electricity Bills – With free power generation, households can save thousands annually.
✔ Earn Money from Excess Electricity – Sell unused electricity back to the government, earning ₹15,000 per year.
✔ Government-Backed Subsidy & Loan Support – Reduces financial burden on homeowners.
✔ Eco-Friendly & Sustainable – Supports India’s renewable energy goals and reduces carbon footprint.
India’s Ambitious Solar Energy Goals
The PM Surya Ghar Yojana is part of India’s broader vision to:
🌞 Install 1 crore solar plants by 2025.
🌞 Make India a leader in renewable energy adoption.
🌞 Reduce dependence on fossil fuels and cut electricity costs nationwide.
With 10 lakh solar plants already installed, the scheme is rapidly moving toward its target of 1 crore households by March 2025.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
