The PM Surya Ghar Yojana can free you from electricity bills – yes, you heard that right The PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme is an initiative of the Government of India that aims to bring solar energy to every home and provide people with access to free electricity every month. This scheme is like a dream come true – up to 300 units of free electricity every month, zero bills, and you can even earn money by selling the excess electricity generated.
So, in this article, we will tell you what the PM Surya Ghar Yojana is, who is eligible for it, and how to avail of its benefits. We will provide all the details in this article.
What is the PM Surya Ghar Yojana?
First, let’s understand what the PM Surya Ghar Yojana is. It’s a highly successful scheme launched by the central government in February 2024. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Surya Ghar Yojana aims to install solar panels on the rooftops of over one crore (10 million) homes, enabling every family to pay lower electricity bills and receive up to 300 units of electricity free of charge every month, thereby saving energy.
See More: Ladki Bahin Yojana, Government can withhold installments if beneficiaries do not complete eKYC
The best part is that you can also earn money by selling excess electricity back to the grid. The government has allocated a budget of over ₹75,000 crore for this scheme.
PM Surya Ghar Yojana Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Announced By | Prime Minister Narendra Modi |
| Launch Date | February 2024 |
| Ministry | Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) |
| Scheme Type | Rooftop Solar Power Scheme |
| Objective | Provide free electricity and promote rooftop solar |
| Free Electricity Limit | Up to 300 units per month |
| Subsidy Benefit | Up to ₹78,000 for rooftop solar installation |
| Number of States Covered | 28 States |
| Eligible Consumers | Residential electricity consumers |
| Subsidy Structure | – Up to 2 kW: ₹30,000 per kW (total ₹60,000) – Additional from 2-3 kW: ₹18,000 per kW – Maximum subsidy: ₹78,000 (capped at 3 kW capacity) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Power Source | Solar Energy |
| Official Portal | pmsuryaghar.gov.in |
PM Surya Ghar Yojana Updates
To date, approximately 24 lakh (2.4 million) homes have had solar installations, and over 7.7 lakh (770,000) families are now receiving zero electricity bills. They are completely free from the worry of electricity bills. The government aims to cover 1 crore (10 million) homes by 2026-27 and plans to add 35 lakh (3.5 million) new homes next year.
PM Surya Ghar Yojana and Tata Power’s ‘Solar Ambassadors’
Tata Power DDL, which supplies electricity to approximately 9 million people in North Delhi (a joint venture between the Delhi government and Tata Power), launched this initiative on National Youth Day. It is called the “Solar Ambassador Initiative.”
Tata Power-DDL has appointed 20 specially trained officials as ‘Solar Ambassadors’. Their role includes going door-to-door and meeting people directly, explaining the benefits of the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, addressing concerns such as “the roof will be damaged” or “there will be no electricity during the rainy season,” and guiding them through the entire process, from application to installation.
Benefits of the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme
The government is providing substantial subsidies under this scheme. It’s not just about installing a solar system with your own money and generating free electricity; you also receive a significant subsidy from the government, the amount of which depends on the capacity of the solar power system you choose (in kW).
The total cost of installing a 3 kW system for an average home is between ₹1.5 and ₹2 lakh, but the subsidy significantly reduces your out-of-pocket expenses. Many private companies in your city offer zero down payment and EMI options, with the subsidy included.
For example, you could pay a monthly EMI of ₹3,500, which is similar to your current electricity bill, and after 5 years, your electricity bill will be completely free. Once you install a solar system, you will receive free electricity for 20-25 years.
A 3 kW system can generate an average of 300-400 units of electricity per month in a city like Delhi. Up to 300 units are free, and you can even earn a good income by selling the excess electricity. This can result in annual savings of ₹20,000 to ₹30,000.
How much will a solar panel system cost?
| Solar Plant Capacity | Government Subsidy Amount | Who is it suitable for? |
| 1 Kilowatt (1 kW) | ₹30,000 | Small families (whose electricity bill is around ₹1000-1500). |
| 2 Kilowatts (2 kW) | ₹60,000 | Medium families (Using 2-3 fans, fridge, TV, and 1 AC). |
| 3 Kilowatts (3 kW) or more | ₹78,000 (Fixed) | Large families (where AC usage is high). |
Based on an estimate, if you want to install a 3-kilowatt (3kW) solar panel system on your roof, the total market cost of a 3kW system (without subsidy) is approximately ₹1,30,000 to ₹1,40,000. But let’s look at the benefits you’ll receive.
- Total cost: ₹1,35,000 (estimated)
- Government subsidy: – ₹78,000
- Out-of-pocket expense: Only ₹57,000
Now, the 3kW solar panel system installed on your house will generate approximately 12-14 units of electricity every day, resulting in about 360-400 units per month. Even if we consider the electricity rate in Delhi to be ₹8 per unit, you can save ₹3,000 every month and even earn money by selling excess electricity back to the government, without paying any electricity bills.
- Annual savings: ₹36,000
- Return on Investment (ROI): Your ₹57,000 investment will be recovered in less than 2 years.
How to apply for the PM Surya Ghar Yojana?
First, go to the official website pmsuryaghar.gov.in.
There you will find the option “Apply for Rooftop Solar” or “Register” / “Consumer Registration”.
Register:
- Select your state.Select your electricity distribution company (DISCOM).
- Enter your consumer number (account number – found on your electricity bill) and registered mobile number.
- An OTP will be sent to your mobile; verify it.
- (An email ID may also be required here.)
Log in and fill out the application form:
- After registration, log in (using your mobile number and OTP).
- Fill in your details in the form, such as name, address, roof type, etc.
- Select the solar system capacity (subsidies are usually available for systems up to 1-3 kW, with a maximum of 3 kW).
Upload the required documents
- Recent electricity bill
- Aadhaar card
- Proof of ownership of the roof (such as property documents)
- Photograph (Passport size photo)
- Bank details (for subsidy later)
Select a Vendor and Installation:
- A list of registered vendors will be displayed on the portal. Choose your preferred vendor.
- The vendor will contact you, conduct a site visit, and install the solar panels.
- After installation, feasibility approval and net metering will be obtained from the DISCOM (Distribution Company).
Receive the Subsidy:
- Once the installation and commissioning are complete, upload your bank details and a cancelled check on the portal.
- The subsidy (e.g., ₹60,000 for up to 2 kW + ₹18,000 for each additional kW, with a maximum of ₹78,000) will be credited directly to your bank account.
