The PM Surya Ghar Yojana was declared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, 2024, during the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Ayodhya Temple and came into force on February 13, 2024, is a very impactful step towards making energy efficient in India. The scheme aims at providing solar power connections to 10 million households in the country by installing rooftop solar panels by mobilising ₹75,021 crore (~US$ 9 billion).
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The PM Surya Ghar Yojana which is also known as “PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana” is an enterprising program that has been planned with a view to help families with an income of less than ₹2 lakh per annum to cut down their electricity bills to help achieve energy security and pollution mitigation. Consumers will also be liberated from high electricity costs through the use of photovoltaic technologies annually scaling down the national power expenses to ₹75,000 crore.
The Rooftop Solar Power Generation Scheme is being implemented by REC along with lead public sector undertaking Lump Sum partners like NTPC Ltd., and NHPC along with the support of banks to achieve a cumulative installed rooftop solar capacity of 40GW by 2022. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana goes a long way not only to support the country’s renewable energy policy but also to provide 2. 5 million families with clean, affordable electricity hence impacting the future of India’s energy security.
Benefits of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
- According to a tariff set by the government, beneficiaries issue up to 300 units of electricity for free and hence save their monthly expenses.
- The government offers up to 60% of the costs in the form of Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for systems of up to 2 kW, and 40% for systems between 2 to 3 kW. This makes it possible for all the households to afford or have access to the pet products.
- This would impact overall household savings of approximately ₹ 15,000- ₹ 18,000 per annum towards electricity bills, The government is likely to save ₹ 75,000 crores towards power cost, in case one crore Smart installations are realised.
- Excess power produced by the solar systems installed in the houses can be sold to the distribution companies commonly known as DISCOMs which is another source of income for the homeowners.
- This has projected that the scheme will come up with about 17 lakh direct employment opportunities in the manufacturing, logistics, and maintenance sectors.
- By providing affordable easy-term loans starting from the interest of as low as 7% that do not require homeowners to part with their properties, homeowners can access cheap sources of finance for investing in solar panels.
- Every district is encouraged to develop one model solar village solar energy is encouraged in rural areas through the adoption of the program.
- Within 25 years of power generation, I to my solar installations I anticipate providing 1,000 billion units of power and cutting down as many as 720 million tonnes of CO2 emissions to combat climate change.
Objectives of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
- It aims at promoting the use of clean solar energy as opposed to conventional sources such as diesel, petrol and other non-renewable sources of power.
- In line with the COP26 targets set out by India, the program tasks are planned to ensure the addition of 30 GW of rooftop solar systems to the country’s identified 500 GW target of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
- It supports the ambitious goal formulated by India to cut down emissions by 1 billion tonnes by the year 2030 with the vision for net zero by 2070.
- Hence, through reduction of the electricity bills the scheme wants to bring the goals of energy autonomy at the national level while consuming less energy.
- This means that the creation of job prospects through solar panel manufacturing, installation and maintenance will promote entrepreneurship hence strengthening the Indian economy.
Eligibility Criteria & Required Documents
To be eligible for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Candidate should be an Indian citizen only.
- The candidate must be more than 18 years of age.
- Full or part-time employed dependents should be from a lower or middle-income group family, having an income range of ₹ 1, 00,000 to ₹ 1, 50,000 per annum.
- Must own a house with an appropriate roof to host solar panels.
- Should have a valid electricity connection.
- Subsidies for solar panels must not have used any prior subsidies for solar panel systems.
To apply for the PM Surya Ghar Yojana scheme, you will need the following documents:
- An Aadhar card or any other identity card which is recognisable by the government.
- Domicile certificate or any of the other valid proof of address.
- Income certificate.
- Certificate of roof ownership.
- A recent copy of the electricity bill for the last month which reflects the amount of bills likely to be paid by customers.
- Bank passbook.
- Passport-sized photo.
How to Apply For PM Surya Ghar Yojana?
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana helps homeowners in having solar panels installed for the use of renewable energy sources in a very convenient way. Follow the steps below to successfully apply for this scheme:
Step 1: Prepare Your Information
Before starting the application, ensure you have the following details ready:
- State and District Information
- Electricity Distribution Company (DISCOM)
- Electricity Consumer Number
- Mobile Number
- Email Address
Step 2: In the next step go to the official website/portal.
Visit the government-owned website of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana at www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in.
Step 3: The next step is to get registered at the particular Portal.
- On the homepage, tap on the “Apply for Rooftop Solar” button.
- Select your state, district, and DISCOM.
- Enter your Electricity Consumer Number, mobile number, and email address.
- Continue with the registration process by following the instructions displayed on your screen.
Step 4: Login to Your Account
After registration, it is recommended to use a Consumer Number and Mobile Number as login credentials. This will give you an overview of the application form for the rooftop solar installation.
Step 5: Fill the Application Form
- This can be seen on the menu bar on the rooftop, go for the option that says ‘Apply for Rooftop Solar’.
- Enter the necessary information that is needed, like Electricity connection information and address and type of the property.
- Make all the information correct to avoid some problems affecting the approval of the funds.
Step 6: Wait for the Feasibility Approval
Every time you submit your application the next step is to wait for feasibility approval from your DISCOM. This will in turn help in deciding whether the place requires the installation of a rooftop solar system or not. You will be informed either through our online user portal, email or sms once your application is approved.
Step 7: Solar Panel Installation
Once you obtain the approval contact any of the registered vendors or the solar installation service provider enlisted in the approved list of your DISCOM. That means that solar panel installation on your property can start now.
Step 8: File for net metering
- Once the installation is completed
- For the installed solar plant’s details, the respective information will have to be submitted through the portal.
- Applying for net metering to ensure that any excess energy produced by your solar system gets put back into the power company.
Step 9: Testing and Handing Over
When you have submitted your application for net metering the concerned DISCOM will perform a site inspection. After the inspection, the commissioning of the system will take place and also a commissioning certificate will be awarded through the portal.
Step 10: Get Your Subsidy
Finally, enter your bank account details and you also submit a cancelled cheque to the online portal. The subsidy amount will be reflected in your bank account within one calendar month after the commissioning certificate has been provided.
Conclusion
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has been envisaged to transform the lives of crores of the population of the country that remains in the darkness by bringing rooftop solar power plants into their home. There is even an element of energy growth, as the scheme reduces electricity costs and promotes the use of renewable energy in addition to the fight against climate change. If you are a pre-qualified borrower then this is your opportunity to improve your finances and the planet Earth. Yet, nobody wants to be left out of India’s solar revolution startling!
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was originally launched to give the country’s first step towards a green future, visit the official website today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a government scheme that seeks to offer free electricity to Indian households through the realization of rooftop solar power systems.
2. Who is eligible for this scheme?
Only households having a valid electricity connection, having enough rooftop space for placing solar panels, and having low income are eligible for the scheme.
3. How can I apply for the scheme?
For the application process, interested candidates should visit the official Website www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in register and fill out the online form.
4. What documents are needed for the application?
You will need the following documents:
- Aadhar card
- Latest electricity bill
- Domicile certificate
- Bank passbook details
- Passport-size photograph
- Ration card
5. How much subsidy can I get through this scheme?
Eligible households are eligible to get a subsidy of up to ₹ 78,000 for the installation of solar equipment.
6. What are the environmental benefits of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?
This scheme cuts back on the use of electricity generated by burning fossil fuels hence reducing carbon footprint, a noble cause towards tackling climate change in India.
7. How long will it take to receive the subsidy?
The subsidy amount will be directly credited to your bank account within 30 days of installation and validation.
