PM Surya Ghar - Muft Bijli Yojana: A Revolutionary Step Towards Solar India
PM Surya Ghar Yojana is a groundbreaking rooftop solar scheme launched by the Indian government to offer free electricity to 1 crore households and promote renewable energy adoption across India. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024, this visionary scheme aims to empower one crore Indian households with free solar electricity, setting a precedent for sustainable development, economic relief for the poor and middle class, and a giant leap toward India’s green energy transition.
What Is PM Surya Ghar - Muft Bijli Yojana?
Surya Ghar” translates to “Sun Home” in Hindi, and the name itself captures the spirit of this initiative. The PM Surya Ghar Yojana seeks to install rooftop solar systems on residential buildings and provide up to 300 free units of electricity every month. This directly reduces power bills, ensures energy independence, and promotes green living among Indian households.
The central government has committed over Rs. 75,000 crores for this program. The target is to install rooftop solar systems on 10 million (1 crore) homes across the country. This massive rollout is not only an economic reform but a climate-sensitive policy designed to achieve India’s goal of Net Zero emissions by 2070.
Key Objectives of the PM Surya Ghar Yojana
Reduce Electricity Bills for millions of middle and lower-income families.
Promote Renewable Energy at the household level.
Reduce Carbon Emissions and environmental pollution.
Create Employment in the solar energy sector.
Empower Citizens with energy independence and environmental awareness.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch | 15 Feb 2024 (Budget 2024–25) |
| Target | 1 crore households by 2026–27 |
| Subsidy | Up to ₹78,000 for ≤ 3 kW systems |
| Free electricity | Up to 300 units/month |
| Loan option | Collateral-free, ~7% interest for ≤ 3 kW |
| Current progress | 3 GW installed by Mar 2025; state-wise installations ongoing frequenty |
Who Can Apply for PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana??
To ensure fair distribution and targeted implementation, the scheme has clear eligibility criteria:
Indian citizens who own their house.
The house must have a valid electricity connection.
Rooftop area suitable for solar installation.
The applicant should not have availed any previous solar subsidy under government schemes.
Additional benefits are provided to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) families in many states.
Subsidy Structure of PM Surya Ghar Yojana
The government provides significant capital subsidy on the installation of rooftop solar systems:
Up to 2 kW systems: 60% subsidy (approximately Rs. 30,000 per kW)
2 to 3 kW systems: 60% for first 2 kW, then 40% for the next 1 kW
Maximum subsidy: Rs. 78,000 for a 3 kW system
This makes rooftop solar installations affordable, especially for lower and middle-income groups. The cost of the remaining installation can be met via collateral-free loans at low interest rates (around 7%).
How to Apply PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana?
The government has made the application process simple and digital through a dedicated online portal:
Visit: https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in
Register with your electricity connection number and mobile number.
Choose your DISCOM (Distribution Company) and fill in details.
Get an estimate and select from empanelled vendors.
After installation, the DISCOM inspects and verifies.
The subsidy is transferred directly to your bank account.
Documents required include Aadhaar card, electricity bill, property ownership proof, and bank details.
Benefits to Households from PM Surya Ghar Yojana
1. Free Electricity
Households will receive up to 300 units per month free of cost, directly reducing their bills to almost zero for basic consumption levels.
2. Long-Term Savings
Over the lifetime of the solar system (20–25 years), a household can save Rs. 6–10 lakhs in electricity expenses.
3. Eco-Friendly Living
By switching to solar power, each home can prevent the emission of 2–4 tons of CO2 annually, contributing to a cleaner environment.
4. Energy Independence
With solar panels on their rooftops, families become less dependent on the electricity grid, avoiding frequent outages and tariff hikes.
Economic and Social Impact of the PM Surya Ghar Yojana
The scheme is not just an energy project—it’s a national mission with deep economic and social impacts:
Job Creation: The scheme is expected to generate over 1 million green jobs in the solar installation, maintenance, and equipment manufacturing sectors.
Entrepreneurship: Empanelled vendors, local electricians, and MSMEs in the solar sector will see a massive boom.
Rural Empowerment: Electrification and solar energy access in rural India will boost education, healthcare, and economic activity.
Women Empowerment: Women-led households can directly benefit from lower electricity bills and improved home management.
State-wise Implementation of PM Surya Ghar Yojana
Each Indian state has been given targets and is responsible for rolling out the scheme via their respective DISCOMs. States like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Kerala are already leading the way with thousands of installations. Gujarat alone has installed over 3.3 lakh rooftop systems by mid-2025.
Some states also provide extra subsidies or special provisions for SC/ST households, farmers, and Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
Role of Technology and Automation in PM Surya Ghar Yojana
The PM Surya Ghar portal is equipped with modern features:
Online registration and status tracking
System sizing calculators
Vendor selection tools
Real-time subsidy tracking
A mobile app for on-the-go access
This digitization ensures transparency, speed, and accountability in implementation.
How PM Surya Ghar Yojana Contributes to Climate Goals
India aims to generate 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030. PM Surya Ghar plays a central role in achieving this by adding over 30 GW of solar rooftop capacity in the residential sector alone.
This means an annual reduction of over 60 million tons of CO2 emissions, significantly improving air quality and supporting global climate goals.
Challenges Ahead for PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana
Despite the benefits, the scheme faces challenges:
Lack of awareness in remote areas
Space constraints in urban apartments
Delays in net-metering approval by DISCOMs
Quality control of installations
Training and availability of skilled manpower
To overcome this, the government is rolling out awareness drives, vendor training programs, and solar technician certification courses.
The Road Ahead for PM Surya Ghar Yojana
The PM Surya Ghar Yojana is a foundational step in democratizing access to clean energy. If implemented effectively, it could:
Transform India into a solar-powered nation
Reduce dependence on fossil fuels
Position India as a global leader in rooftop solar energy
Empower millions of families economically
Lay the foundation for climate-resilient infrastructure
Final Words on PM Surya Ghar Yojana
The PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana is more than just a subsidy scheme—it’s a movement. A movement that empowers every Indian to become a climate warrior, a smart energy consumer, and an active contributor to the nation’s green future.
By making the sun a partner in powering homes, this scheme brightens not just rooftops, but the lives of millions. It is a shining example of how technology, governance, and sustainability can come together to shape the future of India.
Let’s welcome the sun into our homes and join the journey towards a cleaner, greener, and brighter India.