PM Surya Ghar Yojana: How to Apply?

The Indian government has launched an exciting new program to bring free solar power to millions of homes across the country. Called the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (Prime Minister’s Solar Home: Free Electricity Scheme), this initiative aims to install rooftop solar panels on 1 crore (10 million) houses. The program will help families save money on electricity bills while also promoting clean, renewable energy.

What is the PM Surya Ghar Yojana?

The PM Surya Ghar Yojana is a government scheme that will provide subsidies to help households install solar panels on their roofs. The main goals of the program are:

• Install rooftop solar systems on 1 crore homes across India
• Provide up to 300 units of free electricity per month to participating households
• Help families, especially poor and middle-class, save money on power bills
• Promote the use of clean solar energy
• Reduce India’s reliance on fossil fuels for electricity

The scheme was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, 2024 and officially launched on February 15, 2024. The government has allocated Rs 75,021 crore for implementing the program over the next few years.

How the Scheme Works

Under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, eligible households can apply to have solar panels installed on their roofs. The government will provide a subsidy to cover part of the installation costs. Here are the key details:

• Subsidy of Rs 30,000 per kilowatt for solar systems up to 2 kW capacity
• Additional subsidy of Rs 18,000 per kW for systems between 2-3 kW
• Maximum subsidy capped at Rs 78,000 for 3 kW or larger systems
• Participating homes can get up to 300 units of free solar electricity per month
• Expected to help families save Rs 15,000-18,000 per year on electricity bills

The subsidy covers about 60% of the solar unit cost for systems up to 2 kW and 40% for 2-3 kW systems. This makes it much more affordable for average households to install rooftop solar.

Who is Eligible?

The PM Surya Ghar Yojana is aimed at helping poor and middle-class families across India. To be eligible for the scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be an Indian citizen
• Own a house with a suitable roof for installing solar panels
• Have a valid electricity connection
• Not have received any other solar subsidy previously
• Priority given to households with annual income below Rs 2 lakh

The program is open to all states and union territories in India. Both urban and rural households can apply.

How to Apply

The application process for the PM Surya Ghar Yojana is fully online through the official portal at www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in. Here are the steps to apply:

To apply for the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana online, follow these steps:

Registration

1. Visit the official website at www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in
2. Click on “Apply for Rooftop Solar” on the homepage
3. Select your state and electricity distribution company
4. Enter your electricity consumer number
5. Provide your mobile number and email address
6. Complete the registration process as directed on the portal

Application

1. Log in to the portal using your consumer number and registered mobile number
2. Fill out the online application form for rooftop solar installation
3. Upload any required documents

Approval and Installation

1. Wait for feasibility approval from your DISCOM (electricity distribution company)
2. Once approved, select a registered vendor in your area to install the solar system
3. Get the rooftop solar system installed

Post-Installation Steps

1. After installation, submit the plant details through the portal
2. Apply for a net meter
3. Wait for DISCOM inspection and installation of the net meter
4. Receive a commissioning certificate generated through the portal

Subsidy Disbursement

1. Log in to the portal and submit your bank account details
2. Upload a cancelled cheque
3. The subsidy amount will be credited to your bank account within 30 days

Remember to keep your application ID handy for future reference. If you need assistance during the process, you can contact the helpline number 15555 for support.

Benefits of the Scheme

The PM Surya Ghar Yojana offers several important benefits for households and the country:

For Households:

• Free solar electricity of up to 300 units per month
• Significant savings on electricity bills (Rs 15,000-18,000 annually)
• Reduced dependence on the power grid
• Clean, renewable energy for homes
• Potential to earn by selling excess power to the grid

For the Country:

• Increased adoption of solar energy
• Reduced burden on the power grid
• Lower carbon emissions and pollution
• Job creation in the solar industry
• Progress towards India’s clean energy goals

Implementation and Oversight

To ensure smooth implementation, the PM Surya Ghar Yojana will be overseen at multiple levels:

• National Program Implementation Agency (NPIA) at the central level
• State Implementation Agencies (SIAs) at the state/UT level
• Local electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs)

The DISCOMs will play a crucial role by:

• Providing net meters for solar systems
• Conducting timely inspections
• Managing vendor registrations
• Coordinating with other departments

How Solar Rooftop Systems Work

For those unfamiliar with solar technology, here’s a simple explanation of how rooftop solar systems work:

1. Solar panels on the roof capture sunlight
2. The panels convert sunlight into DC (direct current) electricity
3. An inverter changes the DC power to AC (alternating current) for home use
4. Excess power is sent to the grid through a net meter
5. At night or on cloudy days, power is drawn from the grid as usual

The system seamlessly provides solar power when available and grid power when needed.

Conclusion

The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is an innovative and far-reaching program that aims to bring the benefits of solar power to millions of Indian homes. By providing substantial subsidies and simplifying the installation process, the government is making rooftop solar accessible to a wide range of households. For eligible households, the PM Surya Ghar Yojana presents an excellent opportunity to embrace clean energy, reduce electricity costs, and contribute to a greener future. As implementation progresses, the true impact of this ambitious scheme will become clearer, potentially paving the way for even broader adoption of rooftop solar across India.