The PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme (PMSGMBY) is an ambitious and transformational scheme launched by the Government of India, aimed at providing free electricity through rooftop solar installations. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 February 2024, the initiative aims to revolutionise India’s residential energy landscape by empowering homeowners to generate clean, renewable energy directly from their rooftops.
What is the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme (PMSGMBY)?
The PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme is the world’s largest rooftop solar scheme, aimed at providing electricity to households across India. Under this scheme, up to 40% subsidy is provided for installing solar panels on residential rooftops. Under this initiative, households will get up to 300 units of free electricity per month from solar power systems installed in their homes.
The scheme aims to:
- 40 lakh rooftop systems by March 2026
- 1 crore rooftop systems by March 2027
Eligibility Criteria for PM Surya Ghar Yojana
To avail of the scheme, applicants must fulfil the following conditions:
- Must be a citizen of India.
- Must have a house with a rooftop suitable for solar panel installation.
- Must have a valid electricity connection.
- Must not have availed subsidy under any previous solar installation scheme.
- Both rural and urban residents are eligible.
Documents Required for Application
To apply for this scheme, the following documents must be submitted:
- Aadhaar card or any government identity card
- Proof of residence (utility bill, property tax receipt, etc.)
- Latest electricity bill
- Bank passbook and cancelled cheque
- Ration card
- Mobile number
- Passport-size photograph
- Income certificate
- Property ownership proof (for rooftop eligibility).
Subsidy Structure under the Scheme
The subsidy offered under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana varies depending on the monthly average electricity consumption and the recommended solar capacity:
| Monthly Electricity Consumption (Units) | Recommended Solar Plant | Subsidy Amount |
| 0–150 units | 1–2 kW | ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 |
| 150–300 units | 2–3 kW ₹60,000 | ₹60,000 – ₹78,000 |
| 300+ units | Above 3 kW | ₹78,000+ |
Online Registration Process for PM Surya Ghar Yojana
Residents can apply online for the scheme by following these steps:
- Visit the official website pmsuryaghar.gov.in.
- Register by selecting your state, electricity distribution company (DISCOM) and entering your consumer number and mobile number.
- Log in to your account using the generated credentials.
- Fill out the online application form with all personal and roofing details.
- Submit the form and wait for DISCOM approval.
- Once approved, choose a registered vendor for installation.
- Once the solar plant is installed, submit the installation details on the portal.
- Apply for net metering.
- After DISCOM inspection and commissioning, download the commissioning certificate from the portal.
- Upload bank account details and a cancelled cheque to receive your subsidy within 30 days.
Key Objectives of PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme
This visionary initiative is designed with several national and individual-level goals:
- Reduce electricity bills for households, institutions and small businesses.
- Enable citizens to sell excess electricity to the grid, thereby generating additional income.
- Increase India’s solar power capacity to 30 GW through the residential sector.
- Reduce CO2 emissions by 720 million tonnes while contributing to climate goals.
- Encourage the adoption of clean, renewable energy across the country.
- Create over 17 lakh direct employment opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, sales, installation and maintenance.
Key Benefits of PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme
- Subsidy directly into bank account: The government subsidy under this scheme is transferred directly into the applicant’s bank account, ensuring transparency.
- Free or minimal electricity bill: Solar panel users will experience zero or significantly reduced electricity bills, saving thousands of rupees annually.
- Long-term free electricity: A typical solar panel system lasts for 20-25 years, providing long-term energy independence once installed.
- Promotion of green energy and reduction of pollution: This move increases the use of green energy, helps reduce air pollution and promotes environmental sustainability.
- Potential income through net metering: Any excess electricity produced can be sold to the DISCOM using net metering, providing a source of additional income.
Loan Availability for Solar Installation
To reduce the financial burden, this scheme allows beneficiaries to apply for a bank loan to cover the installation cost. Most major nationalized and private banks offer loans for solar panel installation, subject to varying terms and conditions.
Conclusion
The PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme is a bold step towards energy independence, sustainability, and economic upliftment. It empowers millions of Indian households to adopt solar energy while cutting down electricity costs and contributing to a cleaner environment. By simplifying the application process and providing generous subsidies, the government is making clean energy accessible to all.
If you haven’t registered yet, now is the time to take advantage of this game-changing opportunity. Visit the official portal and start your journey towards free, sustainable electricity today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When was the PM Surya Ghar Yojana launched?
A: The scheme was launched on 15 February 2024 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Q: Who can avail of the benefits of this scheme?
A: Any Indian citizen who has a house with a suitable roof and a valid electricity connection can apply, provided he/she meet other eligibility conditions.
Q: What is the maximum subsidy available?
A: The subsidy can be ₹78,000 or more, depending on the size of the installed solar panel system.
Q: Can one apply online for this scheme?
A: Yes, one can apply online at pmsuryaghar.gov.in.
Q: Is this scheme available in both rural and urban areas?
A: Yes, this scheme is applicable in both rural and urban areas across India.
Q: Which ministry operates this scheme?
A: Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana comes under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
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