PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana”Free Electricity Scheme with Solar Panels”

Latest Update: Budget 2024 Update: 1.28 Crore Registrations for PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

In the 2024 Budget, the Finance Minister announced that over 1.28 crore registrations have been completed under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The government is committed to expediting the installation of rooftop solar panels in 1 crore homes.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Launches Rooftop Solar Scheme in Budget 2024-25

In the Interim Budget 2024-25, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the ‘Rooftop Solar Scheme,’ also known as the ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.’ The full Budget 2024-25 confirms that the scheme will provide up to 300 units of free electricity per month to 1 crore households. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Rooftop Solar Scheme and its benefits.

Details

PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a government scheme that aims to provide free electricity to households in India. The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 15, 2024. Under the scheme, households will be provided with a subsidy to install solar panels on their roofs. The subsidy will cover up to 40% of the cost of the solar panels. The scheme is expected to benefit 1 crore households across India. It is estimated that the scheme will save the government Rs. 75,000 crore per year in electricity costs.

What are the benefits of the Scheme: PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

Suitable Rooftop Solar Plant Capacity for households

The subsidy for Group Housing Society (GHS)/ Resident Welfare Association (RWA) is Rs. 18,000 per kW for common facilities, including EV charging up to 500kW capacity at Rs.3 per kW per house. The upper limit includes individual rooftop plants installed by individual residents in the GHS or RWA.

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Details of the Rooftop Solar Scheme

In the Interim Budget 2024-25, the Finance Minister announced a groundbreaking rooftop solar scheme. On February 15, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched the ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.’ This initiative aims to install solar panels in 1 crore households, with substantial government subsidies covering up to 40% of installation costs.

The Budget 2024-25 emphasizes that the scheme will enable residential homes to use solar energy for electricity, significantly reducing electricity bills. Households will benefit from free solar power and receive compensation for any excess electricity generated. The government will directly transfer subsidies to bank accounts and offer concessional bank loans to minimize financial burden.

This scheme is projected to help poor and middle-class households save between Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 18,000 crores annually through free electricity and surplus power sales. Additionally, it is expected to reduce government electricity costs by approximately Rs. 75,000 crores per year.

Objectives of Rooftop Solar Yojana/PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, also known as the Rooftop Solar Yojana, is designed to provide 300 units of free electricity each month to 1 crore households. The scheme’s goal is to cut household electricity costs by installing rooftop solar panels and harnessing solar energy.

By promoting the use of rooftop solar panels, the initiative aims to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and support the transition to sustainable energy practices, fostering a shift towards cleaner, renewable energy.

Eligibility Criteria for Rooftop Solar Scheme

• Applicants should be residents of India
• Applicants should belong to poor and middle-income households
• Applicants should have their own residence with a roof suitable for installing solar panels.
• Applicants must have a valid electricity connection.
• Applicants should not have availed of any other subsidy for solar panels.

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Rooftop Solar Panel Installation Guide

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana involves installing photovoltaic panels, commonly known as rooftop solar panels, on residential or commercial rooftops. These panels are connected to the central power supply, reducing dependency on grid electricity and lowering energy costs.

The installation process is optimized through Net Metering, which allows homeowners to sell any surplus energy generated by their solar panels to electricity distribution companies. This system not only helps offset electricity bills but also balances energy consumption with contributions, resulting in significant savings on overall electricity expenses.

How to Apply for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to apply for the rooftop solar scheme:

• Visit the Official Website: Go to the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana official site.
• Start Your Application: Click on the ‘Apply for Rooftop Solar’ button located on the left side of the homepage.
• Register Your Details: Select your state, district, and electricity distribution company. Enter your customer account number and click ‘Next.’
• Provide Contact Information: Enter your mobile number and email address, then click ‘Proceed.’
• Complete the Application Form: Fill out the ‘Apply for Rooftop Solar Installation’ form, upload the required documents, and click ‘Final Submission.’
• Wait for Feasibility Approval: After submitting your application, wait for feasibility approval from your DISCOM. Once approved, arrange installation with a registered vendor. Find a vendor near you by entering your state in the search bar on the website.
• Install the Solar Plant: Have the solar plant installed by the registered vendor.
• Apply for a Net Meter: After installation, submit the plant details and apply for a net meter.
• Receive Commissioning Certificate: Post-installation and DISCOM inspection, a commissioning certificate will be generated.
• Submit Bank Details for Subsidy: Log into the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana portal and submit your bank account details along with a canceled cheque. The subsidy will be credited to your bank account within 30 days.

Documents Required for Rooftop Solar Scheme

• Proof of identity
• Proof of address
• Electricity bill
• Roof ownership certificate

For any inquiries about the Rooftop Solar Scheme or PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, you can reach customer support by calling the toll-free number 15555.

Application Process

• Step-1 : Visit the official website.
• Step-2 : Provide the following details for registration.
  • – Select your State
  • – Select your Electricity Distribution Company
  • – Enter your Electricity Consumer Number
  • – Enter Mobile Number
  • – Enter Email
  • – Please follow as per the direction from the portal.
• Step-3 : Login with Consumer Number & Mobile Number.
• Step-4 : Apply for the Rooftop Solar as per the form.
• Step-5 : Fill out the online application form.
• Step-6 : Wait for the feasibility approval from DISCOM. Once you get the feasibility approval install the plant by any of the registered vendors in your DISCOM.
• Step-7 : Once installation is over, submit the plant details and apply for net meter.
• Step-8 : After installation of net meter and inspection by DISCOM, they will generate commissioning certificate from portal.
• Step-9 : Once you get the commissioning report. Submit the bank account details and a cancelled cheque through the portal. You will receive your subsidy in your bank account within 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to apply for PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?

You can apply for the Rooftop Solar Scheme or the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana by visiting the official website of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and clicking on the ‘Apply for Rooftop Solar’ button.

What is Rooftop Solar Scheme?

The Rooftop Solar Scheme targets to install solar panels in one crore households to supply power and earn additional money for excess electricity output. This scheme will help poor and middle-class households to save up to Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 18,000 crores annually by getting free solar electricity and selling surplus power to electricity distribution companies.

Is there a government scheme for free solar panels in India?

There is no government scheme for installing solar panels for free in India. However, the government announced the Rooftop Solar Scheme or the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which aims to install solar panels in houses and achieve solar energy generation and usage in households. Under this scheme, the government provides a subsidy to install solar panels ranging from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 78,000, depending on the solar plant capacity.

What is the latest solar subsidy?

The newly announced PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana provides a subsidy to install solar panels ranging from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 78,000, depending on the solar plant capacity.

Can the solar installation be installed in a new house if I shift my residence?

Yes, the solar installation is easy to be dismantled and reassembled elsewhere. Thus, it can be shifted to your new residence.

What type of roof is suitable for Rooftop solar installation?

Rooftop solar PV systems can be installed on a type of roof having a sufficient load bearing capacity.

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