New Delhi, 29-02-2024 : The Cabinet has given the green light to a substantial rooftop solar initiative, the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, allocating a hefty budget of Rs 75,021 crore. Under this scheme, households stand to benefit from a subsidy of up to Rs 78,000 for the installation of solar plants, along with the provision of 300 units of free electricity per month for an estimated one crore households.
Anurag Thakur, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, revealed during a media briefing post the Union Cabinet meeting that the scheme aims to facilitate the installation of rooftop solar systems and extend the privilege of free electricity to eligible households. The official statement released after the meeting reiterated the scheme’s objectives and financial allocations.
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2024, the scheme offers central financial assistance (CFA) covering 60% of the system cost for 2 kW systems and 40% for systems ranging from 2 kW to 3 kW capacity, with a cap set at 3 kW. This translates to substantial subsidies, including Rs 30,000 for 1 kW systems, Rs 60,000 for 2 kW systems, and Rs 78,000 for systems exceeding 3 kW.
Households seeking the subsidy will apply through the National Portal and select suitable vendors for rooftop solar installation. The Portal will offer essential information aiding decision-making, including system sizes, benefits calculator, and vendor ratings. Additionally, households can access collateral-free, low-interest loans for rooftop solar installation.
The scheme also introduces Model Solar Villages in each district to serve as exemplary models for rooftop solar adoption in rural areas. Urban Local Bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions will receive incentives for promoting rooftop solar installations in their jurisdictions.
Further, the scheme encompasses payment security for renewable energy service company (RESCO) based models and a fund for innovative rooftop solar projects. It is anticipated that households will not only save on electricity bills but also earn additional income by selling surplus power to DISCOMs.
The PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is projected to add 30 GW of solar capacity through rooftop solar in the residential sector, generating 1000 BUs of electricity and significantly reducing CO2 equivalent emissions over a 25-year period. Moreover, it is estimated to create approximately 17 lakh direct jobs across various sectors.
To facilitate enrollment and awareness, the Government has initiated a robust campaign, urging interested households to register on the official portal (https://pmsuryaghar.Gov.In) to avail of scheme benefits.