The Government of India has introduced the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, aiming to provide free electricity to one crore households by facilitating the installation of rooftop solar panels. This initiative not only seeks to reduce electricity bills but also promotes energy self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability.
Key Features of the Scheme:
- Subsidy Provision: The scheme offers a subsidy covering 60% of the solar unit cost for systems up to 2 kW capacity and 40% for additional system costs between 2 to 3 kW capacity, with the subsidy capped at 3 kW. This translates to approximately ₹30,000 for a 1 kW system, ₹60,000 for a 2kW system, and ₹78,000 for systems of 3 kW or higher.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Should own a house with a suitable roof for solar panel installation.
- Must have a valid electricity connection.
- Should not have previously availed any other subsidy for solar panels.
- Application Process:
- Register on the official portal by selecting your state and electricity distribution company.
- Provide necessary details such as consumer number, mobile number, and email.
- Choose a registered vendor and the desired rooftop solar unit.
- After installation, submit plant details and apply for a net meter.
- Once the net meter is installed and inspected, a commissioning certificate will be generated.
- Submit bank account details and a canceled cheque through the portal to receive the subsidy within 30 days.
Benefits of the Scheme:
- Financial Savings: Households can save up to 300 units of electricity per month, leading to estimated annual savings of ₹15,000 to ₹18,000.
- Energy Independence: By generating their own electricity, households reduce dependence on external sources, contributing to national energy self-reliance.
- Environmental Impact: The widespread adoption of solar energy reduces carbon emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Conclusion:
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a transformative step towards sustainable energy solutions in India. By leveraging solar power, the scheme not only alleviates the financial burden of electricity bills on households but also fosters a culture of renewable energy adoption, paving the way for a greener future.
