The interim budget for the country (Interim Budget 2024) was unveiled on February 1 of this month. During this presentation, the Finance Minister introduced the rooftop solar initiative, also known as the ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’ (PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana). Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also launched this scheme. The program offers 300 units of free electricity, along with additional benefits. However, certain guidelines have been established for its implementation.
The objective of Illuminating 1 Crore Houses
Under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, solar panels are installed in households to provide power and generate additional energy. The government aims to illuminate one crore houses through this free electricity scheme, providing 300 units of free electricity per month. Solar panels are mounted on the roofs of homes, and to alleviate the financial burden, the government grants subsidies to applicants, determined based on meter capacity.
Subsidies in PM Surya Ghar Yojana
The government provides subsidies for installing solar panels in this scheme, which offers 300 units of free electricity. For instance, if you wish to install a 2kW rooftop solar system in your home, the total project cost would be Rs 47,000, with a government subsidy of Rs 18,000. Consequently, the customer’s expense for installing rooftop solar would be Rs 29,000.
According to the guidelines, a space of 130 square feet is required for this installation. The solar plant, costing Rs 47,000, would generate 4.32 KWh/day of electricity, totaling 1576 kWh/year. This results in a daily savings of Rs 12.96 and an annual savings of Rs 4,730 for the customer.
For a rooftop area of 700 square feet, a 3-kilowatt panel is recommended, with an investment of Rs 80,000. The government subsidy in this case increases to Rs 36,000, requiring the customer to contribute only Rs 50,000. The maximum subsidy for meters with capacities greater than this is Rs 78,000.
Necessary Steps for Subsidy of PM Surya Ghar Yojana
While the government’s initiative will bring light to the homes of beneficiaries, the government’s expenditure is estimated to be around Rs 75,000 crore. To avail of the benefits, applicants must be Indian residents, and poor and middle-income families owning their own houses can apply. To receive the subsidy, an essential step is required.
After installing the net meter and verification by DISCOM, a commissioning certificate will be issued through the portal, confirming your application under this scheme. To access the subsidy, you need to upload the required documents after receiving the certificate. Subsequently, submit bank account details and a canceled check on the portal, and the subsidy will be transferred to your bank account.
Easy Application Process
- To apply, visit the official website https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in .
- Choose “Apply for Rooftop Solar.”
- Select your state, and electricity distribution company, and enter your electricity consumer number, mobile number, and email.
- Log in on the new page using the consumer number and mobile. Complete the form following the provided guidelines for rooftop solar panels.
- After this, you will receive feasibility approval, enabling you to have the plant installed. It must be by any vendor registered with your DISCOM after solar panel installation.
- The next step involves applying for a net meter along with plant details.
