PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, Benefits, Eligibility, and Application Process

On February 29, 2024, the Government of India approved the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, aiming to boost solar rooftop capacity and empower residential households to generate their own electricity. A meeting was held at Vikas Bhawan to discuss the implementation of the scheme, which targets the installation of solar rooftops on 1.5 lakh homes in Lucknow during the fiscal year 2024-25.

The chief guest at the event, Eastern Assembly MLA O.P. Srivastava, mentioned that the estimated cost for a 3-kilowatt solar system is approximately ₹1.8 lakh.

Loan Provision under PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme:

This scheme, the state government provides a subsidy of ₹1.08 lakh. Additionally, banks will offer loans at an interest rate of 7%. Chief Project Officer of UPNEDA, Pankaj Singh, provided insights into the installation of solar systems and the related subsidies.

Objectives and Targets of the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme:

1. To install 1 crore rooftop solar systems (RTS) in the residential sector.
2. To provide free/low-cost electricity of up to 300 units per month to 1 crore households through the installation of rooftop solar systems.
3. To generate 1,000 billion units of renewable electricity through the capacity installed under the scheme, resulting in a reduction of 720 million tons of CO2 equivalent emissions over a 25-year period.
4. To develop the necessary ecosystem for rooftop solar projects in the country, including regulatory support, manufacturing facilities, supply chains, vendor networks, and operation & maintenance facilities.
5. To boost the local economy, generate employment, and enhance energy security.

The PM Surya Ghar Scheme:

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy had been implementing the Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Program, initially proposed to run until 2025-26 with a budget allocation of ₹11,814 crore. This program has now been subsumed under the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme. The new scheme will contribute to achieving India's nationally determined contributions for a green climate by installing 30 GW of solar capacity through rooftop solar by 2026-27.

How to Apply for the PM Surya Ghar Scheme Online:

• Visit the PMSG National Portal: (https://www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in).
• Click on the "Apply for Rooftop Solar" link on the homepage.
• Select your state and district.
• Choose your electricity distribution company (DisCom) and enter your connection number.
• Click on "Next."
• Fill out the registration form with accurate details.
• Upload the required documents and click on the "Submit" button.
•  After successful registration, you will receive a consumer number on your phone for login purposes.