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In a significant push towards sustainable energy solutions, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has released draft guidelines for the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, designed specifically for the residential sector. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 15, 2024, the initiative aims to bolster the adoption of rooftop solar panels across Indian households, offering substantial financial incentives to reduce the nation’s reliance on conventional electricity sources.
Under this scheme, the government will subsidize up to 40% of the cost for installing solar panels on residential rooftops, potentially saving Rs. 75,000 crore annually in electricity expenses. The program is tailored to benefit one crore households with a subsidy structure based on the household’s average monthly electricity consumption. For those consuming 0-150 units per month, a subsidy ranging from ?30,000 to ?60,000 is available for 1-2 kW solar plants. Households with a consumption of 150-300 units can receive between ?60,000 and ?78,000 for 2-3 kW systems, while those consuming over 300 units are eligible for ?78,000 for systems above 3 kW.
To qualify, applicants must be Indian citizens owning a house with a suitable rooftop for solar installation and possess a valid electricity connection. Importantly, households must not have previously availed any subsidy for solar panels to be eligible for this program.
Stakeholders are invited to submit their comments and suggestions on the draft guidelines by April 23, 2024, as part of the MNRE’s ongoing efforts to refine and effectively implement this ambitious project. This initiative not only aims to provide free electricity to qualifying households but also seeks to enhance the country’s energy security by increasing the use of renewable resources and reducing carbon emissions. |
