PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana: Complete Guide
Introduction
India is moving fast toward clean and renewable energy. The “PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana” is a visionary initiative aiming to bring free or heavily subsidized solar electricity to households. This blog explains the scheme in simple language. You will learn how homeowners can install rooftop solar panels, save on their electricity bills, get environmental benefits, and what steps to follow.
What is PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana?
The Yojana is a government-supported solar rooftop scheme. The idea is to supply solar panels to households so they generate their own electricity. This reduces dependency on grid power and lowers bills. Beneficiaries may get solar panels at low or no cost depending on eligibility.
Why It Matters
Solar energy is clean, renewable, and helps reduce pollution. By using rooftop solar, families can:
Cut monthly electricity bills.
Reduce carbon footprint.
Gain energy security during load-shedding.
Gain government incentives and support.
Key Features
The Yojana includes:
Subsidy or full coverage for solar panel and inverter cost.
Net metering: excess power sold back to the grid.
Support for installation and maintenance.
Coverage for households in urban and rural India.
Who is Eligible?
Households meeting criteria can apply:
Individuals owning their residences.
Homes with space for solar panel installation.
Users with a valid electricity connection.
Those under certain income criteria (often below Rs 3 lakh per annum).
Owners of houses in cities and villages across India.
How to Apply
Follow these simple steps:
Visit the official solar portal or authorized vendor.
Submit personal and house-related information.
Get a site inspection for roof suitability.
Approval and subsidy sanction.
Installation by certified technicians.
Setup net metering.
Monitor production using app or meter.
Solar Panel Tip
Choose quality panels such as monocrystalline or polycrystalline from Indian or global brands. Look for:
250–450 W capacity per panel.
Warranty of at least 10 years on performance and 25 years on panels.
Good service network in your area.
Net Metering: Earn from Excess Power
Net metering is vital to this scheme:
Solar panels generate electricity during the day.
You consume what you need; extra power flows to the grid.
The grid meter turns backward to credit for excess energy.
You save on monthly bills and sometimes earn credits.
Benefits of the Scheme
The Yojana offers many advantages:
Lower electricity bills or free electricity.
Reduced carbon emissions.
Less reliance on power cuts.
Better roof utilisation.
Support for India’s green energy goals.
Financial Savings: Example
Let’s see a typical saving example:
3 kW solar system costs ~ Rs 1.5 lakh.
Government subsidy might cover Rs 45,000–60,000.
You pay ~ Rs 90,000 upfront.
This system generates ~12 kWh daily; monthly ~360 kWh.
If tariff is Rs 6 per kWh, that’s savings of Rs 2,160/month.
Payback period ~4 years. After that, electricity is nearly free.
Environmental Impact
Using rooftop solar reduces CO₂:
1 kWh solar saves 0.8 kg CO₂ on average.
A 3 kW system generating ~4,380 kWh yearly saves ~3.5 tonnes CO₂ annually.
Choosing a Reliable Installer
Select certified vendors:
Verify MNRE-accredited installers.
Read reviews and check after-sales service.
Ensure quoted price matches scheme norms.
Confirm timelines for installation and net metering.
Maintenance Tips
Solar panels are low maintenance, yet:
Clean panels every 2–3 months.
Trim nearby trees to avoid shade.
Inspect wiring and mounting twice a year.
Use official channels for warranty claims.
Government Role
Central and state governments support this via:
Financial subsidies and incentives.
Net metering policies at distribution level.
Easy loan support under schemes like ‘Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana’.
Public awareness campaigns.
Challenges and Solutions
High upfront cost – Subsidies and low-interest loans help.
Space constraints in apartments – Community solar plants or shared rooftops.
Complex procedures – Government portals and vendor assistance ease the process.
Awareness gap – Local workshops and online campaigns raise knowledge.
Case Study: Delhi Household
Mrs. Sharma in Delhi installed a 4 kW solar plant through the Yojana:
Total cost Rs 2 lakh; subsidy Rs 60,000.
Paid Rs 1.4 lakh upfront. Loan under standard EMI.
Monthly output ~480 kWh. With Rs 7/kWh, savings ~Rs 3,360.
Pays EMI Rs 3,000, still saves ~Rs 360 monthly.
Excess credit resets yearly; she earned Rs 4,000 credit last year.
