PM Modi launched PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana on 15 February 2024. Under this scheme, the government aims to install 1 crore solar systems across households. As per the government, families can enjoy up to 300 units of free electricity under it. Households can cover up to Rs. 78,000 of the cost of installing a solar system via PM Surya Ghar. It will give a major boost to solar installation progress in India.
Progress on Solar Installation after Subsidy under PM Surya Ghar Scheme
Here are things you need to know about the progress of solar panel installation after the prime minister of India launched the PM Surya Ghar Scheme:
- What is the Number of Account Registrations under the PM Surya Ghar Scheme?
As per PM Modi’s statement on 16 September 2024, over 1.3 crore families have registered under the PM Surya Ghar scheme. According to government data, till 23 July 2024, 6,552 solar vendors have been registered under the scheme.
- What is the Subsidy Amount Available Under PM Surya Ghar Scheme?
Under PM Surya Ghar scheme, you can get a subsidy of Rs. 30,000 for installing a solar system of 1 kW, a subsidy of Rs. 60,000 for installing a solar system of 2 kW and a subsidy of Rs. 78,000 for installing a 3 kW solar system or more. The subsidy is capped at Rs. 78,000.
However, along with PM Surya Ghar scheme, you can take advantage of state government schemes for installing solar systems. For example, under solar subsidy in Delhi, you can get a subsidy of Rs. 2,000 per kW up to Rs. 10,000. Along with that, you can also get incentives for generating solar electricity.
- How Much Government Will Save Under the Scheme?
The central government expects to save Rs. 75,000 crore annually in electricity costs by implementing the PM Surya Ghar scheme.
- What is the Solar Installation Target under PM Surya Ghar?
The government estimates that 30 GW of rooftop solar installation will be installed under the PM Surya Ghar scheme. During its launch, the government said rooftop solar systems will be installed in 1 crore households.
- What is the Number of Solar Installations Done Under PM Surya Ghar?
According to PM Modi, till 16 September 2024, 3.75 lakh solar systems have been installed under the scheme till now. As per a report in The Economic Times, the government is focussing on its Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns to reach the target of 1 crore installations.
- What is the Expected Electricity Generation Due to PM Surya Ghar Scheme?
The government expects that 1000 billion units (BU) of electricity will be generated under the PM Surya Ghar scheme. This estimate rests upon the assumption that the solar systems installed under the scheme will last for 25 years. According to the government, the PM Surya Ghar scheme will help in reducing CO2 emissions by 720 million tonnes annually.
- How Many Jobs Have Been Created After PM Surya Ghar Scheme?
The government expects to create 17 lakh jobs through through the PM Surya Ghar scheme. Jobs will be created in sectors such as supply chain, manufacturing, logistics, operation and maintenance (O&M), and installation.
Steps to Get PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
Here are the steps you need to follow to get the PM Surya Ghar subsidy:
Step 1: Go to the official website of PM Surya Ghar.
Step 2: On the homepage, click on “Apply for Rooftop Solar”.
Step 3: Register at the portal by providing the name of your state, district, and DISCOM. You also need to provide your Consumer Account Number and mobile number.
Step 4: Log in with your mobile number and apply for rooftop solar.
Step 5: You have to wait till DISCOM officials approve your application.
Step 6: Once the DISCOM approval is received, ask a DISCOM-empanelled vendor to install the solar system. For example, if you live in Delhi, you can ask a solar company in Delhi to install the solar system.
Step 7: Once the installation is done, submit all the information about the plant on the portal and apply for the net meter.
Step 8: The DISCOM will inspect the solar system and install a net meter.
Step 9: Get the commissioning certificate from the portal.
Step 10: After getting the commissioning certificate, submit your bank account details and a cancelled cheque through the portal.
The subsidy will be credited to your bank account in 30 days.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for the PM Surya Ghar Scheme?
Here are the key eligibility criteria for getting the PM Surya Ghar subsidy:
- Using DCR-Certified and ALMM-Listed Solar Panels
To get the PM Surya Ghar subsidy, you must use DCR-certified and ALMM-listed solar panels.
DCR stands for Domestic Content Requirement. For a panel to be DCR-certified, all its components, including the solar cells, must be made in India.
ALMM stands for Approved List of Models and Manufacturers. It is a list of solar panel models which is periodically updated by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. These solar panel models have been approved by the government for implementing government schemes such as the PM Surya Ghar.
- Getting Solar System Installed by DISCOM-Empanelled Vendor
Your solar system must be installed by a vendor empanelled with your DISCOM. For example, if you want to install your solar system in Uttar Pradesh, you must contact a solar company in Uttar Pradesh to install your solar system.
- On-Grid Solar System
The PM Surya Ghar subsidy is available only for on-grid solar systems. An on-grid solar system is one that exports solar electricity to a DISCOM’s grid. The net export and import of electricity is measured with a net meter.
- Applicant Must Not Be Get Solar Susbidy Before
Before PM Surya Ghar, the central government was running another scheme for promoting rooftop solar systems. Those who are applying for the PM Surya Ghar scheme must not have benefited from any other government subsidy for installing solar systems. It will make them ineligible to receive subsidies under PM Surya Ghar.
In some states like Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, you can get state solar subsidy. For the state subsidy, the eligibility criteria remain the same, though the subsidy amount varies. For example, the solar subsidy in Uttar Pradesh is Rs. 15,000 per kW, up to a limit of Rs. 30,000.
Model Solar Village Under PM Surya Ghar Subsidy Scheme
Under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, Rs. 800 crore has been allocated to establish 1 Model Solar Village in each district of the country. It will lead to the use of solar energy to make villages energy-independent. Rs. 1 crore will be provided to each model village.
The government is planning innovative projects such as blockchain-based peer-to-peer rooftop solar, virtual net metering, and peer-to-peer sale of rooftop solar electricity under the scheme. Rs. 500 crore has been allocated under the Innovative Projects Component of the scheme. The PM Surya Ghar scheme will propel solar installation progress in India and help India achieve its target of 40 GW of rooftop solar systems by 2026.
To help the government streamline solar installation throughout the country, companies like Das Energie Private Limited provide consultation to willing solar panel customers. You can contact the best solar company within your state with their energy advisor.
