The Indian government has launched the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme to encourage households to generate their electricity through solar energy. Announced in February 2024, this scheme aims to promote solar rooftop systems and reduce the dependence on traditional power sources. With a budget of Rs. 75,021 crore, the program is expected to run until the financial year 2026-27, offering significant benefits to the common citizen.
Key Features of PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme
The scheme is designed to help families save on electricity bills by installing solar panels on their rooftops. Under this plan, the government is offering subsidies for setting up solar power systems, which can generate up to 300 units of free electricity per month for households.
Here are the main highlights:
- Free electricity up to 300 units: By installing solar panels, households can generate their electricity and consume up to 300 units free of charge.
- Subsidies for installation: The government provides a subsidy for solar panel installation, making it more affordable for families.
How the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme Works
Under the scheme, the government offers a 60% subsidy for installing solar units up to 2kW. For systems between 2kW and 3kW, the subsidy is 40% for the additional system cost. However, the subsidy is capped at 3kW per household.
Here’s a breakdown of the subsidy:
- For a 1kW solar system, the total subsidy is around Rs. 30,000.
- For a 2kW system, the subsidy is approximately Rs. 60,000.
- For a 3kW system, you can get up to Rs. 78,000 in subsidies.
The subsidy is provided by both the central and state governments, making the cost of installation more affordable for the common man. For example, a 1kW solar panel installation might cost Rs. 65,000, but with the central and state subsidies combined, the homeowner would only need to pay Rs. 47,000.
Who Can Apply for the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme?
The scheme is open to Indian citizens who meet the following criteria:
- The applicant must own a house with a suitable roof for installing solar panels.
- The household must have a valid electricity connection.
- The family should not have previously received any solar panel subsidies.
- The applicant’s annual income should not exceed Rs. 1.5 lakh.
How to Apply for the PM Surya Ghar Scheme?
To apply for the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, follow these steps:
- Register on the national solar portal.
- Select your state and your electricity provider (Discom).
- Get details such as system size, vendor ratings, and subsidy calculators.
- Choose the solar unit you want to install and contact the approved vendors for installation.
By investing in solar power, households can not only save on their electricity bills but also contribute to a greener environment by reducing their carbon footprint. This scheme is a significant step towards making renewable energy accessible to common citizens while reducing dependency on traditional power sources.
(Note: The scheme provides benefits based on subsidies, but market conditions may change, and future returns are not guaranteed. Consult an expert before proceeding with installation.)
