PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana – Government Initiative to Provide Free Solar Electricity to One Crore Indian Households

PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana: Bringing Solar Power to Indian Homes

Introduction

The Indian government’s recent approval of the ‘PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana’ marks a significant step towards providing free electricity to millions of households across the country. This ambitious scheme aims to empower Indian families by offering financial assistance for the installation of rooftop solar panels.

Key Features of PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

Under this scheme, eligible households will receive substantial subsidies to cover a significant portion of the costs associated with setting up solar plants on their rooftops. Let’s delve into the specifics:

Financial Assistance Details

• • The government has allocated a whopping Rs. 75,021 crore for this initiative.

• • Each family opting for solar panel installation will receive a subsidy of Rs. 78,000.

• • Additionally, households can earn an annual income of Rs. 15,000 by generating surplus electricity through net metering.

Eligibility Criteria

To avail of the benefits offered by PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, households must meet the following criteria:

1. • The applicant must be an Indian citizen.

• • Own a house with a suitable roof for installing solar panels.

• • Possess a valid electricity connection.

• • Not have availed of any other subsidy for solar panels.

Application Process

Interested individuals can register on the national portal to kickstart the application process. The portal provides valuable information regarding system sizes, benefits calculators, vendor ratings, and more. Once registered, applicants can select a vendor and the type of rooftop solar unit they prefer.

Loan Facility

Households can access collateral-free, low-interest loans of approximately 7% to finance the installation of residential rooftop solar systems. The interest rate is pegged at 0.5% above the prevailing Repo Rate set by the Reserve Bank of India.

Procedure for Availing Subsidy

The subsidy application process involves several steps:

1. • Registration on the portal and submission of necessary details.

• • Feasibility approval and selection of a registered vendor.

• • Installation of the solar plant.

• • Submission of plant details and application for net meter.

• • Commissioning certificate generation and submission of bank account details for subsidy disbursement.

Benefits for Households

PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana promises significant savings for participating households:

• • Approximately Rs. 15,000 in annual savings for households consuming up to 300 units of electricity per month.

• • Substantial reduction in electricity bills and potential additional income from surplus power sold to DISCOMs.

Cabinet Approval and Future Prospects

The Union Cabinet’s approval of PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering the solar energy ecosystem in India. With the potential to create around 17 lakh direct jobs across various sectors, this scheme heralds a brighter, greener future for the nation.

Model Solar Village Initiative

As part of the scheme, the government plans to develop a Model Solar Village in each district, serving as a blueprint for the widespread adoption of rooftop solar systems in rural areas. Furthermore, the initiative includes provisions for payment security in renewable energy service company (RESCO) models and funds for innovative rooftop solar projects.

Final thought

PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana holds immense promise for transforming the energy landscape of India. By incentivizing the adoption of rooftop solar systems, the government not only aims to alleviate the financial burden on households but also propel the nation towards a sustainable future powered by renewable energy.

FAQs:

1. 1. What is PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana?

• • PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a government scheme aiming to provide free electricity to one crore households in India through rooftop solar panel installation.

2. 2. When was PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana launched?

• • PM Narendra Modi launched the scheme on February 13, 2024.

3. 3. How much subsidy does the scheme offer for installing solar panels?

• • The scheme offers a subsidy of Rs 78,000 per family for the installation of solar plants.

4. 4. What are the eligibility criteria for availing the scheme?

• • The applicant must be an Indian citizen, own a house with a suitable roof for solar panels, have a valid electricity connection, and must not have availed of any other subsidy for solar panels.

5. 5. How can one apply for the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana?

• • Interested consumers can register on the national portal www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in and follow the application process outlined on the portal.

6. 6. Is there a loan facility available for financing the solar unit?

• • Yes, households can access collateral-free low-interest loans of around 7% for installing residential rooftop solar systems up to 3 kW.

7. 7. How much electricity will the beneficiaries receive under the scheme?

• • Beneficiaries will receive 300 units of free electricity every month.

8. 8. What is the procedure for availing the subsidy?

• • The procedure involves registration on the portal, selecting the system size, getting feasibility approval, installation by a registered vendor, applying for a net meter, and submitting bank account details for subsidy disbursal.

9. 9. What is the expected annual savings for households under the scheme?

• • Households can save approximately Rs 15,000 annually by installing a 3 kW capacity rooftop solar unit.

10. 10. How many jobs is the scheme estimated to create?

• • The scheme is estimated to create around 17 lakh direct jobs in various sectors related to solar energy.

11. 11. What is the Model Solar Village component of the scheme?

• • The government plans to develop a Model Solar Village in each district to serve as an example for the adoption of rooftop solar in rural areas.

12. 12. What is the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) provided under the scheme?

• • The CFA is capped at 3 kW and offers subsidies of Rs 30,000 for 1 kW systems, Rs 60,000 for 2 kW systems, and Rs 78,000 for 3 kW systems or higher.

13. 13. How will households benefit from the National Portal?

• • The National Portal provides relevant information such as system sizes, benefits calculators, vendor ratings, etc., assisting households in decision-making.

14. 14. What is the interest rate for the loans availed under the scheme?

• • The interest rate for loans is around 7% at present, with an additional 0.5% above the prevailing Repo Rate decided by the Reserve Bank of India.

15. 15. What is the aim of PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana?

• • The scheme aims to promote solar energy adoption, reduce electricity bills for households, and contribute to a greener future for India.

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