PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana 2024
Online apply, Benefits, Eligibility criteria, Documents required, Government subsidies for installation, etc
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, also known as the Rooftop Solar Scheme, stands as a monumental initiative spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and underscored by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in 2024-25 budget.
This visionary scheme, launched on February 15 2024, aims to revolutionize India’s energy landscape by promoting widespread adoption of solar power among households.
Under this program, households will receive substantial subsidies directly to people’s bank accounts and heavily concessional bank loans to ensure that there is no cost burden on the people for installing rooftop solar panels, enabling them to generate their electricity and even sell surplus power back to the grid.
The government subsidy will cover up to 40% of the cost of installation of the solar panels with a focus on easing financial burdens and enhancing energy sustainability. The scheme targets one crore homes nationwide, projecting significant annual savings of approximately Rs. 75,000 crore in electricity costs.
Objectives
Objective : Install one crore rooftop solar systems (RTS) in the residential sector.
Aim : Provide free or affordable electricity to one crore households, catering to consumption up to 300 units per month through rooftop solar installation.
Target : Generate 1,000 billion units of renewable electricity, resulting in a reduction of 720 million tons of CO2eq emissions over 25 years.
Strategy : Develop an enabling ecosystem for rooftop solar projects, including regulatory support, manufacturing facilities, supply chain enhancement, vendor network expansion, and operation & maintenance facilities.
Impact : Boost local economy, foster employment generation, and enhance energy security.
Alignment : Contribute to India’s green climate goals outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) at the UNFCCC by installing 30 GW of solar capacity through rooftop solar by 2026-27.
Benefits
1. Electricity bill cost Savings : Home owners can save a significant amount on electricity bills with solar rooftop systems. On average, households can reduce their electricity expenses by 50% to 70% over the lifespan of a solar system, which typically ranges from 25 to 30 years.
2. Financial Support : The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana provides financial support to homeowners, covering up to 60% of the benchmark cost of installing rooftop solar panels. This subsidy makes solar energy more accessible and affordable for households.
3. Environmental Benefits : Solar rooftop systems contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. A typical residential solar system can offset approximately 4 to 6 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually, helping combat climate change and improve air quality.
4. Energy Independence : Solar rooftop systems provide homeowners with greater energy independence by generating electricity on-site. This reduces reliance on the grid and enhances resilience against power outages or disruptions.
5. Low Maintenance : Solar rooftop systems require minimal maintenance, with annual upkeep costs ranging from $100 to $500. Routine tasks include occasional cleaning of solar panels and inspections to ensure optimal performance.
6. Job Creation : The solar industry is a significant source of job creation. By promoting the adoption of solar rooftop systems, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana supports job growth in installation, manufacturing, sales, and maintenance sectors.
7. Property Value : Solar rooftop systems can increase the value of properties. Studies show that homes equipped with solar panels tend to sell faster and for a higher price than comparable non-solar homes, making them a valuable investment for homeowners.
8. Community Benefits : Solar rooftop installations benefit entire communities by reducing strain on the grid and lowering electricity prices for all consumers. This supports India’s energy security goals and promotes sustainable development nationwide.
Overall Implementation Strategy of PM Surya Ghar Rooftop Solar Scheme
a) The CFA (Central financial assistance / Subsidy) component of the Scheme will be implemented through the National Portal for PM – Surya Ghar https://www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in/.
b) Vendors will register on the National Portal. The vendors will upload their details, including system offerings, price points, system design and specifications, key personnel etc.
Note : Domestic consumers are informed that to get subsidy under the scheme of the Ministry, they should install rooftop solar plants only from the empanelled vendors of the DISCOMs following due process of approval by Local Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOMs). The solar panels and other equipment to be installed by the empanelled vendors shall be as per the standard and specifications of the Ministry and also includes 5-year maintenance of the rooftop solar plant by the vendor.
c) The customers need to apply on the National Portal and will get a unique application ID. The customers will select the vendor for their rooftop solar installation assisted by various decision making tools on the Portal.
d) The customers and the vendor will mutually decide the rates, system specifications, customization of design as per location, value added services etc., subject to the minimum technical specifications mandated under the scheme.
e) In order to ensure that the customers are not overcharged, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy will publish benchmark prices of solar modules, inverters, and other important equipment on the portal every year.
f) Once the designated vendor has been chosen and it has installed the RTS system after due approvals, the concerned Local Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) (hereinafter referred to as “DISCOM”) shall conduct a physical inspection, sign the necessary agreements with the beneficiary (net meter agreement or otherwise), conduct a checklist-based inspection and approve the DISCOM report.
g) The scheme will establish minimum technical specifications required for rooftop solar to be considered eligible for the CFA. The vendors shall ensure that systems installed under the scheme are in adherence with all scheme guidelines.
h) The CFA (subsidy) will be transferred to the concerned account of the customer which may either be the bank account of the beneficiary or the loan account of the beneficiary in case the beneficiary has opted for a loan for the RTS system.
Standard Benchmark costs of RTS ( Rooftop Solar Systems )
1. Standard Benchmark Costs :
– For the first 2 kW ( kilo watts ) of RTS ( Rooftop Solar Systems ) capacity, the benchmark cost is fixed at ₹50,000 per kW.
– For any additional kW beyond the initial 2 kW, the benchmark cost is reduced to ₹45,000 per kW.
2. Special Category States :
– In states categorized as special category states (including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, states in the North East including Sikkim, and Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep), the benchmark cost for the first 2 kW of RTS capacity is slightly higher at ₹55,000 per kW.
– For any additional kW beyond the initial 2 kW in these states, the benchmark cost is set at ₹49,500 per kW.
3. Revision of Benchmark Cost :
– The benchmark cost will be subject to revision during the midterm review of the program to accommodate changes in market trends or in the case of substantial upward revisions in module prices due to unforeseen reasons.
– The revised benchmark cost will reflect changes in solar module supply prices, inverter costs, and other system costs, as determined by the methodology defined by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
Government subsidies for installation / CFA ( Central Financial Assistance )
1. Rooftop solar plant of capacity up to 2 kW in residential households:
– Rs 30,000 per kW or part thereof: This means that for rooftop solar plants with a capacity of up to 2 kW installed in residential households, the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) provided is Rs 30,000 per kilowatt (kW) or part thereof. For example, if a household installs a 1.5 kW solar plant, they would be eligible for Rs 45,000 (Rs 30,000 per kW multiplied by 1.5 kW).
2. Residential households with additional capacity for plant capacity ranging between 2 kW and 3 kW:
– Rs 18,000 for additional kW or part thereof: For households installing additional capacity beyond 2 kW but up to 3 kW, the CFA provided is Rs 18,000 for each additional kilowatt (kW) or part thereof. For instance, if a household installs a 2.5 kW solar plant, they would be eligible for Rs 48,000 (Rs 30,000 for the first 2 kW + Rs 18,000 for the additional 0.5 kW).
3. Residential households with additional capacity beyond 3 kW:
– No additional CFA: There is no additional Central Financial Assistance (CFA) provided for rooftop solar plants with a capacity beyond 3 kW installed in residential households.
4. Group Housing Societies/Residential Welfare Associations (GHS/RWA) etc.:
– Rs 18,000 per kW: Group housing societies or residential welfare associations are eligible for a CFA of Rs 18,000 per kilowatt (kW) for installing rooftop solar plants for common facilities, including electric vehicle (EV) charging. This applies to a total capacity of up to 500 kW, considering an allocation of 3 kW per house within the society or association.
To illustrate:
i. If a consumer installs a system of 1.5 kW, he/she is eligible for a CFA of ₹ 30,000x 1.5 = ₹ 45,000
ii. If a consumer installs a capacity of 2.5 kW, he/she is eligible for a CFA of ₹ 30,000×2 + ₹ 18,000×0.5 = ₹ 69,000
iii. If a consumer installs a capacity of 6 kW, he/she is eligible for a CFA of ₹ 30,000×2 + Rs18,000×1 = ₹ 78,000
iv. If an RWA installs a capacity of 100 kW, with 20 households, it will be eligible for a CFA of ₹ 18,000×60 = ₹10,80,000
v. If an RWA installs a capacity of 100 kW, with 50 households, it will be eligible for a CFA of ₹ 18,000×100= ₹ 18,00,000
The benchmark cost is closely related to the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) provided under the scheme for rooftop solar installations.
Determining CFA: The CFA amount provided to beneficiaries is often calculated as a percentage of the benchmark cost. For example, if the benchmark cost for a 1 kW rooftop solar system is ₹50,000, and the CFA rate is 60%, the beneficiary would receive ₹30,000 as CFA (60% of ₹50,000).
Eligibility to Avail Subsidies / CFA ( Central financial assistance )
i) For the purpose of CFA, residential RTS plant would be the grid connected solar power system tagged to a particular residential power connection of the local DISCOM (Local Electricity Board and will only include installations on a roof/terrace/balcony/elevated structures.
ii) The CFA shall be irrespective of the size of the inverter installed. If a consumer installs a rooftop solar plant with a higher/lower rated inverter capacity than the number of modules, the CFA provided will be as per the rated DC capacity of the module system (according to the CFA structure)and not as per the inverter capacity.
iii) Solar modules used in the installation must satisfy the Domestic Content Requirement condition i.e., domestically manufactured modules manufactured from domestically manufactured cells to be eligible for the CFA.
iv) A rooftop solar installation by residential consumers/RWAs that has availed CFA under a prior/current scheme for rooftop solar by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and has subsequently increased the RTS installation size shall be eligible for additional CFA under the current scheme only for the balance capacity up to 3 kW of overall RTS plant size.
(1) For example, if a household had installed a RTS of 1 kW under Phase 2 Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Scheme and availed a subsidy of Rs 14,588, and if such a household enhances the total capacity to 4 kW overall, in such a case, the household shall be eligible to claim an additional subsidy under the current scheme only for the additional 2 kW capacity, i.e. Rs 48,000.
(2) Alternatively, if a household installs a RTS of 1 kW under PM – Surya Ghar scheme and avails a subsidy of Rs 30,000, and if such a household later enhances the total capacity to 4 kW overall, in such a case, the household shall be eligible to claim an additional subsidy under the current scheme only for the additional 2 kW capacity, i.e. Rs 48,000.
v) A rooftop solar installation shall be eligible for CFA only once after installation. If an already installed rooftop solar is shifted/relocated to a new location, such a system shall not be eligible for CFA under the scheme.
Solar calculator
The “Solar Calculator” on the PM Surya Ghar National Portal helps users estimate potential savings and financial benefits from installing rooftop solar systems. By inputting details such as electricity consumption and rooftop area, users can receive recommendations on system sizing and understand the environmental impact of solar energy.
This is the link to the Solar Calculator
State wise vendor List
The provided state wise vendor list link offers access to a comprehensive directory of accredited vendors and installers, facilitating informed decisions and easy access to reliable solar solutions tailored to your region.
Contact and Portal details of State Wise Electricity Distribution Company ( DISCOM )
Explore statewise DISCOM ( Local Electricity Board Company ) portal links to directly engage with your local electricity distribution utilities. These links provide convenient access to services, support, and information related to rooftop solar installations and energy inquiries tailored to your region.”
Bank loans
Access the provided link to explore the Financial Assistance Report on the PM Surya Ghar National Portal, which provides detailed information about banks and financial institutions involved in providing assistance under the scheme. This report offers insights into subsidy allocations, loan options, and other financial support mechanisms offered by various banks, facilitating informed decisions and access to financial resources for rooftop solar installations.
https://www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in/financialAssistanceReport
After selecting the respective bank from which you would wish to acquire loan, Click on “Know More” for more details
Documents required
The documents required for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana 2024 scheme typically include:
1. Identification Proof: Aadhar card, passport, voter ID, or any other government-issued ID.
2. Address Proof: Utility bills, rent agreement, or any other document verifying the address.
3. Property Ownership Proof: Property tax receipt, sale deed, or possession letter.
4. Roof Ownership Proof: NOC from the landlord if the property is rented.
5. Latest Electricity Bill: To verify the electricity connection and consumption.
6. Bank Account Details: For subsidy disbursement.
7. Site Assessment Report: Providing details about the roof’s suitability for solar installation.
Eligibility criteria
The eligibility for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana 2024 scheme is:
2. Suitable Roof Ownership: Homes must have a suitable roof for solar panels and be owned by the applicant.
3. Electricity Connection: The household must have a valid electricity connection.
4. No Previous Solar Subsidies: Applicants should not have received subsidies for solar panels before.
How to Apply Online
1. Start by Visiting the Official Website: Begin by navigating to the official website of the program at https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in/ and click on the option of Apply For Rooftop Solar on the home page.
2. Registration Details: Provide necessary information for registration,
– Select your state and district
– Select your electricity distribution company
– Enter your electricity consumer account number
– Enter your Mobile-Number
– Enter email
Please follow the instructions of the portal and register
3. Login: Log in to the portal using your Consumer Number and Mobile Number. https://www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in/consumerLogin
4. Apply for Rooftop Solar: Complete the online application form for rooftop solar installation.
5. Wait for Feasibility Approval: Wait for feasibility approval from your Electricity Distribution Company (DISCOM). Once approved, proceed to install the solar plant through any registered vendor within your DISCOM.
6. Plant Installation: Upon installation completion, submit the plant details and apply for a net meter.
7. Net Meter Installation: After installing the net meter and receiving DISCOM inspection, a commissioning certificate will be generated from the portal.
8. Submit Bank Details: Provide your bank account details and a cancelled cheque through the portal.
9. Receive Subsidy: Upon submission, you will receive your subsidy in your bank account within 30 days.
Requirements to receive the Subsidy ( CFA )
1. Unique Application ID with tagged Consumer Account Number:
– Application must be uploaded on the National Portal (https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in).
– Must include a unique valid Electricity Consumer Account Number (CAN).
– The portal assigns a unique application ID.
2. GPS Tagged Photographs:
– Upload photos of Pre-Installation Site and Completed Installation on the National Portal.
– Photos must include geo-coordinates.
– Photos must meet requirements.
3. Meter Installation and Agreement:
– DISCOM installs the meter after rooftop installation completion.
– DISCOM and consumer must sign appropriate metering agreement.
– Agreement must be uploaded on the Portal.
– CFA processing only after DISCOM physically verifies the system, agreements signed, and system commissioned.
– For non-metered grid connected installations, DISCOM inspects and provides suitable remarks.
4. DISCOM Report (DR):
– Filled by DISCOM representative.
– Generated digitally through the National Portal.
5. Bank Account Details:
– Consumer details including bank account information required.
– Submit a cancelled cheque image, bank e-statement file, passbook scan, or any other electronic document certifying the bank account ownership.
– NPIA verifies submitted account information.
Release Process:
– e-Token Generation:
– Generated at the time of application on the National Portal.
– After necessary document uploads and DISCOM inspection completion.
– Approval and Activation:
– NPIA assesses documents and approves CFA release through the e-token.
– E-token activated with admissible CFA amount.
– Redemption:
– Consumer logs into profile on the portal to redeem e-token.
– CFA transferred to consumer upon redemption.
Loan Product Integration:
– Loan Account Details:
– Beneficiary profile includes loan account details.
– Entered by consumer or integrated with banking portals.
– CFA Disbursement:
– Upon e-token redemption, CFA transferred to beneficiary’s loan account if opted for.
– If CFA exceeds loan amount drawn, remainder disbursed to consumer’s bank account.
Processing Timeline:
– Timeline: CFA processed within 15 days of application meeting requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )
– The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, also known as the Rooftop Solar Scheme, is a government initiative aimed at providing free electricity to households in India through the installation of solar panels.
– The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, also known as the Rooftop Solar Scheme, is a government initiative aimed at providing free electricity to households in India through the installation of solar panels.
– The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, also known as the Rooftop Solar Scheme, is a government initiative aimed at providing free electricity to households in India through the installation of solar panels.
– The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, also known as the Rooftop Solar Scheme, is a government initiative aimed at providing free electricity to households in India through the installation of solar panels.
– The scheme offers households the opportunity to generate their own electricity using solar panels, leading to potential savings on electricity bills and the ability to earn additional income by selling surplus power.
– The scheme targets households across India, particularly focusing on assisting poor and middle-class families in accessing affordable and sustainable electricity solutions.
– Interested individuals can apply for the scheme by visiting the official website of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana https://www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in/ and following the application process outlined there.
– To apply for the scheme, individuals may need to submit various documents such as Identification Proof, Address Proof, Property Ownership Proof, Roof Ownership Proof, Latest Electricity Bill, Bank Account Details, Site Assessment Report
– Rooftop solar PV systems can be installed on roofs with sufficient load-bearing capacity, ensuring safety and optimal performance of the solar panels.
– Grid-connected rooftop solar systems enable households to generate their own electricity, reduce dependency on the grid, and potentially earn income by selling surplus power back to the grid.
– Yes, individuals can install Rooftop Solar systems in rented houses with permission from the landlord, providing an opportunity for renters to access sustainable energy solutions.
– Rooftop Solar installations are designed to be easily dismantled and reassembled, allowing individuals to relocate the system to their new residence if needed.
– The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana promotes the adoption of solar energy, contributing to India’s efforts towards sustainability and reducing carbon emissions by harnessing renewable energy sources.
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