PM Modi’s rooftop solar scheme to provide free electricity?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled a new initiative, the Residential Rooftop Solar Scheme, aimed at providing free electricity. This initiative, known as the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, is set to benefit millions of households across the country. With an investment exceeding INR 75,000 crores (approximately USD 10 billion USD), the scheme targets to illuminate 10 million homes, offering up to 300 units of electricity free of charge every month.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister highlighted the comprehensive support the government aims to provide under this scheme. This support includes substantial subsidies directly credited to people's bank accounts and access to heavily concessional bank loans. To enhance accessibility, all stakeholders will be connected through a National Online Portal, streamlining the process for applicants.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister emphasized the grassroots promotion of this scheme, with urban local bodies and panchayats incentivized to encourage the adoption of rooftop solar systems within their jurisdictions. Beyond just providing free electricity, the initiative is expected to contribute to increased household income, reduced power bills, and the generation of employment opportunities.

Under the scheme, households can receive a subsidy of INR 30,000 per kW (approximately USD 360) for systems up to 2 kW, and INR 18,000 per kW (approximately USD 215) for additional capacity up to 3 kW, with a total subsidy cap of INR 78,000 (approximately USD 936) for larger systems.

To participate in the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, interested residential consumers can register on the official portal, pmsuryaghar.gov.in, following a simple process:

Register on the portal by selecting your state, electricity distribution company, and providing your electricity consumer number, mobile number, and email.

Log in using your consumer number and mobile number, then fill out the rooftop solar application form.

Upon receiving feasibility approval, proceed to have the solar plant installed by any registered vendors in your distribution company's network.

After installation, submit the plant details and apply for a net meter.

Once the net meter is installed and inspected by the distribution company, a commissioning certificate will be generated on the portal.

Finally, submit your bank account details and a canceled cheque through the portal to receive the subsidy, which will be credited to your account within 30 days of the commissioning report.