To promote clean energy and provide financial relief to households, the Government of India has launched the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The initiative is designed not only to reduce rising electricity costs but also to support environmental sustainability through the adoption of solar power.
Conventional thermal power generation relies heavily on coal, contributing significantly to pollution and environmental degradation. In contrast, solar energy offers a clean, safe, and sustainable alternative. Under this scheme, households can install rooftop solar panels and reduce their electricity bills by 30% to 70%, depending on usage and system capacity.
According to Superintending Engineer B.K. Shukla, the government is offering financial assistance to encourage adoption of solar energy. Consumers installing rooftop solar systems up to 2 kW can avail a subsidy of ₹30,000 per kW. For systems of 3 kW or higher, subsidies of up to ₹78,000 are available. This support significantly lowers the upfront cost, making solar installations more accessible for households.
Rooftop solar panels can generate approximately 1,300 units of electricity per kW annually. This production is sufficient to meet a large portion of a household’s electricity needs. By using solar energy directly, consumers can reduce their dependence on conventional grid electricity.
The scheme also offers the advantage of net metering, allowing surplus electricity generated by solar panels to be fed back into the grid. When solar production exceeds household consumption, the extra power is exported to the grid. Conversely, when solar generation is low or unavailable, electricity is automatically drawn from the grid. Consumers are billed only for the net electricity consumed, leading to further savings.
Simple and Accessible Application Process:
Interested consumers can apply for the scheme through the official portal or via the ‘Smart Bijli’ mobile application. The government has empanelled authorized vendors for installation, ensuring quality and competitive pricing. Consumers can compare proposals and choose suitable vendors for installing rooftop solar systems.
FAQs:
Q1. What is Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?
It is a government scheme that promotes rooftop solar installation to reduce electricity bills and support clean energy.
Q2. How much subsidy is available under this scheme?
Up to ₹30,000 per kW for 2 kW systems and up to ₹78,000 for 3 kW or higher systems.
Q3. How much electricity can solar panels generate?
Around 1,300 units per kW annually.
Q4. What is net metering?
It allows users to export extra electricity to the grid and pay only for net consumption.
Q5. How can I apply for the scheme?
You can apply through the official portal or the Smart Bijli mobile app.
