PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has reached an important milestone with over 10 lakh homes in India now powered by solar energy as of 10th March 2025. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 13th February 2024, this scheme is considered the world’s largest domestic rooftop solar initiative. In a short time, it has significantly transformed India’s energy sector. The government has received 47.3 lakh applications for the scheme so far. Out of these, ₹4,770 crore in subsidies has been disbursed to 6.13 lakh beneficiaries. This financial assistance is making it easier for people to install rooftop solar systems in their homes.

The government has also made financing easier for households. Collateral-free loans of up to ₹2 lakh are available at a subsidized interest rate of 6.75 percent through 12 Public Sector Banks. There have already been 3.10 lakh applications for these loans. Of these, 1.58 lakh loans have been sanctioned, and 1.28 lakh have been disbursed. This has helped many people to adopt solar power without worrying about high costs. Subsidies are transferred within 15 days after the redemption request by the consumer. Many households are now enjoying zero electricity bills after installing solar systems under this scheme.

Every solar installation under PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is said to offset carbon emissions equal to planting 100 trees. This helps India move towards a cleaner and greener future. Several states have shown remarkable progress in implementing the scheme. Chandigarh and Daman & Diu have already achieved 100 percent of their rooftop solar targets for government buildings. States like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu are also performing well and contributing to the scheme’s success. The government is actively monitoring the implementation to ensure smooth and timely completion of the scheme. The target is to reach 1 crore solar-powered households by the year 2026-27.

The scheme offers several benefits to households. It provides free electricity through subsidized rooftop solar panel installations. This reduces energy costs for families. It is also expected to reduce government spending on electricity by around ₹75,000 crore every year. Promoting solar power helps India adopt more renewable energy sources, reduces carbon emissions, and supports the country’s goal of a lower carbon footprint.

Subsidy amounts vary depending on the average monthly electricity consumption of the household. Families using between 0-150 units of electricity per month can install a 1-2 kW solar system and receive a subsidy of ₹30,000 to ₹60,000. Households using 150-300 units per month can install a 2-3 kW system with a subsidy of ₹60,000 to ₹78,000. Those consuming more than 300 units can install systems above 3 kW with a maximum subsidy of ₹78,000. Applications for subsidies can be submitted through the National Portal, which also helps households choose vendors and calculate potential benefits.

The scheme also includes easy loan options for households. Loans of up to 3 kW capacity rooftop solar systems are available at an interest rate of around 7 percent without any collateral. Besides savings on electricity bills, households can earn extra income by selling excess power back to the DISCOMs. A 3 kW solar system can generate over 300 units of power per month, which can reduce energy costs and provide additional income.

The scheme is expected to add 30 GW of rooftop solar capacity in the residential sector by March 2027. Over 25 years, these systems could generate 1000 billion units of electricity and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 720 million tonnes. The scheme is also expected to create about 17 lakh direct jobs in various sectors, such as manufacturing, logistics, sales, installation, operations, and maintenance.

PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana encourages the use of solar modules and cells made in India. As of 10th March 2025, more than 3 GW of rooftop solar capacity has been installed, with 27 GW targeted by March 2027. The scheme is also helping in the local manufacturing of inverters and other components, boosting the Make in India initiative.

There is also a Model Solar Village component under this scheme. One model solar village is to be established in every district in India. ₹800 crore has been allocated for this program, with ₹1 crore given to each selected village. These villages aim to set an example by adopting distributed renewable energy systems and achieving energy self-reliance.

The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has made solar energy affordable and accessible to millions of households in India. With 10 lakh installations already completed, the scheme is progressing well towards its target of 1 crore solar-powered homes. It promotes energy independence, environmental sustainability, and economic growth while reducing electricity costs for families across the country.