PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: How to Apply, Benefit, Eligibility

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: the government’s first scheme whose main objective is to provide free electricity to all the households in India, which was started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 February 2024, in which 40 subsidy is given to all the houses for installing solar panels on their roofs, all families can get free electricity up to 300 units.

PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

PM Surya Ghar: Free Electricity Scheme was launched by the Prime Minister on February 15, 2024. Under this scheme, Indian households are given free electricity by subsidizing the cost of installing solar panels on their rooftops. Households get a subsidy of up to 40%. Every month, eligible households can get up to 300 units of electricity without any charge. Individuals living in their own house with a proper roof can apply for it, if they have a valid electricity connection. It involves an online application process, feasibility clearance from DISCOM, installation of panels by registered vendors and submission of required documents.

Objective of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

The primary goal of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Free Electricity Scheme is to furnish households with free power of up to 300 units per month through subsidies for erecting rooftop solar panels. In this light, some of the objectives include:

Expand energy access: It ensures that more and more homes especially those found in rural and marginalized areas have cheap and dependable electric power.

Cut carbon emissions: This supports India’s commitment in reducing its carbon footprint by utilizing cleaner energy sources.

Bring down electricity costs: By availing free power, the initiative leads to a noticeable reduction in household electricity bills.

Foster renewable energy: It promotes solar power utilization, which plays a crucial role in making India’s energy mix more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

What are the eligibility criteria for PM Surya Ghar Yojana?

To be eligible for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, families must fulfil the following criteria:

  • Citizenship: The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
  • Home ownership: The applicant must own a house with a suitable rooftop for installing solar panels.
  • Electricity connection: The family must have a valid electricity connection.
  • No previous subsidy: The family must not have availed any other subsidy for solar panels.
  • Income limit: The annual income of the family should be less than ₹2 lakh.

Benefits of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has been implemented by PM, its objective is not only to light up the houses but also to save energy in India. Loans are also provided by the government to install solar panels on the roofs of all houses. Under this scheme, everyone will get 300 units of electricity for free.

Cost savings: By switching to solar power, households can save on electricity costs in the long run. The government also saves around ₹75,000 crore annually in electricity costs.

Free electricity: Households can get up to 300 units of electricity free every month, which will significantly reduce their electricity bill.

Increases property value: Installing solar panels can increase property value, making it a more attractive investment.

Energy independence: Households become less dependent on the grid, ensuring a more reliable and consistent power supply, especially in areas where power cuts occur frequently.

Environmental impact: The scheme promotes the use of renewable energy, which reduces carbon emissions and reduces the carbon footprint.

Job creation: The scheme supports the solar industry, leading to job creation in the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of solar panels.

Government support: Subsidies provided by the government make it easier and more affordable for households to switch to solar energy.

Steps to apply for PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

Applicants can visit the official government portal to fill out an online form and upload the required documents:

Registration

  • Go to the official website of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana at https://www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in/.
  • Select your state.
  • Choose your electricity distribution company.
  • Enter your electricity consumer number.
  • Provide your mobile number and email address

Login

  • To login, enter your consumer number or mobile number and login.
  • To fill your application form you must have an Electricity meter of your name.
  • Fill all the necessary information in the application form.
  • Wait for the feasibility approval from your electricity distribution company (DISCOM).

Installation

  • After getting approval, install the solar panels through registered vendors.
  • After installation, submit the plant details and apply for a net meter.
  • The discom will inspect the installation and prepare the commissioning certificate.
  • Submit your bank account details and a cancelled cheque through Porta.
  • Receive the subsidy in your bank account within 30 days.

Document Required for PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

If a candidate wants to be eligible for PM Surya Ghar Muft Bilji Yojana, then he must have the following necessary documents:

  • Aadhar Card
  • Domicile Certificate
  • Electricity Bill
  • Bank Passbook
  • Passport Size Photo
  • Ration Card
  • Mobile No.
  • Affidavit
  • Income Certificate

What are the technical requirements for solar panel installation?

Installing solar panels involves a number of technical requirements to ensure optimum performance and safety. Here are the key considerations:

Roof suitability:

  • Orientation: Ideally, the roof should face south to get maximum sunlight exposure. East or west facing roofs can also work, but may produce around 15-20% less energy.
  • Pitch: The optimum roof pitch is around 30° to 40°, depending on your location. Solar panels can be installed using mounting systems even on flat roofs.

Shading:

  • Minimize shading: Make sure the installation area is free from shadows from nearby buildings, trees or chimneys, as shading can significantly reduce the efficiency of the system.
  • Optimizers: Some systems use optimizers to reduce the effect of partial shading.

Structural integrity:

  • Roof strength: The roof must be strong enough to bear the weight of the solar panels and mounting hardware.
  • Wind load: The installation must withstand local wind loads and other environmental factors.

System size:

  • Number of panels: A typical residential system consists of 6 to 12 panels, each generating about 400 to 450W.
  • Space requirement: The system typically requires 10 to 20 square meters of roof space.

Electrical requirements:

  • Inverter: An inverter is needed to convert the direct current (DC) generated by the panels into alternating current (AC) for household use.
  • Grid compatibility: The system must be compatible with the National Grid and meet safety standards.


Certification and compliance:

  • Certified installer: Make sure the installer is certified by relevant authorities, such as MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) and a member of a Competent Person Scheme (CPS) such as NICEIC.
  • Regulations: Comply with local regulations and obtain any necessary permits.

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