The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY), the world’s largest rooftop solar initiative, has achieved a major milestone: 10 lakh homes are now solar-powered as of March 10, 2025. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2024, this transformative initiative is changing India’s energy landscape. With 47.3 lakh applications received and ₹4,770 crore in subsidies already disbursed to 6.13 lakh beneficiaries, solar energy is more accessible than ever. The scheme offers easy financing options, including collateral-free loans of up to ₹2 lakh at a 6.75% interest rate, further driving adoption. Additionally, 3.10 lakh loan applications have been received, with 1.58 lakh sanctioned and 1.28 lakh disbursed, ensuring financial inclusion. The program’s swift 15-day subsidy transfer process and zero electricity bills for many beneficiaries make it a game-changer for clean energy access. Each solar installation offsets carbon emissions equivalent to planting 100 trees, helping India move towards a cleaner, greener, and self-reliant future.
Remarkable Progress Across States
The scheme has shown exceptional progress, with Chandigarh and Daman & Diu achieving 100% rooftop solar installation targets for government buildings. States like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu are also contributing significantly. The Government aims to reach 1 crore households by 2026-27.
Top 5 States with the Highest Number of Beneficiaries
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Key Benefits
The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana offers significant advantages:
- Free Electricity for Households: Participating households benefit from free electricity through subsidized rooftop solar panels, reducing energy costs.
- Reduced Government Costs: The widespread use of solar power is expected to save the government approximately ₹75,000 crore annually.
- Increased Renewable Energy Use: The initiative supports the shift towards sustainable and environmentally friendly energy.
- Reduced Carbon Emissions: Transitioning to solar energy helps lower carbon emissions, contributing to India’s environmental goals.
Subsidy Details
The subsidy is based on household electricity consumption and the appropriate solar panel capacity:
| Average Monthly Consumption | Rooftop Solar Capacity | Subsidy Support |
| 0-150 units | 1-2 kW | ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 |
| 150-300 units | 2-3 kW | ₹60,000 – ₹78,000 |
| >300 units | >3 kW | ₹78,000 |
Application Process and Loans
Households can apply for subsidies via the National Portal, selecting a vendor for installation. The portal provides relevant details like system sizes, benefits calculators, and vendor ratings. Processing typically takes 15 days after the subsidy redemption request. Collateral-free, low-interest loans are available for up to 3 kW systems.
Eligibility
Eligibility criteria and the application process involve nine steps to ensure efficient submission and approval.
Impact
The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is expected to deliver widespread benefits:
- Savings and Income Generation: Households save on electricity bills and can sell surplus energy, creating an additional income stream. A 3 kW system can generate over 300 units of electricity per month.
- Solar Capacity Expansion: The initiative will contribute 30 GW of rooftop solar capacity, aiding India’s renewable energy goals.
- Environmental Benefits: Over the 25-year lifetime of these systems, it will reduce CO2 emissions by 720 million tonnes, supporting India’s commitment to sustainability.
- Job Creation: The program is expected to create 17 lakh direct jobs across various sectors, contributing to economic growth.
The initiative also supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision by promoting domestic manufacturing of solar modules, cells, and inverters.
Model Solar Village
As part of the initiative, the Model Solar Village program will establish one solar-powered village per district, with ₹800 crore allocated for this effort. Villages will be selected based on their renewable energy capacity, and those with the highest capacity will receive ₹1 crore in financial support.
Conclusion
The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is transforming India’s energy sector, making solar energy accessible and affordable for millions. With 10 lakh homes already solar-powered, the scheme is set to achieve its goal of 1 crore installations by 2026-27. This initiative is not only reducing electricity costs but also fostering energy independence, environmental sustainability, and economic growth—key pillars of India’s clean energy future.
