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The PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, approved by the Government of India on 29th February 2024, aims to significantly increase solar rooftop capacity in the residential sector. This scheme, with a substantial budget of ?75,021 crore, is set to be implemented until FY 2026-27, according to Order No. 318/17/2024-Grid Connected Rooftop dated 16th March 2024.
The scheme’s financial outlay includes various components, such as Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to residential consumers, incentives for Discoms, the creation of model solar villages in each district, and support for local bodies. Specifically, ?65,700 crore is allocated for CFA to residential consumers, and incentives for Discoms and local bodies amount to ?4,950 crore and ?1,000 crore, respectively. Additionally, the scheme includes innovative projects, capacity building, awareness and outreach initiatives, and a payment security mechanism, all aimed at fostering the growth of solar energy in residential areas.
The guidelines for the PM-Surya Ghar scheme focus primarily on the implementation of CFA for residential consumers. The scheme aims to install 1 crore rooftop solar systems in the residential sector, providing free or low-cost electricity to these households. The target is to generate 1,000 billion units of renewable electricity, significantly reducing CO2 emissions over the lifetime of the projects. Furthermore, the scheme is designed to create a supportive ecosystem for rooftop solar projects, encompassing regulatory support, manufacturing facilities, supply chain networks, and maintenance services. It also aims to enhance the local economy, generate employment, and contribute to India’s green climate goals, with a target of installing 30 GW of solar capacity by 2026-27.
The scheme transitions from the existing Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Phase II Programme, which had a budgetary outlay of ?11,814 crores and was set to continue until 2025-26. This previous scheme is now subsumed within the PM-Surya Ghar initiative, with ongoing projects under Phase II continuing to receive support until the new scheme’s budget is fully operational.
Under the CFA component, the scheme supports the installation of grid-connected rooftop solar projects for residential consumers. Eligible systems include those installed on roofs, terraces, balconies, or elevated structures. The CFA structure offers 60% of the benchmark cost for the first 2 kWp of RTS capacity and 40% for additional capacity up to 3 kWp. However, no additional CFA is provided beyond 3 kWp. Special category states, such as Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and states in the North East, have higher benchmark costs for CFA.
The implementation of the scheme involves a national portal where eligible consumers can apply, select vendors, and manage their installations. The portal will assist consumers with decision-making tools and vendor comparisons, ensuring they make informed choices. Vendors registered on the portal will handle installation, maintenance, and necessary documentation, ensuring compliance with technical specifications and standards set by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
The scheme also emphasizes quality and performance through regular inspections, third-party assessments, and vendor ratings. Consumers and vendors can raise grievances through the national portal, which will be addressed within 30 days. The scheme is monitored at various levels, including a Group of Ministers for overall guidance and a Steering Committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary for implementation oversight.
In summary, the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a comprehensive initiative to boost solar energy adoption in the residential sector, providing financial assistance, creating supportive infrastructure, and ensuring quality and performance to achieve India’s renewable energy goals. |
