PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

Source:  TH

 Context: Nearly a year after the ₹75,000-crore PM Surya Ghar scheme was launched, 8.5 lakh households have installed rooftop solar connections, said Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy.

About PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana:

• What is the PM Surya Ghar Scheme?
  • The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojanais a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at providing free electricity to households by subsidizing the installation of rooftop solar panels.
• Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• Launch Date: The scheme was officially launched on February 15, 2024, following its announcement in January 2024.
• Aim:

• • To provide up to 300 units of free electricity per month to one crore households.
  • To reduce electricity costs for households and the government.
  • To increase the share of renewable energy in India’s energy mix.
  • To reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development.

• Key Features:

• • Subsidy: The scheme provides a subsidy of 40% of the cost for solar panel installations. For systems up to 2 kW capacity, the subsidy is 60%, and for systems between 2 kW and 3 kW, it is 40% of the additional cost. The subsidy is capped at 3 kW capacity.
  • Financial Outlay: The total outlay for the scheme is ₹75,021 crore, with ₹4,950 crore allocated as incentives for DISCOMs (Distribution Companies).
  • Target: The scheme aims to cover one crore households by FY 2026-27.
  • Savings: Households can save up to ₹18,000 annually on electricity bills.
  • Government Savings: The scheme is expected to save the government ₹75,000 crore annually in electricity costs.
  • DISCOM Incentives: DISCOMs are designated as State Implementation Agencies (SIAs) and receive incentives based on their performance in installing rooftop solar capacity beyond a baseline level.

• Eligibility Criteria:

• • The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
  • The household must own a house with a roof suitable for solar panel installation.
  • The household must have a valid electricity connection.
  • The household must not have availed any other subsidy for solar panels.

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