What is PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana? Over 26 lakh households benefiting from the scheme - Eligibility, benefits, and how to apply - Explained

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: The government has announced that PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is now benefitting over 26.14 lakh households from free electricity through rooftop solar installations. According to the latest data released by the PIB under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, a total of 20,85,514 rooftop solar systems have been installed across the country since the scheme’s launch in February 2024. This has translated into direct benefits for 26,14,446 households and the disbursement of Rs 14,771.82 crore in Central Financial Assistance (CFA) as of December 31, 2025.Key Highlights of Progress as of 31 December 2025Gujarat: 5,15,052 installations benefiting 7,41,819 households, CFA: Rs 3,845.60 croreMaharashtra: 3,91,887 installations benefiting 6,34,782 households, CFA: Rs 2,787.59 croreUttar Pradesh: 3,26,386 installations benefiting 3,29,847 households, CFA: Rs 2,234.63 croreKerala: 1,77,392 installations benefiting 1,82,071 households, CFA: Rs 1,275.36 croreRajasthan: 1,19,006 installations benefiting 1,22,027 households, CFA: Rs 823.12 croreWhat is PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a major government scheme that the Indian Government launched in 2024 to promote the use of solar energy on the rooftops of residential homes. Through this scheme, qualified households can put up a solar panel on the rooftop of their home that is connected to the grid and be allowed free electricity for a maximum of 300 units every month.The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is in charge of executing this project, which has a budget of Rs 75,000 crore, envisaging the welfare of one crore households all over the country. Besides, it is a win-win situation for the users as they can cut down or completely do away with their electricity bills and, at the same time, contribute to the national effort to switch to clean and sustainable energy sources.ObjectivesEncourage Use of Renewable EnergyProvide Cheap Energy Access to CitizensHelp India Comply with Global Energy AgreementLower Greenhouse Gas EmissionsEconomic Empowerment of the PeoplePromotion of Local Solar Panel ManufacturingKey benefits of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli YojanaThe PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana offers various financial, environmental and sustainable benefits for households in India.1. Free Electricity for up to 300 Units in a MonthFamilies will get free electricity for up to 300 units in a month under the programme. This will save families thousands of rupees on their yearly bills. It will ease the burden of escalating energy costs for families in the middle and lower classes.2. Attractive Government SubsidyUp to Rs 78,000 has been set aside by the government to assist with the cost of installation for rooftop solar panels. This subsidy helps reduce the overall cost of the installation and will be credited to the beneficiary's bank account after they are verified, ensuring full transparency.3. Sustained Financial BenefitSolar panels will last for 20–25 years and require very little maintenance and will produce energy throughout that period. Households will recover the cost of installation within a few years and can then obtain free electricity thereafter.4. Gain from Surplus Power GenerationUsers can sell excess electricity back to the grid, as allowed by net metering regulations. This further decreases reliance on traditional energy sources and will enable homeowners to earn money or credits.5. Promotes Clean and Green EnergyThe programme supports India in transitioning to renewable energy sources and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Switching to solar power allows families to contribute to a clean, greener energy future.Eligibility CriteriaApplicants must fulfil the following criteria to be scheme beneficiaries:Indian CitizenshipThe applicant should be an Indian citizen and a permanent resident of the state or union territory where it is proposed to set up the rooftop solar.Residential Property OwnershipOnly the owners of residential houses are allowed. The property must have a rooftop that is suitable for the installation of solar panels. Tenants or renters cannot apply unless the property owner gives them consent.Valid Electricity ConnectionApplicants should be the holders of a domestic electricity connection in their name, and it should be active. This connection has to be with a recognised DISCOM (Distribution Company) in the particular state.Rooftop Availability and FeasibilityThe house has to ensure that there is enough roof space, which is properly exposed to sunlight and without any shade so that the solar panels can be affixed there.Income CategoryAlthough the programme is accessible to all qualified homeowners, the priority is given to low- and middle-income families to provide them with free electricity benefits that are fair.Non-Availing of Similar BenefitsApplicants should not have obtained any other central or state subsidies for rooftop solar systems previously. It provides for the fair allocation of the scheme’s benefits.Bank Account for Subsidy TransferAfter the completion of the installation and subsequent verification, the subsidy amount will be given directly to the recipient through their valid bank account linked with Aadhaar, which is mandatory.Compliance with Technical StandardsThe installation of the rooftop solar system should be carried out by vendors approved by MNRE, and the system must be in line with the safety regulations and performance standards set by BIS and DISCOM.Documents RequiredTo apply for the scheme, applicants need to keep the following documents ready for online submission:Aadhaar Card – For identity verification and beneficiary authentication.Recent Electricity Bill – To confirm the connection details and consumption.Property Ownership Proof – Sale deed, registry, or property tax receipt showing ownership.Bank Passbook or Account Details – For direct transfer of the government subsidy.Passport-Size Photograph – For applicant identification and records.PAN Card – For financial verification and subsidy processing.Mobile Number & Email ID – For registration, OTP verification, and communication.Vendor Consent Form (if applicable) – For installation approval through an MNRE-registered vendor.How to Apply for PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?Users of electricity from renewable energy can use a free rooftop solar electricity opportunity by following these six simple steps:Step 1: Explore the Official Portal - Tap into the official website URL: https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in.Navigating to the site, you will see “Apply Now” or “Register” options; click on any one of these.Step 2: Set Up Your Account - Creating an account is done by your mobile number and email ID. The OTP that is sent to your mobile number should be used for verification. Step 3: Fill Personal and Property Details - To identify yourself, give your Aadhaar number, electricity connection details, and the place where you want to set up the solar panel.Step 4: Upload the Documents - Allow us to access your documents, such as Aadhaar Card, electricity bill, property ownership proof, bank details, and photo after scanning and then uploading them.Step 5: Choose a Vendor with Approval - Select an MNRE-approved solar installation dealer from the portal's vendor list. Vendors are accountable for installation, inspection, and upkeep.Step 6: Send In Your Application - Once you are through with entering all the data and have it double-checked, click “Submit”. It will be possible for you to keep a record of the transaction by means of an application ID that will be your confirmation receipt.Step 7: Validation and Green Light - The application, together with papers, is to be checked by DISCOM officers and other authorised personnel. Once granted, installation will be scheduled.Step 8: Solar Panel Installation - According to the set standards of MNRE and DISCOM, the vendor that you have selected will be installing the rooftop solar system. You should confirm that the installation is being carried out properly and also take pictures of the installation for proof.Step 9: Subsidy Release - If everything is in order after the installation verification, the government subsidy shall be given to the applicant’s bank account, which is linked with the scheme.Step 10: Take Advantage of Free Electricity - Once the activation process is over, you will be able to exploit up to 300 units of free power every single month and keep an eye on your energy output through net metering.