“India’s PM Surya Ghar Yojana, a ₹75,000-crore initiative, aims to install rooftop solar in 1 crore homes, offering free electricity and surplus income. Launched in 2024, it has reached 8.5 lakh households by January 2025, with subsidies up to ₹78,000. The scheme promotes green energy, reduces bills, and boosts energy independence.”
India’s Bold Push for Rooftop Solar Revolution
In a transformative step toward sustainable energy, the Indian government’s PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, launched in February 2024, is reshaping the nation’s energy landscape. With a ₹75,000-crore budget, the scheme targets installing rooftop solar systems in at least 1 crore households by 2027, offering beneficiaries the promise of zero electricity bills and potential income from surplus power generation. As of January 29, 2025, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi announced that 8.5 lakh households have already adopted rooftop solar connections, achieving a cumulative capacity of 3 gigawatts (GW).
The scheme provides substantial subsidies to make solar adoption accessible: ₹30,000 for a 1 kW system, ₹60,000 for a 2 kW system, and ₹78,000 for systems of 3 kW or higher. By January 2025, 6.13 lakh beneficiaries had received subsidies totaling ₹4,770 crore, underscoring the program’s rapid rollout. The initiative is designed to leverage India’s abundant solar potential, with the country receiving 250–300 sunny days annually, equivalent to 2,200–3,000 sunshine hours and 5,000 trillion kWh of solar energy yearly.
Two models facilitate adoption: the CAPEX model, where consumers bear the installation cost and own the system, and the RESCO model, where a third-party developer owns and maintains the system, allowing consumers to purchase generated energy at a pre-decided tariff. Gross metering ensures homeowners pay for grid-drawn power while earning from surplus energy fed back into the grid, as per state discom agreements.
Regional efforts are amplifying the scheme’s impact. In Odisha, Tata Power Solaroof’s Ghar Ghar Solar campaign offers systems starting at ₹2,499, with subsidies up to ₹1.38 lakh, making clean energy affordable for households. The program aligns with India’s broader renewable energy goals, targeting 27 GW of rooftop solar capacity by 2027, a significant leap from the current 3 GW.
The scheme also fosters economic and environmental benefits. Households can save up to ₹18,000 crore annually through free electricity and earnings from excess power. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the initiative supports India’s commitment to green energy independence, positioning it as a global leader in household solar innovation.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and publicly available information from government announcements and posts on X. Data is sourced from credible outlets like The Hindu and X posts, but claims are subject to verification. Readers are advised to consult official government sources for detailed scheme guidelines.