The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY), the world’s largest domestic rooftop solar initiative, has crossed a historic milestone with over 10 lakh homes now powered by solar energy in one year as per an official statement from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Making Solar Power Accessible to Millions
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2024, the initiative is designed to make rooftop solar installations affordable and accessible. With 47.3 lakh applications already received, the government has disbursed Rs. 4,770 crore in subsidies to over 6.13 lakh households.
A key feature of the scheme is its easy financing options, including collateral-free loans up to Rs. 2 lakh at a subsidized 6.75% interest rate. This ensures that homeowners, regardless of financial standing, can harness solar energy.
State-Wise Adoption in India
Several states have made remarkable progress:
- Gujarat leads with 3,51,273 solar-powered households (41.47% of total installations).
- Uttar Pradesh and Kerala follow closely with 73,602 and 65,423 households, respectively.
- Chandigarh and Daman & Diu have achieved 100% of their rooftop solar targets for government buildings.
The government aims to reach 1 crore solar-powered households by 2026-27, setting the stage for a self-sufficient energy future.
The Economic & Environmental Impact
The benefits of PMSGMBY extend far beyond just free electricity:
- Massive cost savings:
Households see a drastic reduction in electricity bills, while the government is expected to save Rs. 75,000 crore annually.
- Lower carbon footprint:
Each rooftop installation offsets carbon emissions equivalent to planting 100 trees.
- Job creation:
The initiative is expected to generate 17 lakh direct jobs in the renewable energy sector.
What’s Next for India’s Rooftop Solar Journey?
The program is set to add 30 GW of solar capacity through residential rooftop installations by 2027. With a 25-year system lifespan, these solar panels will generate 1,000 billion units (BU) of electricity, preventing 720 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
A unique addition to the initiative is the creation of “Model Solar Villages”, where one village per district is selected to showcase large-scale solar adoption. With Rs. 1 crore allocated per village, these communities will serve as benchmarks for clean energy self-reliance.
At REnergo, we specialize in helping homeowners, businesses, and industries navigate this transition smoothly. From system selection to installation and subsidy facilitation, we ensure that you make the most of this transformative initiative.
