Mr. Ramesh Shivanna
Chief Technical Officer
Nithin Sai Renewables Pvt. Ltd.
The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, the world’s largest domestic rooftop solar initiative, is set to transform India’s energy landscape. With an ambitious goal to provide solar power to one crore households by March 2027, the initiative promises free electricity to households through rooftop solar installations. The project is progressing in phases, with installations expected to cross 10 lakh by March 2025, double to 20 lakh by October 2025, and reach 40 lakh by March 2026 before achieving the final target.
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 13 February 2024, the scheme offers attractive subsidies – ₹30,000 for 1 KW, ₹60,000 for 2 KW, and ₹78,000 for 3 KW and above – to encourage widespread adoption. To facilitate seamless implementation, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched the National Portal for Rooftop Solar, enabling users to register their benefits, check vendors, track applications, and directly receive subsidy, collateral-free loans, etc.
While the vast scale for residential rooftop solar (RTS) systems up to 3 KW, making the transition to solar energy even more accessible.
Current Progress and State-Wise Implementation
According to MNRE data as of March 2024, the scheme’s implementation has seen varied success across states:
- Gujarat: 4,04,484 installations (22.73%)
- Maharashtra: 4,05,942 installations (23.29%)
- Rajasthan: 1,94,856 installations (10.95%)
- Uttar Pradesh: 86,506 installations (4.86%)
- Other states: 3,19,776 installations (17.25%)
Despite the scheme’s massive potential, states like Karnataka (~8,000), Andhra Pradesh (~11,000), Telangana (~11,000), and Tamil Nadu (~26,000) are lagging behind. This slow adoption indicates missed opportunities and limited public engagement.
Political and Policy Roadblocks Hindering Progress
The PM Suryaghar Solar Installation Scheme is designed to promote long-term sustainability and reduce dependence on annual budget allocations for free electricity. However, several state governments have introduced non-sustainable free power schemes, which, while politically appealing, fail to address long-term energy security and economic sustainability.
Rather than aligning with the PM Surya Ghar Scheme, these states have pursued competing, unsustainable programs. These choices have hindered progress and resulted in missed opportunities to strengthen state economies and reduce financial burdens on power subsidies.
A Call for a Unified and Sustainable Approach
To maximize the benefits of the PM Surya Ghar Scheme, states must align their policies with this initiative rather than introducing competing, unsustainable programs.
A unified national approach can unlock the full potential of rooftop solar solutions, creating a self-sufficient energy model. If properly implemented, the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana can be a game-changer for India’s renewable energy future, ensuring both economic growth and environmental sustainability for generations to come.