Zero Electricity Bill? How PM Surya Ghar Scheme Helps Cut Power Bills And Let Households Earn From Surplus Electricity
Government’s rooftop solar plan aims to cut power bills and let households earn from surplus electricity
As summer drives up electricity consumption across India, the Centre’s PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is emerging as a major relief for households looking to reduce power bills.
Launched in February 2024, the scheme aims to install rooftop solar systems in one crore homes by 2026–27. The goal is simple — generate your own electricity and significantly cut, or even eliminate, your monthly power bill.
Under the scheme, households can receive up to 300 units of free electricity per month through solar energy generated on their rooftops. Once installed, the system can provide benefits for up to 25 years, making it a long-term solution to rising electricity costs.
A key attraction is the government subsidy, which reduces the upfront cost of installing solar panels. Depending on system capacity, financial assistance is provided as follows:
- ₹30,000 subsidy for smaller systems
- ₹60,000 for medium capacity
- Up to ₹78,000 for larger rooftop installations
In addition to subsidies, the government also offers collateral-free loans at concessional interest rates to make adoption easier, especially for middle- and lower-income households.
The scheme also enables households to earn money through net metering. If your solar panels generate more electricity than you consume, the excess power is sent back to the grid, and you may receive credits or payments from the electricity distribution company.
Applying for the scheme is designed to be simple. Consumers can register on the official portal, enter their electricity connection details, choose system capacity, and select an approved vendor for installation. Once the system is set up and a net meter is installed, the subsidy is credited directly to the beneficiary’s bank account.
To apply, basic documents such as Aadhaar card, recent electricity bill, bank details, and roof information are required.
Government data indicates strong uptake of the scheme, with lakhs of rooftop solar systems already installed across the country, benefiting millions of households.
Experts say that beyond cost savings, rooftop solar also contributes to cleaner energy use and reduces dependence on conventional power sources.
Disclaimer: Subsidy amounts and benefits may vary based on eligibility, location, and policy updates. Verify details on the official government portal before applying.
