PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

December 10, 2024

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY) launched on February 15, 2024, has a budget of ₹75,021 crore, which aims to establish 10 million rooftop solar plants by March 2027. The scheme has already seen over 638,000 installations, generating nearly 2 GW of power.

Financial Support Details

Financial assistance ranges from ₹30,000 to ₹48,000, which applies to solar plants with a capacity of up to 3 kW. The government offers 10-year bank loans at a 7% interest rate.

Installation Progress

By March 2025, the government aims for one million installations. This number is expected to double every six months thereafter. In the last week of November, 18,423 rooftop plants were installed, indicating strong momentum.

Gujarat and Maharashtra dominate installations, contributing over 65%. When including Uttar Pradesh and Kerala, this figure exceeds 80%. Some installations in Gujarat predate the scheme but were later counted.

Registration vs. Installation

14.5 million individuals have registered for the scheme. However, only 2.65 million have applied. Just 680,000 installations have been completed, revealing gap. Approximately 75% of applicants have yet to install their systems.

The scheme lacks specific quality and safety standards. There are over 10,000 service providers without oversight. This raises concerns about the reliability of installations.

Accessibility for the Poor

The programme’s effectiveness for the ultra-poor is uncertain. The average size of installed solar plants is believed to exceed 3 kW. This suggests that the neediest may not be benefiting from the scheme.

To improve outreach, community solar projects may be introduced. These projects could provide free power to low-income households. Adjustments are essential to ensure the scheme meets its intended goals.

GKToday Facts for Exams:
PMSGMBY: The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was launched on February 15, 2024. It aims to establish 10 million rooftop solar plants by March 2027.
Community Solar Projects: Proposed community solar projects may provide free power to low-income households. These projects would have a capacity of 3-5 MW, improving accessibility for the poor.
Geographical Disparities: Gujarat and Maharashtra account for over 65% of installations. Including Uttar Pradesh and Kerala, this figure exceeds 80%, denoting geographical imbalances in the scheme.

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