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PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Boosting Residential Rooftop Solar in India

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Launched in February 2024, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a flagship central government scheme aimed at expanding rooftop solar installations in residential homes. Targeting installation in one crore households by 2026-27, the program offers a direct subsidy of up to ₹78,000 per household and provides up to 300 units of free electricity per month for eligible beneficiaries. The scheme’s fully digital application and subsidy disbursal process has facilitated over 26.19 lakh installations by March 2026. With a Union Budget allocation of ₹22,000 crore for 2026-27—29.4% more than the previous year—this initiative is pivotal for India's renewable energy expansion and energy self-sufficiency at the household level.

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Key Facts

  • Launch Date: February 2024
  • Target: Installation of rooftop solar systems in 1 crore residential households by 2026-27
  • Subsidy: Direct subsidy up to ₹78,000 per eligible household
  • Free Electricity: Up to 300 units per month for eligible households
  • Installed Systems: Over 26.19 lakh rooftop solar systems installed under the scheme as of March 19, 2026
  • Cumulative Rooftop Solar Capacity: 26.75 GW as of April 30, 2026 across India
  • State Participation: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala among the leading states
  • Budget Allocation: ₹22,000 crore allocated in Union Budget 2026-27, a 29.4% increase over previous year

Background & Context

Aligned with India’s sustainable energy goals, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana promotes adoption of rooftop solar power among residential consumers to reduce dependency on non-renewable energy sources, lower electricity expenses, and contribute to the national target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030. Rooftop solar systems feed electricity directly into the grid enhancing decentralized power generation. The scheme simplifies installation and subsidy disbursal through a fully digital process, facilitating faster approval and payments — typically within 15 days of document submission.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

This government scheme is a critical component of India’s clean energy transition and is relevant for questions on renewable energy policies, subsidization programs, and climate action initiatives. Key factual details such as the scheme’s launch year, subsidy amount, monthly free electricity quota, targeted beneficiary households, capacity achievements, budgetary provisions, and leading states adopting rooftop solar are important for exam preparation.

Points to Remember

  • PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was launched in February 2024 to promote rooftop solar power in residential households.
  • The program aims to cover one crore households by 2026-27 with direct subsidies and free electricity benefits.
  • Eligible households receive a maximum subsidy of ₹78,000 and up to 300 units of free electricity per month.
  • Over 26.19 lakh rooftop solar installations completed by March 2026 under this scheme.
  • The cumulative rooftop solar capacity in India reached 26.75 GW as of April 2026, with residential installations constituting a significant share of new capacity.
  • The Union Budget 2026-27 allocated ₹22,000 crore to the scheme, demonstrating increased government commitment.
  • States like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala have been leaders in adoption.
  • The application and subsidy disbursal process is fully digital, expediting access and convenience.
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