Pradhan Mantri Suryoday Yojana was announced by PM Modi to extend solar energy access to households nationwide. On February 13th, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the renaming of the government's updated rooftop solar scheme to 'PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana'. Aimed at providing up to 300 units of free electricity every month to 1 crore households, this initiative with an investment of over ₹75,000 crores, aims to promote the widespread adoption of solar power. Through subsidies provided for eligible solar projects, more individuals will have the opportunity to install solar rooftop systems on their own homes, subsequently decreasing their electricity expenses. Solar Rooftop Subsidy 2024 Benefits to Homeowners A solar subsidy is a financial incentive the government provides to individuals or organisations to encourage the adoption of solar energy by making it more affordable and accessible to a wider range of people, businesses, and communities. By offsetting some of the initial investment required for installing solar panels, subsidies help more people to switch from traditional coal-based to renewable energy. Central Financial Assistance (CFA) Under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna Under the 'PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana', the government is offering substantial subsidies to incentivize the adoption of solar energy. For systems up to 2 kW, a generous subsidy of Rs. 30,000 per kilowatt (kW) is provided, while additional capacity up to 3 kW is eligible for a subsidy of Rs. 18,000 per kW. Even for larger systems exceeding 3 kW, the total subsidy is capped at a considerable Rs. 78,000. These increased subsidy rates make it more accessible for homeowners to invest in renewable energy solutions, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future. The following table illustrates the subsidy amounts for various KW solar installations: Average Monthly Electricity Consumption (units) Suitable Rooftop Solar Plant Capacity Subsidy Support 0-150 1 – 2 kW Rs 30,000 to Rs 60,000/ 150-300 2 – 3 kW Rs 60,000 to Rs 78,000/ >300 Above 3 kW Rs 78,000/- Solar System Capacity Previous Subsidy 2024 Revised Subsidy 2024 1kW - 2kW ₹18,000/kW Per kW ₹20,000/kW upto 2kW 2kW - 3kW ₹18,000/kW Per kW ₹20,000/kW For 2kW and Rs.18000/kW for 1kW additional Above 3kW to 10kW Rs. 18,000/- per kW for first 3 kW Rs. 9,000/- per kW for remaining capacity Rs.78000 Fixed Above 10kW Rs. 117000 - Fixed Rs.78000 Fixed Illustrated Central Govt. Solar Subsidy Calculation Money saved is money earned. Below, we've demonstrated how to calculate the subsidy available to residential consumers across India, excluding the Northeast and Hilly States/Union Territories. For those regions, please consult the subsidy amounts provided earlier. Rooftop Solar System Capacity Previous Available Subsidy - All States Revised Available Subsidy 2024 - All States 1 kW Solar System Rs.18000/- X 1 = Rs.18000/- Rs.30000/- X 1 = Rs.30000/- 2 kW Solar System Rs.18000/- X 2 = Rs.36000/- Rs.30000/- X 2 = Rs.60000/- 3 kW Solar system Rs.18000/- X 3 = Rs. 54000/- Rs.30000/- X 2 + Rs.18000/- x 1 = Rs.78000/- 4 kW Solar System Rs.18000/- X 3 + Rs.9000/- X 1 = Rs. 63000/- Rs.78000 Fixed 5 kW Solar System Rs.18000/- X 3 + Rs.9000/- X 2 = Rs. 72000/- Rs.78000 Fixed Where To Apply for Solar Rooftop Subsidy? Anyone living in any part of India can use the National Portal ( https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in ) to apply for a Rooftop Solar System installation under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna and receive financial support directly in their bank account. The portal also gives information about subsidy programs, rewards, and other advantages available under this scheme. This makes it more convenient for households to apply for and get the subsidy they are eligible for. Eligibility Criteria For Availing Solar Subsidy To qualify for participation in the PM – Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana in 2024, individuals must satisfy the following conditions: Hold permanent citizenship of India. Attain the age of 18 or above. Own a residential property. A valid electricity connection is mandatory for the household. Householders must possess the required documentation. Maintain an annual income not exceeding Rs 1 or 1.5 lakh. Aadhaar linked to bank accounts is highly mandatory. The household must not have previously received any other subsidies for solar panels. Documents Required to Apply For Solar Subsidy On National Portal The essential documentation needed for eligible residents of the country to complete the online registration for the Solar Rooftop Scheme includes: Aadhar card Proof of address Identification card Household ration card (if applicable) Income certificate Bank passbook Mobile number Passport-sized photograph Utility bill for energy consumption Simplified Steps to Apply For Subsidy On National Portal Now, individuals residing anywhere in India have the opportunity to utilize the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, National Portal to request the installation of a Rooftop Solar System and directly receive financial assistance deposited into their bank accounts. The portal also provides information on subsidy programs, incentives, and other benefits offered under this initiative, simplifying the process for households to apply for and obtain the subsidy they qualify for. Here's a step-by-step procedure guide: Register on the portal by providing the required information. Choose your State and Electricity Distribution Company. Input your Electricity Consumer Number, Mobile Number, and Email. Log in using your Consumer Number and Mobile Number, and complete the Rooftop Solar application form. The Distribution Company (DISCOM) will carry out a technical feasibility assessment within the upcoming 15-day period. Upon receiving feasibility approval, engage any of the registered vendors within your DISCOM to install the system. After installation, submit the plant details and apply for a net meter. The request will be forwarded to the DISCOM. Following an inspection of the plant to ensure compliance with all guidelines, a commissioning certificate will be issued. Once the net meter is installed and inspected by the DISCOM, a commissioning certificate will be generated through the portal. Upon receiving the commissioning report, submit your bank account details along with a cancelled cheque via the portal. Your subsidy will be deposited into your bank account within 30 days. Net Metering Benefits And Working In the solar net-metering system, consumers are billed based on the disparity between the energy they import and the energy they export. For instance, if a consumer imports 1000 kWh during the billing period of June but exports 700 kWh within the same timeframe, they will only be charged for 300 kWh. Similarly, if the energy imported in the following month, July, amounts to 700 kWh, with an export of 500 kWh once again, the surplus 200 kWh will be rolled over to the subsequent month's billing cycle and adjusted accordingly. Also Read : How to Install a Solar Panel at Home step by step? How is Bluebird Solar Contributing To This Goal Mr. Akshay Mittal believes that the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a commendable initiative by the government of India towards achieving energy independence. This scheme holds immense potential in revolutionizing the energy landscape of our country by promoting the adoption of solar power in households. As a trusted brand and a solar PV module manufacturer committed to innovation and sustainability, Bluebird Solar can contribute to this initiative by providing high quality and durable solar PV modules. Bluebird Solar is poised to revolutionize the solar energy landscape by offering an extensive array of half-cut Solar PV Modules spanning from 400W to 550W in both mono and Bi-Facial categories. Additionally, with the imminent release of their N-Type Topcon solar PV modules, boasting an impressive range of 580 to 650Wp, Bluebird Solar aims to provide customers with cutting-edge technology and enhanced efficiency, empowering individuals and businesses to harness the full potential of solar energy for their needs.