PM Suryaghar Yojana: 25 Lakh Homes Now Powered by Solar

PM Suryaghar Yojana transforms 25 lakh homes with rooftop solar, boosting clean energy.

UPSC●SSC

PM Suryaghar Yojana: 25 Lakh Homes Now Powered by Solar

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The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has successfully enabled 25 lakh homes to adopt rooftop solar power. This initiative provides subsidies up to ₹78,000 for installation, offers opportunities to earn by selling surplus electricity, and provides up to 300 units of free electricity every month. The scheme aims to transform the future by promoting sustainable energy solutions and reducing the burden on the national grid.

Visual Insights

PM Suryaghar Yojana: Key Achievements

Key statistics highlighting the impact of the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana as of January 2026.

Homes Powered by Solar: 25 Lakh
Subsidy per Household: ₹78,000
Free Electricity per Month: 300 Units

Quick Revision

Homes powered: 25 lakh

Subsidy: Up to ₹78,000

Free electricity: Up to 300 units/month

Scheme: PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

Key Numbers

25 lakh - Homes with solar power₹78,000 - Subsidy amount300 - Units of free electricity

Exam Angles

GS Paper III: Economy - Infrastructure: Energy

Connects to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)

Potential question types: Scheme analysis, impact assessment, challenges and opportunities

More Information

Background

The concept of promoting solar energy in India has evolved significantly over the decades. Early initiatives focused on rural electrification through solar home lighting systems in the 1980s. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) was established in 1992, marking a formal commitment to renewable energy development.

The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), launched in 2010, was a pivotal moment, setting ambitious targets for solar capacity addition and driving down solar energy costs. State-level policies and incentives also played a crucial role in creating a conducive environment for solar adoption. The evolution reflects a shift from small-scale, off-grid solutions to large-scale grid-connected solar power plants and rooftop solar systems.

Latest Developments

In recent years, India has witnessed a surge in rooftop solar installations, driven by falling solar panel costs and supportive government policies. The focus has shifted towards promoting decentralized solar power generation and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The government has been actively promoting net metering, allowing consumers to sell surplus electricity back to the grid.

Furthermore, there's increasing emphasis on domestic solar manufacturing to reduce import dependence and create jobs. Looking ahead, the government aims to achieve even higher rooftop solar capacity targets, integrate energy storage solutions, and promote innovative financing models to accelerate solar adoption across the country.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: 1. It aims to provide subsidies for rooftop solar installations, enabling households to generate their own electricity. 2. The scheme offers a fixed subsidy amount irrespective of the size of the solar plant installed. 3. Beneficiaries can earn income by selling surplus electricity generated to the grid. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 2 is incorrect. The subsidy amount varies based on the size of the solar plant installed. Statements 1 and 3 are correct as the scheme aims to provide subsidies and allows beneficiaries to sell surplus electricity.

2. With reference to solar energy promotion in India, consider the following: List I (Initiatives) I. Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission II. PM-KUSUM III. PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana List II (Objectives) A. Promoting solar power for farmers B. Rooftop solar for households C. Large-scale solar capacity addition Which of the following is the correct matching of List I to List II?

A.I-A, II-B, III-C
B.I-C, II-A, III-B
C.I-B, II-C, III-A
D.I-C, II-B, III-A

Show Answer

Answer: B

Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission focused on large-scale solar capacity addition, PM-KUSUM promotes solar power for farmers, and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana focuses on rooftop solar for households.

3. Which of the following factors can hinder the widespread adoption of rooftop solar power in India? 1. High initial installation costs 2. Lack of awareness among consumers 3. Inadequate grid infrastructure for integrating distributed solar power Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

All three factors can hinder the adoption of rooftop solar power. High costs, lack of awareness, and inadequate grid infrastructure are significant challenges.