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14 Jan 2026·Source: The Indian Express
3 min
EconomyEnvironment & EcologyNEWS

PM Suryaghar: Rooftop Solar Scheme Offers Subsidies and Free Electricity

PM Suryaghar scheme promotes rooftop solar, offering subsidies and free electricity units.

UPSC●SSC
PM Suryaghar: Rooftop Solar Scheme Offers Subsidies and Free Electricity

Photo by AJOY DAS

The PM Suryaghar: Muft Bijli Yojana aims to benefit the country by encouraging the installation of solar panels on rooftops. The scheme provides subsidies up to ₹78,000 for installation and offers the opportunity to earn money by selling surplus electricity. Beneficiaries can also receive up to 300 units of free electricity every month. The government promotes the scheme to transform the future by adopting renewable energy sources.

Visual Insights

PM Suryaghar Yojana: Key Statistics (2026)

Key statistics related to the PM Suryaghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, highlighting its potential impact and financial aspects.

Subsidy for Rooftop Solar
Up to ₹78,000

Maximum subsidy provided per household for installing rooftop solar panels. This incentivizes adoption and reduces the initial financial burden.

Free Electricity per Month
Up to 300 Units

Potential monthly electricity savings for households, reducing their energy bills and promoting energy independence.

Target Renewable Energy Capacity by 2030
500 GW

India's ambitious target for renewable energy capacity by 2030, showcasing commitment to clean energy transition.

Quick Revision

1.

Subsidy: Up to ₹78,000

2.

Free electricity: Up to 300 units/month

Key Numbers

₹78,000 - Subsidy amount300 - Units of free electricity

Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper III: Economy - Renewable Energy, Government Schemes

2.

GS Paper II: Government Policies and Interventions

3.

Potential for questions on energy security, sustainable development, and climate change mitigation

More Information

Background

The push for solar energy in India has evolved significantly over the decades. Early initiatives focused on rural electrification and off-grid solutions, driven by concerns about energy access and environmental sustainability. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), launched in 2010, marked a turning point, setting ambitious targets for solar capacity addition and providing policy support for solar projects.

This mission laid the foundation for the subsequent growth of the solar sector by creating a framework for investment, technology development, and grid integration. Prior to JNNSM, solar energy was largely confined to niche applications and lacked the scale and momentum needed for widespread adoption. The mission's success led to further policy interventions, including renewable purchase obligations (RPOs) for discoms and various subsidy schemes to promote solar installations.

Latest Developments

Recent years have witnessed a surge in rooftop solar installations, driven by falling solar panel costs and increasing awareness among consumers. The government has been actively promoting rooftop solar through various initiatives, including net metering policies that allow consumers to sell surplus electricity back to the grid. Furthermore, innovative financing models, such as green bonds and crowdfunding, are emerging to support solar projects.

Looking ahead, the focus is on integrating solar energy with energy storage solutions to address intermittency challenges and ensure a reliable power supply. The development of smart grids and advanced metering infrastructure is also crucial for managing the increasing penetration of solar energy in the grid. The PM-KUSUM scheme, aimed at promoting solar irrigation pumps, complements rooftop solar initiatives by expanding the reach of solar energy in rural areas.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the PM Suryaghar: Muft Bijli Yojana: 1. The scheme aims to provide subsidies for rooftop solar installations. 2. Beneficiaries can earn money by selling surplus electricity generated. 3. The scheme guarantees a fixed tariff for electricity sold back to the grid. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statements 1 and 2 are correct as the scheme provides subsidies and allows beneficiaries to sell surplus electricity. Statement 3 is incorrect as the tariff for electricity sold back to the grid is not necessarily fixed and can vary based on regulations and agreements.

2. Which of the following is NOT a likely benefit of widespread adoption of rooftop solar under schemes like PM Suryaghar?

  • A.Reduced dependence on fossil fuels
  • B.Decentralized power generation
  • C.Increased grid stability due to constant power supply
  • D.Reduced carbon emissions
Show Answer

Answer: C

Rooftop solar, while beneficial, can introduce variability in power supply due to weather conditions. This can potentially decrease grid stability if not managed properly with energy storage and smart grid technologies. The other options are direct benefits of solar adoption.

3. Assertion (A): The PM Suryaghar scheme promotes the installation of rooftop solar panels. Reason (R): Rooftop solar installations contribute to decentralized power generation and reduce transmission losses. In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?

  • A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
  • B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
  • C.A is true but R is false
  • D.A is false but R is true
Show Answer

Answer: A

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why the PM Suryaghar scheme promotes rooftop solar installations. Decentralized generation and reduced transmission losses are key benefits.

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