PM-Surya Ghar Rooftop Solar Scheme : On February 13, the government unveiled the ‘PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana,’ a groundbreaking initiative with a whopping budget of 75,000 Crores. This scheme aims to enable one crore households to install rooftop solar units, contributing significantly to environmental sustainability.
PM-Surya Ghar Rooftop Solar Scheme Benefits for Users
Installing rooftop solar panels under this scheme can provide households with a monthly supply of up to 300 units of free power. Additionally, users can expect estimated annual savings ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 18,000, depending on the rooftop capacity and consumption.
Households can also explore the potential to earn money by setting up charging stations for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and cars, especially in rural areas.
PM-Surya Ghar Rooftop Solar Scheme Eligibility and Application Process
All households are eligible to apply for the scheme, but the subsidy is specifically available for rooftop systems of up to 3 kilowatts (kW). Interested parties can submit their applications on the official portal [https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in], which also assists in determining the appropriate rooftop system capacity and its associated benefits.
Preconditions for Participation
To be eligible for the subsidy, households must utilize ‘Made in India’ solar panels and have the system installed by a government-empaneled vendor listed on the portal. Notably, households opting for the subsidy are not permitted to include battery storage in their solar setups.
PM-Surya Ghar Rooftop Solar Scheme Subsidy Coverage
Financial assistance is available for systems up to 3 kW capacity. The subsidy covers 60% of the cost for systems up to 2 kW and 40% of the additional cost for systems between 2 and 3 kW. This translates to a subsidy of approximately Rs 30,000 for 1 kW, Rs 60,000 for 2 kW, and Rs 78,000 for 3 kW or higher capacity. The subsidy is disbursed directly into the beneficiary’s bank account post-installation, following due diligence by government officials.
Initial Investment and Financial Arrangements
Households are required to cover at least 40% of the system cost upfront after the subsidy is applied. Central power companies may step in to set up rooftop systems for economically weaker families, especially those under PM Awas Yojana, if they struggle with the initial investment. In such cases, the subsidy will be directed to the power PSU, which will also make the upfront investment. Alternatively, households can explore loans at concessional rates to fund the initial investment.
Scheme Enhancements
Compared to Phase-II of the residential rooftop solar program launched in March 2019, the new scheme offers a higher subsidy. Applications submitted before February 13 will continue to receive government support under the old scheme.
Understanding Rooftop System Costs and Components
The cost of a rooftop system is influenced by the number and size of solar panels, their specifications, and efficiency. Quality of mountings and peripheral electronics also impact the overall cost. A 1 kW rooftop system can cost upwards of Rs 72,000, while a 3 kW unit exceeds Rs 1.6 lakh.
Choosing Solar Panels
Users can choose between monofacial or bi-facial panels, with efficiency ratings determining the total energy output. Panels typically have a lifespan of 25 years, continuing to produce power at lower levels thereafter.
Power Generation and Net Metering
Power generation is calculated through net metering, transforming consumers into ‘prosumers.’ This allows households to sell surplus energy to the utility grid when solar generation exceeds their consumption. Net metering ensures a fair balance, either charging households for power used or compensating them for the units fed into the grid.
In conclusion, the PM-Surya Ghar Rooftop Solar Scheme opens doors for households to embrace sustainable energy practices, providing economic benefits while contributing to the nation’s green goals.
