PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Step‑by‑Step Guide
The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a flagship scheme of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) that empowers eligible households to generate up to 300 free units of electricity every month by installing rooftop solar panels. The programme is part of India’s broader push to achieve 45 GW of solar capacity by 2027 and to reduce the fiscal burden of electricity bills on low‑ and middle‑income families. By converting residential roofs into mini‑power stations, the Yojana not only trims monthly expenses but also encourages clean‑energy stewardship among citizens. Recent data from MNRE shows that more than 1.2 million applications were received in the first six months of launch, reflecting strong public enthusiasm for decentralized solar adoption.
What is the Yojana
The core purpose of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is to make solar energy accessible to every Indian household that owns a roof and an electricity connection. Under the scheme, participants receive a monthly credit equivalent to 300 units of power that is automatically offset against their utility bill. This credit is provided irrespective of the actual generation, provided the installed capacity does not exceed 10 kilowatts (kW). The initiative is technology‑agnostic – any approved inverter and panel configuration meeting performance standards qualifies. The government also links the scheme with a robust net‑metering framework that allows excess solar output to be exported to the grid, further reducing the consumer’s payable amount. According to a MNRE press release, the scheme is expected to cut average household electricity bills by up to 30 percent in high‑sun‑hour states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility is limited to domestic consumers who meet a set of technical and financial conditions. Applicants must: 
- Own a residential property with a valid electricity connection.
- Have an average monthly consumption of at least 1,000 units, ensuring the free‑unit benefit is meaningful.
- Possess a roof area that can accommodate a 10 kW solar array without structural compromises.
- Not be a beneficiary of any other central or state‑run solar subsidy scheme.
- Submit all required documents, including proof of ownership, tax clearance, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the building’s management or municipal authority.
Failure to meet any of these criteria will result in rejection of the application. The scheme also stipulates that applicants must have a clean electricity payment history for the preceding six months, reinforcing the government’s goal of supporting financially responsible consumers.
Required Documents
Prospective beneficiaries need to upload a specific set of documents to the online portal:
- Scanned copies of Aadhaar and PAN cards for identity verification.
- Latest electricity bill (showing average consumption).
- Property tax receipt or municipal tax clearance certificate.
- Self‑declaration stating that the household is not covered under any other solar subsidy.
- Site plan indicating roof dimensions, orientation, and shading analysis.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local municipal authority or housing society, especially for properties located in heritage zones.
All files must be in PDF or JPEG format and not exceed 2 MB each. Proper documentation accelerates the technical assessment and ensures that the scheme’s safeguards are in place.
Step‑by‑Step Application Process
Navigating the application workflow is straightforward if you follow the prescribed steps:
Step 1 – Access the Portal
Visit the official Ministry of New and Renewable Energy portal and click “Create Account.” Provide a mobile number and set a strong password, then verify your identity through a one‑time password (OTP). Once logged in, you will be redirected to the “Surya Ghar Muft Bijli” section.
Step 2 – Register Your Details
Enter your personal information — name, Aadhaar number, full address, and contact details — and select your Distribution Company (DISCOM) from the dropdown menu. After submitting, a unique application reference number is generated and sent to your email and mobile phone. Keep this reference safe; it will be required at every subsequent stage.
Step 3 – Fill the Application Form
The form captures several technical parameters: desired system capacity (max 10 kW), preferred EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) vendor, expected installation date, and projected monthly electricity consumption. The system automatically validates the entry against scheme‑wide parameters, flagging any inconsistencies before you proceed.
Step 4 – Upload Supporting Documents
Scan and upload the documents listed earlier. The portal accepts PDF or JPEG files up to 2 MB each. Once uploaded, a summary page appears, allowing you to verify that each required file is attached correctly.
Step 5 – Confirm DISCOM Selection
Choose the DISCOM that serves your electricity connection. The portal then forwards your application to the DISCOM’s solar cell for a technical site inspection. This step is crucial because the DISCOM will assess roof suitability, structural load bearing capacity, and shading factors.
Step 6 – Technical Assessment
A qualified engineer conducts an on‑site visit and prepares a report detailing the roof’s load capacity, optimal panel orientation, and expected generation capacity. This report is uploaded back to the portal for review by MNRE panel experts, who check compliance with safety standards and generation targets.
Step 7 – Receive Sanction Letter
If the technical assessment is successful, the applicant receives a provisional sanction letter. This document outlines the approved capacity, the amount of monthly free units (300 units), and the deadline for commissioning. The applicant must engage an empanelled EPC vendor listed by the DISCOM to carry out the installation.
Step 8 – Installation by Empanelled Vendor
The selected vendor installs the solar panels, inverter, and mounting structures, adhering strictly to the specifications in the sanction letter. After installation, the vendor performs a series of tests to ensure the system operates within the stipulated performance envelope. Upon successful testing, a commissioning certificate is issued, and the DISCOM updates the net‑metering configuration.
Step 9 – Commissioning and Net Metering
With the system online, the household begins to accrue monthly credits equivalent to 300 units of electricity. The credit is automatically reflected on the next utility bill, effectively reducing the payable amount. Unused credits can be carried forward for up to three months, subject to a maximum rollover limit, ensuring that occasional consumption spikes do not negate the benefit.
Step 10 – Billing, FAQs, and Ongoing Management
The billing mechanism incorporates a dual‑meter system that records both imported electricity (from the grid) and exported excess generation. Imported units are charged at the prevailing tariff, while exported units are offset against the 300‑unit credit. Common FAQs include:
- What if my monthly consumption exceeds 300 units?
- Can I apply for the scheme more than once on different roofs?
- How does roof renovation affect my existing installation?
Answers typically advise submitting a revised application if there are significant changes in roof area or consumption patterns. Regular monitoring by the DISCOM ensures that credits remain within scheme limits.
Recent Context and Citizen Impact
Since its launch in early 2024, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has recorded a surge in applications from both urban and rural households. According to the latest MNRE bulletin, the scheme has already enabled an estimated 3.5 million households to reduce their electricity bills by an average of ₹1,200 per month. In states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where grid reliability is often low, families are embracing solar as a means to achieve energy security. Moreover, the scheme aligns with India’s commitment under the Paris Agreement to achieve 50 percent cumulative electric‑power installed capacity from non‑fossil fuels by 2030. By decentralising solar generation, the Yojana contributes directly to reducing carbon emissions and easing pressure on coal‑fired power plants. A recent case study from the Ministry highlighted that a 6‑kW rooftop system in Delhi enabled a family of four to offset 90 percent of their electricity consumption, translating into annual savings of over ₹14,000.
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana offers a practical, low‑cost pathway for Indian households to transition to solar energy, cut electricity expenses, and participate in the nation’s renewable‑energy ambition. By following the meticulous step‑by‑step process — from portal registration to commissioning — eligible families can secure a monthly credit of 300 free units, safeguard their financial future, and become prosumers in the evolving energy landscape. As more citizens embrace rooftop solar, India moves closer to its climate goals while delivering tangible relief to everyday households.
Stay updated with the latest Yojana schemes and government initiatives for better awareness and eligibility. For personalized guidance on accessing these benefits, reach out to us.
