India's ambitious push for clean, affordable energy has reached a significant milestone. The number of households that have installed rooftop solar systems under the government's flagship PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has now surpassed the 25 lakh mark, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi announced on Sunday.
A Landmark Achievement in Clean Energy
Sharing the news on social media platform X, Minister Joshi highlighted the dual benefits of the scheme. He stated that these 25 lakh families are now accessing cleaner energy while witnessing a substantial reduction in their monthly electricity bills. The minister credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this achievement, framing it as a proud moment in the nation's sustainable energy journey.
The scheme, which was officially launched in February 2024, has a bold target: to facilitate rooftop solar installations in 1 crore (10 million) households across the country by the financial year 2026-27. The government has committed a massive outlay of Rs 75,021 crore to make this vision a reality.
Subsidies and Nationwide Accessibility
In a separate post, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) provided crucial details about the financial incentives driving this adoption. The scheme offers subsidies of up to Rs 78,000 to residential consumers for installing rooftop solar plants. This direct financial support is a key factor in making solar power an economically viable option for millions.
The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a demand-driven program, open to all residential electricity consumers in India who have a grid connection from their local power distribution company. Interested beneficiaries can apply for a rooftop solar system through a dedicated national portal, streamlining the process.
Current Capacity and Future Goals
The progress under the scheme is not just measured in household numbers but also in total energy generation capacity. As of early this month, the installations under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana have contributed to a cumulative rooftop solar capacity of 7,075.78 Megawatts (MW). This represents a significant injection of renewable energy into the national grid, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
This milestone of 25 lakh households underscores a growing public acceptance of solar technology, fueled by the promise of long-term savings and environmental benefits. As the scheme progresses towards its one-crore household target, it is poised to transform India's residential energy landscape, empowering families to become producers of their own clean power.
