Greater Noida: More than 800 consumers of a private power distribution company in Greater Noida have effectively received free electricity in at least one billing cycle, thanks to solar power. Under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, 808 customers of Noida Power Company Ltd (NPCL) have achieved zero power charges.
How Zero Power Charge Works
Zero power charge means that a domestic consumer has generated enough solar electricity via a rooftop system to fully offset the electricity they consumed from the grid during that month. According to the current tariff, per-unit charges for domestic electricity in Greater Noida range from Rs 3.00 to Rs 6.50 per kWh, depending on usage, plus fixed charges.
Out of over 2.2 lakh NPCL consumers in Greater Noida, 1,781 rooftop solar panels have been installed in the discom's licensed area, of which 1,162 were installed under the central scheme. This development is seen as an encouraging sign for renewable energy adoption.
Government Scheme and Net Metering
The Rs 75,021-crore PM Surya Ghar Yojana was launched on February 15, 2024, under which households receive a subsidy to install solar panels on their roofs. The subsidy covers up to 40% of the cost of the panels. At the heart of this transformation is net metering, which allows households to generate electricity through rooftop solar panels and export surplus power to the grid. During peak sunlight hours, excess electricity is fed into the grid, while at night or during low-generation periods, consumers can draw power. Over a billing cycle, if solar generation equals or exceeds consumption, the net energy charge becomes zero.
Residents Share Their Experiences
Shyamal Datta, a resident of Sector Sigma 1, said, “Installing a 3-kWh rooftop solar plant under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has made a huge difference. Since I installed the panels in April last year, my solar generation consistently exceeds my net consumption, and now I can keep my energy bill limited to just the fixed charges.”
Pragya Shahin, a resident of NSG Society, added, “After installing a 10-kWh solar system in June 2024, I no longer have to pay anything for electricity. Earlier, I used to receive very high electricity bills of Rs 5,000 or more. Now, the roof of my upper floor is also cooler than before, thanks to the shade provided by the solar panels.”
Meena Kumari, a resident of Sector Omicron 1A, noted, “Earlier, I used to pay around Rs 1,500 every month as electricity bills, which has now reduced to almost zero. My decision to install a 3-kWh solar panel on my roof two years ago has not only helped us generate our own clean power but also allowed us to protect our household budget and reduce our carbon footprint for future generations.”
Benefits Beyond Savings
For domestic consumption, the benefits extend beyond savings. A typical 3-5 kWh rooftop solar system significantly reduces dependence on conventional grid electricity. Moreover, solar panels provide rooftop insulation, helping lower indoor temperatures—an added advantage during the summer months.
NPCL Official’s Perspective
Sarnath Ganguly, senior vice president (head distribution) at NPCL, Greater Noida, said, “Zero energy charge bills are no longer an aspiration but a tangible reality for many households in Greater Noida. With supportive policies, proactive facilitation by discoms, and rising consumer awareness, rooftop solar is emerging as a smart, future-ready investment. It offers a powerful combination of cost savings, energy independence, and environmental sustainability.”
