The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has achieved a major milestone, with more than 50 lakh households now installing rooftop solar systems under the scheme. Launched to promote clean energy and reduce household electricity bills, the government aims to cover 1 crore homes by March 2027. The recent milestone highlights the growing popularity of rooftop solar among Indian households.

The scheme offers financial assistance to eligible homeowners for installing rooftop solar panels. Depending on the capacity of the system, beneficiaries can receive a subsidy of up to ₹78,000, which is directly transferred to their bank account after successful installation and verification.

One of the biggest advantages of the scheme is the potential reduction in monthly electricity expenses. Households can generate their own electricity during the day and, where net metering is available, surplus power may be exported to the grid according to state electricity regulations. This can significantly lower electricity bills while encouraging the use of renewable energy.

To apply for the scheme, applicants must have a valid electricity connection in their name and own a suitable rooftop for solar panel installation. Interested homeowners can register on the official PM Surya Ghar portal, choose an empanelled vendor, submit the required documents, and track their application online. Once the installation is completed and approved by the local electricity distribution company, the subsidy is credited directly to the beneficiary's bank account.

The subsidy available under the scheme depends on the size of the rooftop solar system:

• 1–2 kW system: Subsidy of up to ₹60,000

• 2–3 kW system: Subsidy of up to ₹78,000

• Above 3 kW: Maximum subsidy remains ₹78,000

The government says the programme is expected to reduce household electricity costs, promote energy independence, and support India's clean energy goals. As adoption continues to rise, rooftop solar is becoming an increasingly practical investment for homeowners looking to save on power bills over the long term.

Before applying, homeowners should verify that their chosen installer is empanelled under the scheme and ensure all application details, including bank account and electricity consumer number, are entered correctly to avoid delays in subsidy disbursement. With more than 50 lakh homes already benefiting, the PM Surya Ghar Yojana is emerging as one of India's largest residential solar initiatives.