Nagpur: There is good news for people who want to save money on their electricity bills by installing a solar rooftop on their home’s roof. Under the Prime Minister-Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, the Central Government has decided to offer every family a subsidy of up to Rs 78,000 for the installation of a three-kilowatt solar rooftop.
Lokeshchandra, the Managing Director of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), appealed to electricity consumers to seize this opportunity to save on their electricity bills while contributing to a sustainable future. The scheme aims to incentivize the adoption of solar energy at the household level, aligning with the government’s commitment to clean and green energy solutions.
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Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also expressed support for the scheme, urging MSEDCL to expedite the implementation process. This push for swift execution underscores the government’s emphasis on encouraging widespread adoption of solar energy, not only to benefit individual consumers but also to contribute to the overall reduction of carbon footprints and dependence on conventional power sources.
According to the scheme, the house’s energy requirements will be met by producing electricity by building a solar power generation project (solar rooftop) on the roof. If there is more production than needed, the electricity bill becomes zero. Customers who install solar rooftops would receive a subsidy of Rs 30,000 per kilo-watt, according to an order issued by the Central Government’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. The Central Government would provide the consumer with a Rs 78,000 subsidy for installing a three-kilowatt capacity system. This subsidy will be offered to all customers who apply through the national portal after February 13.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2024, announced the launch of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, aimed at providing up to 300 units of free electricity monthly to 1 crore households in the country. The project with an investment exceeding Rs 75,000 crore, aims to seek to boost income levels, reduce power bills, and improve employment opportunities.
Under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, all residential households are eligible for subsidies on rooftop solar installations. Rooftop solar PV systems can be installed on any type of roof having sufficient load-bearing capacity. On a clear sunny day, a 1 KW solar power plant can generate 4 to 5.5 units in a day.
For solar panels with capacities up to 2 kW, households can avail of a subsidy of Rs. 30,000 per kilowatt, and Rs 18,000 per kW for additional capacity up to 3 kW. For larger systems exceeding 3 kW, the total subsidy is capped at Rs 78,000. The ideal rooftop solar plant capacity varies based on the average monthly electricity consumption of households. For instance, households consuming 0 to 150 units per month should install 1 to 2 kW systems, with subsidies ranging from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 60,000. Similarly, households consuming 150 to 300 units per month can install 2 to 3 kW systems and avail subsidies from Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 78,000. For households consuming more than 300 units per month, systems above 3 kW with a subsidy of Rs. 78,000 are advised.
Application process:
The application process for rooftop solar panels is simple. Applicants can register online at pmsuryaghar.gov.in/consumerregistration, providing essential details such as state, electricity distribution company, electricity consumer number, mobile number, and email address. Then log in with the consumer number and mobile number. Further, apply for rooftop solar installation and await feasibility approval from the distribution company (DISCOM).
Then with help from any registered vendors for installation, you can install the solar plant. Subsequently, submit plant details and apply for a net meter. Upon installation and inspection by DISCOM, households can obtain a commissioning certificate from them and submit bank account details and a cancelled cheque for subsidy disbursement. You will receive your subsidy in your bank account within 30 days, the official website said.
