New Delhi: The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY), hailed as the world’s largest domestic rooftop solar initiative, is reshaping India’s solar energy landscape with ambitious targets and rapid progress. Launched in February 2024, the scheme has already achieved 6.3 lakh rooftop solar installations within nine months, a ten-fold increase from the earlier average of 7,000 installations per month.
With a trajectory aimed at surpassing one crore installations by March 2027, the initiative is set to transform the energy sector, starting with milestones of 10 lakh installations by March 2025 and doubling to 20 lakh by October 2025. Leading states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh have showcased remarkable progress, underlining strong infrastructure and collaboration.
Overcoming initial hurdles, the scheme quickly resolved challenges such as power load enhancements and technical feasibility barriers. For systems up to 10kW, regulatory approvals like the Technical Feasibility Report were waived, expediting installations. Subsidy disbursements were streamlined with timely DISCOM inspections and enhanced vendor availability, supported by affordable financing options on the Jan Samarth Portal.
To manage large-scale deployment, over 90 DISCOMs, banks, and vendors were integrated into a unified IT system. Nearly 9,000 vendors are now active, with more being onboarded daily. Capacity-building programs have trained 40,000 personnel for high-quality installations, with plans to train an additional two lakh technicians within eight months. Specialized training for 50,000 DISCOM engineers ensures efficient inspections and net meter provision.
The scheme simplifies consumer engagement through the www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in portal. Applicants can file requests within minutes, use GIS tools to plan rooftop capacity, select vendors, and apply for loans at 7% interest—all from a single platform. Post-installation details and subsidy redemption processes are similarly seamless.
By November 2024, over ₹3,100 crore had been disbursed to more than four lakh households, with an average of 67,000 subsidies processed monthly. The turnaround time for subsidy approvals has been reduced to just 15 days, significantly enhancing consumer satisfaction.
The scheme’s impact is visible, with 28% of participating households reporting zero electricity bills and others enjoying significantly reduced costs. Word-of-mouth endorsements have led to a surge in applications, bolstered by extensive awareness campaigns.
PMSGMBY is on track to set a global standard for rooftop solar adoption, offering a replicable model for sustainable energy integration. With a focus on robust infrastructure, simplified processes, and socio-economic benefits, the scheme is poised to empower millions of households, drive renewable energy adoption, and support India’s commitment to a greener future.