PM Surya Ghar Aims for One Crore Rooftop Solar Installations, Accelerating India’s Clean Energy Drive – EQ
In Short : MNRE Secretary Pralhad Joshi expressed confidence in achieving one crore rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana by 2026–27. Launched in February 2024, the scheme provides free electricity up to 300 units per month and subsidies up to ₹78,000 per household. Over 16.5 lakh households have benefited, with Vidarbha leading adoption, supporting India’s 30 GW rooftop solar target.
In Detail : Union Minister Pralhad Joshi expressed optimism about achieving one crore rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana by 2026–27. Launched in February 2024, the scheme aims to provide households with free electricity up to 300 units per month, promoting clean energy adoption and reducing electricity costs for participating families.
As of July 2025, over 16.5 lakh households have installed rooftop solar systems under the scheme. To reach households without suitable rooftops, the government has introduced a utility-led model, enabling solar adoption across diverse housing conditions and accelerating the expansion of decentralized solar power.
The PM Surya Ghar scheme offers subsidies of up to ₹78,000 for rooftop solar systems with capacities up to 3 kW. Households can also earn by selling surplus electricity back to the grid, effectively transforming them into “mini power plants” and generating both financial and environmental benefits.
Vidarbha in Maharashtra has emerged as a leader in rooftop solar adoption, accounting for 40% of the state’s installations. With over 1.15 lakh households and a combined capacity of 442.7 MW, the region demonstrates the success of the scheme in rural and semi-urban areas.
To encourage timely installations, the government extended the deadline for Central Financial Assistance (CFA) claims to December 31, 2025. This measure aims to streamline processes, incentivize participation, and ensure that more households can benefit from rooftop solar systems under the scheme.
The PM Surya Ghar initiative aligns with India’s broader renewable energy objectives, targeting 30 GW of rooftop solar capacity by 2026–27. By promoting decentralized generation, the scheme enhances grid stability, reduces transmission losses, and strengthens the country’s clean energy infrastructure.
The scheme’s success is attributed to a combination of financial incentives, technical support, and awareness campaigns. These efforts have increased consumer confidence, encouraged wider adoption, and demonstrated the viability of rooftop solar as a sustainable energy solution for households.
Looking ahead, the government plans to initiate the second round of consultations with state governments. Discussions will focus on energy storage, facilitating power purchase agreements (PPAs), and addressing implementation challenges, further reinforcing India’s clean energy roadmap and rooftop solar strategy.
