The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is enabling wider adoption of rooftop solar systems across the country by providing subsidies, affordable financing and innovative implementation models. To make rooftop solar accessible for middle-income and economically weaker households, the scheme provides higher central financial assistance for the first 2 kW capacity and offers collateral-free loans through nationalized banks at a concessional interest rate of repo rate plus 50 basis points (currently 5.75% per annum) with a repayment period of 10 years.
The scheme also supports RESCO and Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) models to accelerate solar adoption. As of 22 July 2026, a total of 39,72,447 rooftop solar systems have been installed, benefiting 48,02,717 households across the country, including rural areas. The initiative has helped reduce electricity costs for consumers, with over 18.93 lakh households reporting zero electricity bills during certain billing periods depending on their electricity consumption and solar generation.
The government is also promoting convergence of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana with the PM KUSUM scheme and other central and state programmes to expand solar usage and strengthen energy self-reliance, particularly in rural areas. Under PM KUSUM, integration with schemes such as the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, micro-irrigation initiatives, energy-efficient agricultural pumps and the Gram Urja Swaraj Campaign is being encouraged.
Similarly, PM Surya Ghar is being linked with initiatives of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, including the Solar Didi Programme, under which women Self-Help Group members are trained for solar-related activities. The use of District Mineral Foundation funds is also being encouraged for eligible beneficiaries, including BPL households, PMAY beneficiaries and other vulnerable sections.
Since its launch in February 2024, the demand-driven scheme has allowed residential consumers with grid-connected electricity connections to avail rooftop solar benefits through the National Portal. During 2025-26, around 18.71 lakh rooftop solar systems with a cumulative capacity of 6.7 GW were installed, benefiting 22.71 lakh households.
Apart from residential installations, the scheme also promotes rooftop solar plants in government and commercial buildings, including educational and health institutions, although central financial assistance is not provided for these categories as such projects are considered financially viable without subsidies.
The information was provided by Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
