As of March 19 this year, India has seen the installation of 26,19,879 rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana since its launch in February 2024. Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik revealed that Rs 17,967.53 crore has been disbursed as Central Financial Assistance to beneficiaries.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is spearheading the initiative to achieve rooftop solar installations in one crore households in the residential sector by FY 2026-27. The scheme operates on a demand-driven basis, allowing all residential consumers with a grid-connected electricity connection to apply for benefits on the national portal for rooftop solar system installation.
The entire process under the scheme, from application to Central Financial Assistance (CFA) disbursal, is conducted online through the national portal. Minister Naik highlighted that with correct credentials, the average time for processing the CFA is approximately 15 days post the consumer’s redemption request.
To streamline DISCOM approvals and payments, the government has introduced online processes for application and subsidy disbursal directly into the consumer’s bank account through the national portal. Simplifications in the regulatory approval process include waiving the technical feasibility requirement and introducing auto load enhancement up to 10 kW, with the net metering agreement now part of the application on the national portal.
MNRE and REC Ltd, as the National Programme Implementing Agency (NPIA), collaborate closely with all DISCOMs to ensure the efficient implementation of the scheme.
