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PM Surya Ghar Scheme: The PM Surya Ghar Scheme has achieved remarkable results. Around 19 lakh families have seen their electricity bills drop to zero thanks to this scheme. Launched in February 2024, the scheme has already benefited over 48 lakh families. The government shared details regarding the scheme's benefits in the Lok Sabha.

**40 Lakh Rooftop Solar Systems Installed Under the Scheme**

In response to a question, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi stated that approximately 19 lakh families who installed rooftop solar panels under this scheme saw their electricity bills drop to zero for at least one billing cycle. According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, 4,007,355 rooftop solar systems had been installed by July 24 of this year. The scheme aims to bring one crore families on board during the current financial year.

**1 Lakh Solar Systems Installed in Seven Days**

The government reported an increase in the pace of solar panel installations under the scheme, with one lakh solar panels installed in a span of about seven days. While initial interest in the scheme was low, families are now rapidly installing solar panels on their rooftops under this initiative.

**Families in Maharashtra Benefited the Most**

Data from power distribution companies reveals that among the 18.93 lakh families whose electricity bills dropped to zero under the scheme, the highest number—4.17 lakh families—are from Maharashtra. Kerala ranks second with 1.91 lakh families. In Chhattisgarh, 16,450 consumers saw their electricity bills drop to zero for at least one billing cycle.

**Central Government Subsidy Available Under the Scheme**

The scheme offers a government subsidy for installing rooftop solar panels. The subsidy is ₹30,000 for a 1 kW system, ₹60,000 for a 2 kW system, and ₹78,000 for a 3 kW system. The maximum subsidy under this scheme is ₹78,000.

**Subsidy covers 40–60% of the total cost**

According to the government, the subsidy covers 40% to 60% of the total cost incurred in installing a solar system under this scheme. In certain states, such as Uttar Pradesh, the state government provides an additional subsidy of ₹30,000. This further reduces the overall cost of installing the solar system.

**Total cost recovered within a few years**

The total cost of installing the solar system is recovered within just a few years. This can be understood with an example. Suppose a family installs a 3 kW solar system, incurring a total cost of approximately ₹1.8 lakh. After the Central Government's subsidy of ₹78,000 under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, the consumer's out-of-pocket expense drops to ₹1.08 lakh.

**Understanding the calculation through an example**

Now, assume a family's total monthly electricity consumption is 900 units, with a tariff of ₹8 per unit. This results in a monthly electricity bill of approximately ₹7,200. A 3 kW solar system generates about 250–300 units of electricity per month. If the system generates an average of 275 units monthly, it translates to a saving of ₹2,200 on the electricity bill each month. Annually, this amounts to ₹26,400. This means the total cost will be recovered in approximately four years.

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