The Rajasthan government has taken a big step towards making solar energy accessible to the general public under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana. Now the residents of the state can get solar panels installed on the roof of their house by paying an initial amount of just ₹ 7,499 and can pay the remaining amount in easy monthly installments of ₹ 2,449. A subsidy of up to ₹ 78,000 is also being given under this scheme.
What is Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana?
The objective of Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Free Electricity Scheme is to promote rooftop solar systems across the country. Under this scheme, the Central Government and the State Government together provide financial assistance (CFA) to reduce the cost of solar panels. In Rajasthan, a subsidy of up to ₹ 60,000 is being given on systems with a capacity of up to 2 kW, while assistance of up to ₹ 78,000 is being given on 3 kW or more.
Cost and installment of installing solar system
The total cost of 2 kW solar system in Rajasthan comes between ₹ 1,20,000 to ₹ 1,40,000. However, under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, a subsidy of up to ₹ 60,000 is provided by the government, due to which this cost comes down to between ₹ 60,000 to ₹ 80,000 after subsidy. In this scheme, the beneficiary has to deposit only an initial amount of ₹ 7,499 for the solar connection, while the remaining amount can be paid in monthly installments of ₹ 2,449. The special thing is that no interest is charged on these installments and the payment period ranges from 12 to 24 months, making this scheme very accessible and affordable for the common people.
Who can apply for the scheme?
To avail the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, those residents of Rajasthan who have their own house and valid electricity connection are considered eligible. Additionally, it is mandatory to have at least 100 square feet of free space on the roof of the house so that solar panels can be easily installed. There should not be any kind of outstanding in the electricity bill of the beneficiary, as this scheme is available only to regular consumers. It is worth noting that the subsidy is applicable only on on-grid solar systems, that is, the system which is directly connected to the network of the electricity distribution company.
How to apply in the scheme?
To avail the benefits of Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, first of all you have to visit its official website PM Surya Ghar Yojana. There you have to upload your Aadhar card, electricity bill and bank related details. After verification of documents and site inspection, the installation of the solar system will be started. After the installation process is completed, the amount of subsidy given by the government is transferred directly to the bank account of the beneficiary, making the process transparent and simple.
What are the benefits of this scheme?
Installing solar panels under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana provides consumers with many important benefits. The biggest advantage is that electricity bills can be reduced by up to 90%, which increases monthly savings. Once the solar system is installed, it produces free electricity for about 25 years, so there is no need to worry about energy for a long time. This system is a safe and sustainable option for the environment, as it is based on a pollution-free and renewable energy source. Also, having solar panels at home also increases the market value of the property, making it a smart and profitable investment.
Due to the availability of abundant sunlight throughout the year in Rajasthan, this scheme is becoming very successful especially in rural and semi-urban areas. The government aims to connect millions of homes in every district with solar energy by 2026.
Nitesh Verma