Solar power can play a crucial role in bridging the electricity gap in remote and rural areas, where access to traditional energy sources is limited. The adoption of solar energy also aligns with India’s commitment to achieving its renewable energy targets and reducing carbon emissions. Embracing solar energy generation not only fosters energy security but also stimulates economic growth by creating job opportunities in the renewable energy sector. Overall, the significance of solar energy in India lies in its potential to provide sustainable, affordable, and environmentally friendly power for the nation’s development. On January 22, 2024, PM Modi launched the “Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana” to make India self-reliant in energy generation.
What is Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana?
Solar energy generation holds immense importance in India due to its potential to address the country’s growing energy demands while promoting sustainability and environmental conservation. India, with its vast and abundant sunlight throughout the year, has the ideal conditions for harnessing solar power. By investing in solar energy, India can reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, mitigate the impact of climate change, and contribute to global efforts in transitioning towards cleaner energy sources.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the ‘Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana’ on January 22, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at eliminating electricity bills for poor and middle-class citizens while enabling them to profit from rooftop solar panels installed on their terraces. This innovative program plans to install solar panels on approximately 1 crore households, potentially saving them up to Rs 18,000 crore annually.
Beneficiaries will receive 300 units of free solar electricity and have the option to sell surplus power to commercial units. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the scheme’s key features during his public address in Guwahati, emphasizing the government’s commitment to helping 1 crore families install solar rooftops and thereby reduce their electricity bills to zero.
| Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana 2024 Key Highlights | |
| Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana Launch Date | January 22, 2024 |
| Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana Official Website | National Scholarship Portal PMSY Official Website (Not yet Launched) |
| Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana Objective | To provide free electricity through solar panels. |
| Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana Beneficiary | Low to Middle-Class Households in India |
| Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana Age Limit | Not yet launched |
| Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana Number of Beneficiaries | 1 crore households |
| Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana Income Limit | Low to middle-class income households |
| Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana Mode of Application | Online/Offline |
| Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana Helpline Number | 1800 2 33 44 77 |
Additionally, the scheme is expected to boost the adoption of electric vehicles by allowing the setup of charging stations at home. The Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana is poised to be supported by extensive campaigns, encouraging people to participate in the rooftop solar panel initiative and reap financial benefits. While experts acknowledge the implementation challenges, they unanimously agree that harnessing solar energy for public use will mark a crucial step towards achieving ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in the energy sector.
Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana Objective
- The primary goal of launching the PM Suryodaya Yojana is to encourage the adoption of clean energy.
- The initiative involves the installation of free solar panels on the roofs of one crore houses across the country.
- The current predominant method of electricity generation in India relies heavily on coal, contributing negatively to the environment.
- The Pradhan Mantri Surya Uday Yojana aims to address this environmental impact by promoting clean energy through household solar panels.
- The scheme targets poor and middle-class citizens, offering them an opportunity to reduce their reliance on conventional electricity sources.
- The installation of solar panels allows individuals to harness sunlight for 6 to 8 months, significantly decreasing their dependence on traditional power grids.
- The technology behind this initiative involves solar panels with photovoltaic cells, which efficiently convert solar energy into electricity, contributing to a sustainable and environmentally friendly power source.
Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana Benefits
- The Pradhan Mantri Suryoday Yojana 2024 aims to provide significant benefits to the poor and middle-class citizens of the country.
- The initiative involves the installation of solar plants in one crore households across the nation, ensuring widespread access to clean energy.
- Each household can enjoy an uninterrupted 24-hour electricity supply through the implementation of solar panels.
- The scheme is designed to support the charging of electric vehicles, contributing to the promotion of sustainable transportation.
- The utilization of solar panels not only results in monthly electricity bill savings but also encourages the adoption of eco-friendly and renewable energy sources.
- Families opting for rooftop solar units under the PM Surya Uday Yojana stand to save Rs 18,000 annually.
- To avail of the scheme’s benefits, applicants must have sufficient roof space for the installation of solar panels.
- The provision of free electricity through solar panels is extended for 25 years, fostering long-term sustainability.
- The Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana plays a pivotal role in fostering self-reliance in the solar energy sector.
- This initiative empowers individuals to make considerable savings on their electricity bills.
- Additionally, the scheme contributes to environmental conservation by promoting the use of clean energy sources, thereby ensuring a cleaner and greener environment.
Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana Types of Solar Setup
Off-Grid Solar Setup in PM Suryodaya Yojana
Source: Internet
An off-grid solar system comprises solar panels, batteries, a charge controller, a grid box, an inverter, a mounting structure, and a balance of systems. This independent system generates and stores solar power using batteries. However, the off-grid setup presents certain drawbacks. Firstly, it requires the purchase of backup batteries, which can be expensive and environmentally unfriendly, leading to the government’s decision not to provide subsidies for such setups. Another limitation is that users cannot consume more energy than what is stored in the batteries, as off-grid systems are not connected to the grid power system. This type of setup contradicts the main goals of adopting solar energy, such as saving money and promoting eco-friendly living.
On-Grid Solar Setup in PM Suryodaya Yojana (Subsidy Modal)
- In an on-grid solar setup, the system is connected to the local utility’s grid, a configuration commonly adopted by residential homes to meet varying energy needs.
- An advantageous feature of on-grid systems is the ability to send excess energy back to the grid’s power company when more energy is produced than consumed.
- This surplus energy can be credited, and the process is known as net metering. On-grid setups eliminate the need for expensive battery backup systems, contributing to cost-effectiveness.
- This approach aligns with the broader goals of the Solar Rooftop Yojana and now PM Suryodaya Yojana, as it encourages efficient energy use and promotes a sustainable and economical solar solution for consumers.
Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the PM Suryodaya Yojana, it is a must to know whether you are eligible for the scheme or not. Therefore the complete list of PM Suryodaya Yojana eligibility criteria has been provided below:
- You must be a Permanent citizen of India
- You must have a terrace available so that solar panels can be installed in your homes.
- You must belong to low to middle-income households.
Please note that the official notification regarding the scheme has not been announced yet, therefore the list provided is purely expected based on official documents that are required in any government scheme.
Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana Documents Required
The expected documents that will be required to apply for the Suryodaya yojana are listed below. You can expect more documents to be asked for submission in the actual time.
- Applicants Aadhar card
- Applicant profits certificates.
- Domicile certificate
- Mobile Number
- Electricity bill
- Bank passbook
- Passport size photo
- Ration card.
- Income Certificate
Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana Online Registration 2024
At the moment, there is no provision for applying for the Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana, however, there is a new scheme called PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana for people who want to install solar panels in their homes. For them, the National Solar Rooftop Portal is there that provides solar panels at a subsidized rate of 60%. Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya yojana is expected to be launched in the same portal. If it goes this way, the expected application princess is provided below.
Visit the official website of the National Solar Rooftop Portal
Register in the portal. The information you would need to enter in the app are below.
- Your State
- Your Electricity Distribution Company
- Your Electricity Consumer Number
- Mobile Number
- Email ID (Valid)
Login with Consumer Number & Mobile Number. After that, apply for the Rooftop Solar as per the form.
Wait for the feasibility approval from DISCOM. Once you get the feasibility approval install the plant by any of the registered vendors in your DISCOM
Once installation is over, submit the plant details and apply for a net meter
After the installation of the net meter and inspection by DISCOM, they will generate a commissioning certificate from the portal.
About PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, initiated on February 13, 2024, by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, is a Central Financial Assistance (CFA) program aimed at encouraging Indian citizens to adopt solar panels in their homes. The scheme alleviates the financial burden of installing solar rooftop panels by assisting residents. By opting for this initiative, homeowners can benefit from savings of up to 60% on installation costs. The overarching goal is to promote the widespread adoption of solar energy across the country, and the government is making strides in achieving success in this endeavor.
| Average Monthly Electricity Consumption (units) | Suitable Rooftop Solar Plant Capacity | Subsidy Support |
| 0-150 | 1 – 2 kW | Rs 30,000 to Rs 60,000/- |
| 150-300 | 2 – 3 kW | Rs 60,000 to Rs 78,000/- |
| >300 | Above 3 kW | Rs 78,000/- |
READ IN DETAIL ABOUT: PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
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