75 Lakh Households Targeted for Rooftop Solar Installations by December 2026
Summary
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi announced that the government has set a target of installing rooftop solar systems in 75 lakh (7.5 million) households by December 2026 under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
●Launched in February 2024, the scheme provides free electricity of up to 300 units per month to beneficiary households and offers central financial assistance of up to ₹78,000 per household.
●The initiative is a cornerstone of India's broader strategy to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity capacity by 2030, as pledged under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the UNFCCC. Rooftop solar not only reduces household electricity bills but also decentralises energy generation, easing pressure on the national grid and reducing transmission losses.
●For UPSC aspirants, this scheme is critical at the intersection of energy security, climate commitments, fiscal policy, and social welfare.
Climate Tech & Renewable Energy
This sub-topic has appeared in 4 UPSC Prelims questions.
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, launched in February 2024, is India's flagship rooftop solar scheme targeting 1 crore households with free electricity up to 300 units/month.
●The central financial assistance (CFA) ranges from ₹30,000 for 1 kW systems to ₹78,000 for 3 kW and above.
●The scheme is implemented through DISCOMs and registered vendors, with a dedicated national online portal for applications.
●India's total installed renewable energy capacity has crossed 200 GW, and rooftop solar contributes a growing share.
●The scheme aligns with India's NDC target of 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030 and net-zero by 2070.
●The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the nodal ministry.
●Rooftop solar also qualifies under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for solar PV modules, boosting domestic manufacturing.
PM Surya Ghar targets 1 crore households with up to ₹78,000 subsidy and 300 free units/month, directly linking household welfare with India's 500 GW renewable energy goal by 2030.
◎ In Simple Words
Imagine if every house had small solar panels on its roof that could make electricity from sunlight — that's exactly what the government wants to do for 75 lakh homes by the end of 2026. It's like giving families their own mini power plant so they don't have to pay big electricity bills. The government even gives money to help families buy and install these panels. This helps India use less coal and oil, which is better for the environment and helps fight climate change.
Factual Pointers
Practice · 1 question
With reference to PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It provides central financial assistance of up to ₹78,000 for rooftop solar systems of 3 kW and above.
2. Beneficiary households are entitled to up to 300 units of free electricity per month.
3. The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Power.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
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