The PM Surya Ghar Yojana, launched in February 2024, aims to accelerate rooftop solar adoption across India. The scheme focuses on simplifying the vendor ecosystem, reducing installation time, and promoting models like RESCO and utility-led aggregation to make solar energy accessible. With a target to install solar panels in one crore rural households by 2026-27, the initiative has already facilitated seven lakh installations and added 4.59 GW of rooftop solar capacity in 2024—a 53% increase from 2023. The scheme provides financial aid covering up to 60% of installation costs, offering free or low-cost electricity to households. It is projected to unlock ₹1.2 trillion in opportunities for India’s solar sector.

With a surge in rooftop solar installations across India, the government is working to streamline processes under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, launched in February 2024. Key measures include simplifying the vendor ecosystem and reducing installation time. During a recent review, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized increasing rooftop solar capacity across states and union territories by enhancing vendor quality and minimizing delays from demand generation to operationalization.

States have been urged to adopt a phased, saturation-based approach for installations in villages, towns, and cities. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has issued new guidelines to boost adoption through Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCO) and utility-led models. Two payment options are now available:

1. *RESCO Model*: Third-party entities finance installations, allowing consumers to pay only for electricity consumed without upfront costs.
2. *Utility-led Aggregation Model*: DISCOMs install rooftop solar systems on behalf of residential households.

These options complement existing installation processes via the national portal.

In 2024, India witnessed significant growth in rooftop solar installations, adding 4.59 GW of new capacity—a 53% increase from 2023. The off-grid solar segment also saw remarkable progress, growing by 182% with 1.48 GW added, advancing energy access in rural areas.

The PM Surya Ghar Yojana aims to install rooftop solar in one crore rural households with a financial outlay of ₹75,021 crore. Within ten months, seven lakh households benefitted from free or low-cost electricity up to 300 units per month, backed by central financial assistance covering 60% of installation costs. The scheme targets 30 GW of rooftop solar capacity by 2026-27.

A report by SBI Capital Markets highlights that the initiative could unlock ₹1.2 trillion worth of opportunities in India’s solar power sector.

Disclaimer
The information provided is based on publicly available data as of January 2025. For detailed guidelines or updates on the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, consult official government sources or authorized representatives.

source : news18