Context: Rooftop Solar Scheme
To meet the target of 1 crore households under PM Surya Ghar by March 2027, the government is planning incentives for States to promote the Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) model, which has seen low adoption.
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
- Launch → February 2024
- Ministry → Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
- Outlay → ~₹75,000 crore
- Target → 1 crore households (rooftop solar)
Objective
• Provide up to 300 units free electricity/month
• Reduce electricity bills + carbon emissions
• Promote decentralised solar energy
Key Features
- Subsidy → up to 60% (≤2 kW), 40% (2–3 kW)
- DBT → subsidy directly to beneficiary
- Collateral-free loans available
- Net metering → sell surplus power
- National portal-based implementation
Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) Model
- DISCOM installs rooftop solar for households
- Targets:
• Poor households
• Those lacking capital/infrastructure - Initial ownership with DISCOM → later transfer to household
- Solves high upfront cost barrier
