Are you a resident of Jaipur, looking for a way to significantly reduce your electricity bills and contribute to a greener future? The Government of India’s groundbreaking initiative, the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, is your answer. This scheme is designed to make rooftop solar power accessible and affordable for every household, offering substantial subsidies and financial assistance that can lead to free electricity for millions. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the PM Surya Ghar Yojana and how you can benefit from it in the Pink City.
What is the PM Surya Ghar Yojana?
The PM Surya Ghar Yojana is a revolutionary central government scheme launched with the aim of providing up to 300 units of free electricity per month to eligible households across the country. The initiative encourages citizens to install rooftop solar panels by offering a direct subsidy, thereby reducing their dependency on the traditional power grid and significantly lowering their electricity costs.
This ambitious program not only aims to empower individual households but also plays a crucial role in India’s broader renewable energy goals. By converting residential rooftops into power generation units, the scheme contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable energy ecosystem. For a city like Jaipur, with its abundant sunshine, this scheme is a game-changer, offering a pathway to energy independence and substantial savings.
How PM Surya Ghar Yojana Works in Jaipur
The application process for the PM Surya Ghar Yojana is streamlined and user-friendly, primarily conducted through the official online portal. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how you can apply and get a rooftop solar system installed in Jaipur:
- Registration: The first step is to visit the official PM Surya Ghar Yojana portal. You will need to register by providing your state (Rajasthan), your electricity distribution company (DISCOM) in Jaipur, your consumer number, and your mobile number.
- Application Submission: Once registered, you can log in with your mobile and consumer number. You will then need to fill out the online application form with all the required details. This includes information about your property and your desired rooftop solar plant capacity.
- DISCOM Feasibility Approval: After submitting your application, your local DISCOM will review it for technical feasibility. This is to ensure that your rooftop is suitable for a solar installation and can be successfully connected to the grid.
- Vendor Selection & Installation: Upon receiving approval from the DISCOM, you can choose a registered vendor from the list provided on the portal. These vendors are government-approved and ensure that the installation meets all quality standards.
- Net Metering & Commissioning: Once the installation is complete, the vendor will apply for a net meter. Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid. After a final inspection by the DISCOM and installation of the net meter, a commissioning certificate will be issued.
Subsidy Disbursement: The final and most rewarding step is the transfer of the subsidy. Once your system is commissioned, you need to submit your bank details and a cancelled cheque on the portal. The subsidy amount will be directly credited to your bank account within 30 days.
Subsidy and Financial Assistance under PM Surya Ghar Yojana
The financial incentives offered under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana are designed to make solar installation affordable for everyone. The scheme provides a significant subsidy based on the capacity of the solar system you install. This, combined with low-interest loans from public sector banks, makes the upfront cost minimal.
PM Surya Ghar Yojana Subsidy Structure:
- For systems up to 2 kW: The government provides a subsidy of ₹30,000 per kW.
- For systems between 2 kW and 3 kW: The government offers a subsidy of ₹18,000 per kW for the additional capacity.
- For systems larger than 3 kW: The total subsidy is capped at ₹78,000.
In addition to the central government’s subsidy, the Rajasthan government may also offer additional incentives. For instance, reports indicate that the state government is offering a further ₹17,000 subsidy for certain beneficiaries, making the total subsidy even more attractive.
Benefits of Installing a Rooftop Solar System
The advantages of installing a rooftop solar system under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana extend far beyond just financial savings.
- Free or Reduced Electricity Bills: By generating your own power, you can significantly reduce, or in many cases, eliminate your monthly electricity bills. The scheme’s provision for up to 300 units of free electricity is a major financial relief for households.
- Extra Income through Net Metering: If your solar system generates more electricity than you consume, the surplus energy is fed back into the grid. Your DISCOM will credit you for this, which can result in a monthly income.
- Contribution to Environmental Protection: By switching to solar energy, you reduce your household’s carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner, greener environment for future generations.
- Increased Property Value: Homes equipped with a solar power system are considered more valuable in the real estate market.
- Energy Independence: The system provides you with a reliable and independent source of power, protecting you from power cuts and rising electricity tariffs.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the PM Surya Ghar Yojana in Jaipur, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a citizen of India.
- You must own a residential property with a suitable rooftop for solar panel installation.
- You must have a valid electricity connection in your name.
- You must not have previously availed of any other government subsidy for a solar system.
| Key Feature | Details for PM Surya Ghar Yojana |
| Objective | To provide up to 300 units of free electricity per month to 1 crore households. |
| Subsidy (Central) | Up to ₹78,000, based on system capacity. |
| Financial Support | Collateral-free, low-interest loans from public sector banks. |
| Application Process | Entirely online through the official portal. |
| Benefits | Zero or reduced electricity bills, extra income, and a clean energy source. |
FAQs about PM Surya Ghar Yojana in Jaipur
Q1: What documents are required to apply for the PM Surya Ghar Yojana?
A: You will typically need a copy of your Aadhar Card, your latest electricity bill, a photograph of your house with the rooftop, and your bank account details for the subsidy transfer.
Q2: How much does a solar system cost in Jaipur under this scheme?
A: The total cost depends on the system’s capacity, which is determined by your average monthly electricity consumption. However, the government subsidy and available bank loans significantly reduce the out-of-pocket expense.
Q3: How long does the entire process take, from application to installation?
A: The process is designed to be completed within a few weeks. The official portal and a network of registered vendors aim to ensure a smooth and timely installation process.
Q4: Can I choose my own solar vendor?
A: You must choose a vendor from the list of registered and empaneled vendors provided on the official PM Surya Ghar Yojana portal. This ensures that the quality and standards of the installation are maintained.
Q5: What is net metering and how does it work?
A: Net metering is a system where the electricity your solar panels generate is first used by your home. Any excess power is exported to the grid. Your electricity meter will run backward, and your DISCOM will credit you for the surplus energy.
