Rooftop Revolution: 75 Lakh Indian Homes Going Solar by 2026

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi has expressed confidence that the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana will achieve 75 lakh rooftop solar-powered households by December 2026, compared to the current installation base of more than 41 lakh households.

Launched in February 2024 with a total outlay of Rs 75,021 crore, the scheme aims to facilitate the installation of rooftop solar systems in one crore households across the country while enabling beneficiaries to receive up to 300 units of free electricity per month. To encourage widespread adoption, the programme provides substantial Central financial assistance for residential solar installations.

Under the scheme, households installing a 1 kW rooftop solar system are eligible for a subsidy of Rs 30,000, while 2 kW systems qualify for financial support of Rs 60,000. For systems with a capacity of 3 kW or more, beneficiaries can receive subsidies of up to Rs 78,000. The programme covers up to 60 percent of the benchmark cost for systems up to 2 kW and 40 percent of the additional cost for capacities between 2 kW and 3 kW, subject to a maximum supported capacity of 3 kW.

According to the Minister, the scheme has significantly accelerated the adoption of distributed renewable energy in India, with more than 65 lakh applications already received. He also noted that 53,874 government buildings have been equipped with rooftop solar installations, contributing a cumulative installed capacity of 855 MW.

The continued expansion of rooftop solar capacity under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is expected to lower household electricity expenses, enhance energy security, reduce dependence on conventional power sources and support India’s transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.