PM Surya Ghar Scheme: Electricity bill of 19 lakh families becomes ‘zero’

The Central Government’s ambitious ‘PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme’ has set a new record in providing relief to the general public from inflation. Giving information in the Lower House of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Union Renewable Energy Minister Prahlad Joshi said that under this scheme, the electricity bill of about 19 lakh families of the country who have installed solar panels on their rooftops, has been completely ‘zero’ in at least one billing cycle. So far, more than 48 lakh families have benefited from this scheme, which was started in February 2024, and a target has been set to provide solar panels to 1 crore homes in the current financial year.

1 lakh solar systems installed in 7 days: interest increased among people

According to the latest data from the ministry, more than 40,07,355 rooftop solar systems have been installed across the country till July 24, 2026. Although the pace of the scheme was a little slow in the beginning, but seeing the easy process of subsidy and the direct benefits of zero electricity bill, now there is huge enthusiasm among the common people about it. The situation is such that recently, within just 7 days, solar panels have been installed on the rooftops of one lakh new families.

Maharashtra and Kerala at the forefront: Know the performance of the states

According to the data of power distribution companies (DISCOMs), the largest share among the 18.93 lakh consumers whose electricity bill has become zero, Maharashtra Where 4.17 lakh families have got complete freedom from electricity bills.

• Maharashtra: 4.17 lakh families (1st place)

• Kerala: 1.91 lakh families (second place)

• Chhattisgarh: More than 16,450 consumers

Mathematics of subsidy: How much money is the government giving from 1kW to 3kW?

The Central Government bears 40% to 60% of the total cost as subsidy on installation of rooftop solar systems under PM Surya Ghar Yojana:

Additional State Subsidy: Some states like Uttar Pradesh are also providing an additional state subsidy of ₹30,000 on their own, further reducing the initial cost for consumers.

Understand by calculation: How will your solar panel become free in 4 years?

If a family installs a 3 kW solar system, the total estimated cost is around ₹ 1,80,000. After the subsidy of ₹78,000 from the Central Government, the net out-of-pocket expenditure of the consumer is only ₹1,08,000 Only this remains.

• Monthly Production: A 3 kW solar system produces an average of 250 to 300 units of electricity every month.

• Monthly Savings: If we assume an average production of 275 units of electricity and the tariff is ₹ 8 per unit, then the electricity bill every month will be Direct savings of ₹2,200 it occurs.

• Annual Savings: In this way, in about a year ₹26,400 is saved.

• Pay-back period: The entire cost incurred by the consumer is recovered within just 4 years. After this, the electricity available for the next 20-22 years is completely free.