India Expands Rooftop Solar Under PM Surya Ghar Scheme

India’s clean-energy housing expansion is linked to the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, a central government scheme launched in February 2024 for residential rooftop solar installations. The scheme targets one crore households by the end of 2026-27 and provides direct subsidy support for eligible domestic consumers.

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a rooftop solar programme for residential households. It provides a direct subsidy of up to ₹78,000 for installation of rooftop solar systems. The scheme also offers up to 300 units of free electricity per month for eligible households. The application process and subsidy disbursal under the scheme are fully digital. Subsidies are generally credited within 15 days of submission of the required documents.

Rooftop Solar Capacity in India

As of 19 March 2026, more than 26.19 lakh rooftop solar systems had been installed across India under the scheme. India’s cumulative grid-connected rooftop solar capacity reached 26.75 GW as of 30 April 2026. Residential installations accounted for 82% of the 2.7 GW rooftop solar capacity added in the first quarter of 2026. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Kerala were among the states with strong participation in rooftop solar adoption under the scheme as of 27 May 2026.

Budgetary Support and Energy Context

The Union Budget 2026-27 allocated ₹22,000 crore to the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. This allocation was 29.4% higher than the previous year’s provision. India’s clean-energy expansion includes solar and wind power, and related land investments are projected at $10-15 billion by 2030. Industrial parks, warehousing and worker housing are among the real-estate segments linked with this expansion.

Important Facts for Exams

• The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was launched in February 2024.
• The scheme aims to install rooftop solar systems in one crore residential households by 2026-27.
• The maximum direct subsidy under the scheme is ₹78,000.
• India’s grid-connected rooftop solar capacity stood at 26.75 GW on 30 April 2026.

Rooftop Solar as a Renewable Energy Segment

Rooftop solar systems are installed on the roofs of homes, institutions and commercial buildings. Grid-connected rooftop solar systems feed electricity into the distribution network and are used in India’s renewable energy mix.