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Government Pushes Utility-Led Rooftop Solar Model Under PM Surya Ghar Yojana

Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi announced the government’s approval of a power utility-led model under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, aimed at rapidly scaling up rooftop solar adoption. So far, two million rooftop solar systems have been installed, with nearly half of households receiving zero power bills and many earning income by selling surplus electricity. The minister projected that installations could jump to five million within a month of implementing the new model.

The program targets 10 million rooftop solar households by 2027, but progress has been uneven due to delays in state-level approvals and glitches in the national portal. Joshi emphasized that states must clear applications within 15 days to avoid bottlenecks. Some states have shown strong performance, while others lag significantly.

The minister highlighted that the utility-led model would also benefit households without suitable rooftop space. Meanwhile, MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi flagged issues such as high bank loan rejection rates for rooftop projects, urging states to take the matter up with bankers.

Looking at India’s long-term goals of 1,800 GW renewable energy by 2047 and 5,000 GW by 2070, Sarangi stressed the urgent need for domestic manufacturing of solar cells, modules, wafers, ingots, and polysilicon to cut import dependence. The MNRE is reviewing progress on flagship programs like PM KUSUM, Surya Ghar, and green hydrogen initiatives with states, DISCOMs, and industry associations.