The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY), which is the world’s largest domestic rooftop solar initiative, is significantly transforming India's solar energy landscape. By March 2025, it is expected that installations will exceed 1 million, reaching 2 million by October 2025, 40 lakh by March 2026, and an ambitious target of ten million March 2027. In just nine months since the launch of PMSGMBY, 6.3 lakh installations have been completed, averaging 70,000 per month. This represents a ten-fold increase in the monthly rate compared to the 7,000 installations per month before the scheme's launch in February 2024. States such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh have shown exceptional progress, reflecting strong infrastructure and effective collaboration among stakeholders.

The early progress of PMSGMBY highlights the robust foundation being built, and the scheme is expected to experience rapid growth in the coming months, setting the stage for a sustainable future in rooftop solar energy.

Initial challenges in the implementation of the scheme were quickly resolved to ensure a smoother and faster rollout. DISCOMs enhanced auto-load capacity to meet the required power load, while regulatory hurdles were eased by exempting systems up to 10 kW from the need for Technical Feasibility Reports (TFR). Timely inspections by DISCOMs helped accelerate subsidy releases, and efforts were made to ensure net meters were readily available. The vendor base was expanded to support rapid deployment, complemented by affordable financing options available through the Jan Samarth Portal for systems up to 3 kW.

The creation of robust IT systems to integrate over 90 DISCOMs, banks, and other key stakeholders was critical in coordinating operations at this large scale. Vendor development has been prioritised, with nearly 9,000 vendors already activated and more joining daily. Capacity-building initiatives have trained 40,000 personnel to ensure high-quality installations and service delivery. An additional 0.2 million technicians are scheduled to be trained over the next eight months. Over 50,000 DISCOM engineers are also receiving specialised training to inspect and commission rooftop solar plants, as well as to provide net meters.

The scheme has also streamlined processes for consumers. Previously, applicants had to submit numerous documents and visit DISCOM offices multiple times. Now, many DISCOMs have waived the requirement for Technical Feasibility approvals for systems under 10kW and have digitised their processes, reducing documentation and simplifying applications. Consumers can now file their applications in just five minutes via the website www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in, where they can also select and shortlist vendors. The portal’s GIS feature allows applicants to view their roof and plan the capacity of their rooftop solar system. Additionally, a loan option at a 7 per cent interest rate can be applied directly on the portal. Once the installation is complete, details can be uploaded in minutes. The portal automatically notifies the DISCOM for inspection, after which applicants can redeem subsidies directly on the portal.