New Delhi: As scorching summers loom and electricity bills skyrocket, more Indians are eyeing rooftop solar panels to slash costs and go green. But can shop owners join the solar revolution under the government’s flagship PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana? The answer, it turns out, hinges on a fine line between home and business.
Launched to promote free solar power for households, the scheme offers hefty subsidies only for residential rooftops. Homeowners with a valid domestic electricity connection and a sturdy, unshaded roof can install panels and pocket government aid. The catch? Purely commercial setups, like standalone shops with separate commercial connections, don’t qualify for subsidies. “If your shop operates from home using a household meter, you are fortunate,” clarify sources familiar with the policy. Install at your own cost otherwise.
Subsidies are generous: up to ₹30,000 for 1 kW systems, ₹60,000 for 2 kW, and a maximum of ₹78,000 for 3 kW or more. Funds hit your bank account via direct benefit transfer post-installation and DISCOM nod.
To apply, visit the official portal, get technical approval, and watch the panels power up your savings. With India’s solar push gaining momentum, small businesses could benefit if they strategically adjust their setup.