New Delhi, July 28 — More than 39.7 lakh rooftop solar systems have been installed across India under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana since its launch in February 2024, benefiting over 48 lakh households, the government informed Parliament on Tuesday.

Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik told the Rajya Sabha that a total of 39,72,447 rooftop solar (RTS) systems have been commissioned under the scheme. These installations have covered 48,02,717 households, including those in rural areas.

During the financial year 2025–26 alone, 18.71 lakh systems were installed, adding 6.7 GW of solar capacity and extending benefits to 22.71 lakh households.

Distribution companies have reported that more than 18.93 lakh beneficiaries received zero electricity bills for at least one billing cycle after installing systems under the scheme. Officials attribute the reduction in household electricity expenditure to the generation of power from the rooftop plants.

The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is designed as a demand-driven programme. Any residential consumer with a grid-connected electricity connection from the local distribution company can apply for benefits through the scheme’s National Portal. The initiative covers both urban and rural households.

While the scheme also encourages rooftop solar installations on government and commercial buildings, including educational and health institutions, central financial assistance is not extended to these categories. The ministry has stated that such installations remain financially viable without subsidy support.

The progress figures come against the backdrop of rising electricity demand. According to the International Energy Agency, nearly half of India’s additional electricity requirement between the present and 2030 is expected to be met through solar energy. Other low-carbon sources, including wind, hydroelectric and nuclear power, are projected to meet a further quarter of the incremental demand.

The government has positioned the PM Surya Ghar scheme as a key instrument for accelerating residential solar adoption, reducing household energy costs and contributing to the national renewable energy targets. The combination of central financial assistance for eligible residential consumers and simplified online application processes is intended to sustain the current pace of installations.

As the scheme continues into its third year, the reported numbers of systems installed, households covered and zero-bill cases will remain closely watched indicators of both its reach and its impact on domestic electricity consumption.