A huge new update for all grid-connected residents of Rajasthan! You might be slightly shocked to hear that the 100-unit electricity subsidy you’ve been receiving every month could soon be taken away. But don’t worry—it’s not all bad news. The government isn’t just cutting the benefit; it’s changing how you qualify for it.
Nearly 96 lakh families enjoyed up to 100 units of free electricity, with 62 lakh households paying zero bills. But this was costing the state a massive ₹5,600 crore annually. Now, Rajasthan is taking a different route: Free electricity will continue, up to 150 units, but only for those who install solar panels under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana.
This shift isn’t just about reducing subsidies; it’s about making households self-sufficient in power generation. So, how will this new system work? The government has introduced three different ways to implement the plan. Let’s break it down.
1. Rooftop Solar for Individual Households
If your electricity usage is above 150 units per month, you must install a rooftop solar system to keep getting free electricity. Here’s how it works:
- The government will install a 1.1 kW solar system on your rooftop at no cost to you.
- The Central Government will pay ₹33,000, and the State Government will pitch in ₹17,000.
- If you want a larger system, you can get an extra ₹17,000 subsidy from the state.
- If you don’t install solar panels, you will lose your free electricity if your consumption crosses 150 units.
2. Community Solar for Those Without Rooftops
Not everyone has a rooftop, and the government knows that. For those who can’t install panels at home, the state will build community solar plants. This model can benefit 77 lakh consumers who have low electricity demand.
- These are shared solar power setups with battery storage, producing enough energy for multiple households.
- Each consumer will still get 150 free units per month, just like those with rooftop panels.
- The cost of setting up 1 MW of community solar (with battery storage) is ₹6.25 crore.
- The government will pay for these in installments over three years.
3. Solar Incentives for Non-Beneficiaries
What if you don’t get free electricity but still want to install solar? There’s something for you too.
- If you install solar panels under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, you’ll get a free induction cooktop to encourage solar-based cooking.
- You’ll also receive ₹0.15 per unit for extra electricity you send back to the grid.
- The government has yet to clarify whether this ₹0.15 incentive applies to total solar generation or just excess power.
The Rajasthan government wants to install 27 lakh rooftop solar systems, adding 3,000 MW of solar power by March 31, 2028. The goal is simple: reduce dependence on subsidies and encourage more people to adopt solar power.
For households, this means a shift from simply receiving free electricity to producing their own. While it’s a big change, it could make Rajasthan’s energy future more stable in the long run.
What do you think about this new model? Would you install solar panels for free electricity? Let’s discuss!
Source:
- https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/rajasthan-govt-to-replace-free-electricity-scheme-with-1-kilowatt-solar-panels-under-pm-suryagarh-yojana
- https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/rajasthan/jaipur/rajasthan-bijli-yojana-2025-now150-units-of-free-electricity-subsidy-know-how-to-avail-benefits-with-pm-surya-ghar-muft-bijli-yojana/articleshow/119639244.cms
- https://dainiknavajyoti.com/rajasthan/jaipur/state-government-will-give-assistance-of-17-thousand-rupees-for/article-108905
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