Rajasthan’s 150 Free Units Scheme: Leveraging PM Surya Ghar Yojana

Rajasthan has introduced an innovative model to promote large-scale solar installations in urban and rural areas. The scheme ensures that domestic consumers who consume more than 150 units of electricity receive benefits under the Chief Minister's Free Electricity Scheme—but only if they install solar plants on their rooftops. This strategic move aligns with the PM Surya Ghar Yojana and aims to enhance solar energy adoption across the state.

Understanding the Three Implementation Models

To execute this initiative effectively, the Rajasthan government has devised three models:

Model 1: Individual Rooftop Solar System

1. Mandatory Installation for Free Electricity

   • Consumers who use more than 150 units must install a solar rooftop system to continue availing the CM Free Electricity Scheme benefits.

2. Government-Supported Installation

   • The state government will install a 1.1 kW solar plant for free on eligible consumers’ rooftops.

   • Consumers will receive 150 units of free electricity monthly.

3. Impact of Not Installing Solar

   • Consumers will lose their existing free electricity benefits if they do not opt for rooftop solar installation.

4. Subsidy & Financing Provisions

   • The installation cost (excluding metering) is ₹50,000 per system.

   • ₹33,000 subsidy from the Central Government and ₹17,000 from the State Government will be provided.

   • Consumers who wish to install larger solar systems can receive an additional ₹17,000 subsidy from the State Government.

   • The government aims to install 27 lakh (2.7 million) rooftop solar plants, adding 3,000 MW (3 GW) of capacity.

     
     

Model 2: Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) – Community Solar Plants

1. Target Audience

   • This model is designed for 77 lakh (7.7 million) consumers who have low electricity usage or lack rooftop space for solar panels.

2. Community Solar Plant Setup

   • A shared solar plant will be installed for these consumers.

   • The plants will have up to 1 MW capacity with 2 MWh battery storage.

   • Each consumer will receive 1.1 kW capacity, ensuring 150 units of free electricity monthly.

3. Financial Model

   • Estimated cost per MW: ₹6.15 crore (including battery backup).

   • Implementation through the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM).

   • State Government to issue tenders for the project.

   • Remaining project costs (after Central Government subsidy) will be covered over 3 years via annuity payments.

     
     

Model 3: PM Surya Ghar Yojana – Incentives for Non-Beneficiaries of CM Free Electricity Scheme

1. Who is Eligible?

   • Consumers who are not covered under the CM Free Electricity Scheme but wish to install rooftop solar under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana can still avail certain benefits.

2. Benefits for These Consumers

   • They will receive a free induction cooktop as an additional incentive.

   • A feed-in tariff incentive of ₹0.15 (15 paise) per unit for excess electricity exported to the grid.

3. Pending Clarifications

   • The government is yet to confirm whether the ₹0.15 per unit incentive applies to total generation ( Generation Based Incentive- GBI same as in Delhi) or only to the additional exported units.

     
     

Implementation Timeline

• The scheme will be in effect until March 31, 2028.

  
  

Conclusion

This initiative by the Rajasthan government is a game-changer in the renewable energy sector. By integrating state and central government policies, it ensures that millions of households can access affordable and sustainable electricity while promoting clean energy adoption. Whether through individual rooftop solar installations or community solar plants, this scheme paves the way for a solar-powered Rajasthan and a brighter, greener future!

Are you eligible for the 150 free units under this scheme? Share your thoughts in the comments below!