The PM Surya Ghar Yojana has received a major boost in Bihar after the state electricity regulator approved a proposal to waive application and meter testing charges for residential consumers installing grid-connected rooftop solar systems. The decision is expected to reduce the upfront cost of adopting solar energy and encourage more households to participate in the central government’s clean energy initiative.
The approval was granted by the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC), following a joint proposal submitted by the North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (NBPDCL) and the South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL).
Consumers to Save on Initial Installation Costs
Under the revised policy, domestic electricity consumers installing grid-connected rooftop solar systems will no longer have to pay application fees or meter testing charges. Officials believe that removing these expenses will make the solar installation process more affordable and attractive, particularly for small residential consumers.
The move aligns with the broader objective of the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, which aims to increase the adoption of rooftop solar systems across the country. By lowering the financial burden during installation, authorities hope more families will generate their own electricity and reduce dependence on conventional power sources.
Central Government to Compensate Distribution Companies
Although the waiver will reduce revenue earned by power distribution companies from these service charges, the financial impact will not be borne by the utilities alone.
According to officials, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will compensate the electricity companies for the revenue loss. The ministry has allocated an incentive budget of approximately ₹4,950 crore to support the nationwide implementation of the rooftop solar programme.
The central government believes that removing procedural charges will help accelerate its target of connecting one crore (10 million) households with rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar initiative.
Subsidy of Up to ₹78,000 Available
In addition to the waiver of service charges, eligible households installing a 3-kilowatt (kW) grid-connected rooftop solar system can receive a subsidy of up to ₹78,000 under the scheme.
The subsidy is currently structured as follows:
- ₹30,000 for the first kilowatt
- ₹30,000 for the second kilowatt
- ₹18,000 for the third kilowatt
This financial assistance significantly lowers the installation cost, making rooftop solar a more practical investment for homeowners while helping reduce long-term electricity bills.
Bihar Records Growing Interest in Rooftop Solar
The PM Surya Ghar Yojana has witnessed steady participation in Bihar. According to official figures, the state has received 80,904 applications from households interested in installing rooftop solar systems.
So far, 23,295 grid-connected rooftop solar installations have been completed, benefiting approximately 23,928 families. These numbers indicate growing public interest in renewable energy as awareness and financial incentives continue to improve.
The Bihar government is also working on an additional initiative to install free grid-connected rooftop solar systems for around 2.5 lakh Kutir Jyoti consumers, a category that primarily includes economically weaker households. The programme is expected to further expand access to clean and affordable electricity in the state.
Agreement and Meter Testing Charges Also Removed
Previously, consumers installing rooftop solar systems under the scheme were required to execute an agreement with the electricity distribution company using a ₹1,000 stamp paper, adding to the initial cost of installation.
Under the latest decision, this agreement-related expense has been waived, reducing paperwork costs for applicants.
The policy also covers meter testing. Grid-connected rooftop solar systems require a special meter to record electricity generated and exported to the grid. Earlier, these meters were tested in Meter Relay Testing (MRT) laboratories, and associated testing charges were applicable. Under the new arrangement, those testing charges will no longer be collected from the agencies involved in the installation process.
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A Step Toward Wider Solar Adoption
The latest decision is expected to simplify the rooftop solar installation process while reducing upfront expenses for households. Combined with the existing subsidy under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, the waiver of application, agreement, and meter testing charges is likely to encourage more families to switch to solar power.
As India continues expanding its renewable energy capacity, such policy measures are expected to play an important role in increasing rooftop solar adoption, lowering household electricity costs, and supporting the country’s long-term clean energy goals.