Big Boost for Rooftop Solar: Government Plans PM Surya Ghar 2.0 with Battery Storage

The Government of India is considering the next phase of its flagship PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, with discussions underway to introduce battery energy storage systems (BESS) and shared rooftop solar under a proposed PM Surya Ghar 2.0. The move comes as the scheme is expected to reach nearly 50 lakh beneficiary households, marking a significant milestone in India’s residential solar journey. The proposed enhancements aim to improve energy reliability, maximize rooftop solar utilization, and make the scheme accessible to households that cannot install individual rooftop systems.

Launched in February 2024 with a budget outlay of ₹75,021 crore, PM Surya Ghar aims to install rooftop solar systems on 1 crore households by March 2027 while enabling eligible families to receive up to 300 units of free electricity per month. Under the existing scheme, households are eligible for Central Financial Assistance of ₹30,000 for 1 kW, ₹60,000 for 2 kW, and up to ₹78,000 for 3 kW or larger rooftop solar systems. Government officials are now evaluating the next phase to address growing distributed solar capacity and improve grid flexibility through battery storage.

A key proposal under PM Surya Ghar 2.0 is the integration of battery storage, allowing homeowners to store excess daytime solar generation for use during evenings and power outages. Another important feature under consideration is shared rooftop solar, which would enable apartment residents and consumers without suitable rooftops to benefit from community-based solar installations. These measures are expected to improve self-consumption of solar power, reduce pressure on distribution networks, and expand rooftop solar adoption across urban India.

While the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has not yet announced an official launch date or implementation framework for PM Surya Ghar 2.0, the proposal highlights the government’s continued focus on accelerating distributed renewable energy. If approved, the upgraded scheme could significantly strengthen India’s rooftop solar ecosystem by combining clean energy generation with energy storage, supporting the country’s long-term energy security and net-zero ambitions.

Resource: Times of India

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