PM Surya Ghar Yojana: Bihar Waives Fees for Rooftop Solar Installations

The Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) has approved a proposal to waive application fees and meter testing charges for domestic consumers installing grid-connected rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMGSY). The move is aimed at encouraging more households to adopt rooftop solar and reduce the upfront cost of installation. 

The proposal was jointly submitted by the North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (NBPDCL) and the South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL). According to power department officials, the waiver is expected to benefit residential consumers across the state. 

What Has Changed for Consumers? 

Following the approval, domestic consumers installing grid-connected rooftop solar systems under the scheme will no longer have to pay: 

Earlier, consumers had to execute an agreement with the electricity distribution company on a ₹1,000 stamp paper. This requirement has now been waived. 

Similarly, agencies installing rooftop solar systems were required to pay charges for testing electricity meters at the Meter Relay Testing (MRT) Laboratory. These charges have also been removed. 

Subsidy Available Under PM Surya Ghar Yojana 

Under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, eligible households installing a 3 kW grid-connected rooftop solar system can receive a subsidy of up to ₹78,000. 

The subsidy structure includes: 

According to officials, although the fee waiver will reduce revenue for power distribution companies, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will compensate them. The ministry has earmarked an incentive budget of ₹4,950 crore to support implementation of the scheme nationwide. 

The Centre aims to connect 10 million households with rooftop solar under the programme. 

PM Surya Ghar Yojana Progress in Bihar 

According to official data, 80,904 applications have been received under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana in Bihar. 

Of these, 23,295 households have installed grid-connected rooftop solar systems, benefiting 23,928 families. 

The Bihar government has also initiated plans to install free grid-connected rooftop solar systems for 2.5 lakh Kutir Jyoti consumers, further expanding access to renewable energy in the state. 

Read More: PM Surya Ghar Yojana Crosses 26 Lakh Installations: How to Get Up To ₹78,000 Subsidy on Rooftop Solar 

Uttar Pradesh Leads Rooftop Solar Adoption 

Uttar Pradesh has emerged as one of India's fastest-growing rooftop solar markets, accounting for more than 20% of the country's monthly rooftop solar installations. The state has accelerated adoption through subsidies, simplified implementation, and awareness campaigns. 

According to the state government, Lucknow has become India's leading city for rooftop solar installations, surpassing Surat after crossing 1.02 lakh rooftop solar installations by mid-2026. The milestone highlights the growing pace of residential solar adoption in the country. 

Conclusion 

Bihar's decision to waive application, agreement, and meter testing fees under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is expected to reduce the initial cost of rooftop solar installations for households. Along with the central subsidy of up to ₹78,000 for a 3 kW system, the move aims to encourage wider adoption of residential solar energy across the state. 

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