New Delhi, July 28 -- The government has begun discussions to expand and strengthen the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana in its next phase, with households benefiting from rooftop solar installations under the scheme nearing 50 lakh.

Launched on February 13, 2024, with an outlay of Rs 75,021 crore, the scheme aims to install rooftop solar systems in one crore households by March 2027. So far, over 40 lakh installations have been completed, benefiting more than 48 lakh households.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) said in a recent stakeholder consultation that the scheme has created demand and established rooftop solar as a national residential market, while flagging challenges such as battery storage, grid integ...