Govt Mulls PM Surya Ghar 2.0 with Battery Storage, Shared Rooftop Solar
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Schemes
Why in news
The government is considering a second phase of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG:MBY) as installations near 50 lakh households. The new phase may include battery storage, shared rooftop solar for apartment residents, and stricter maintenance obligations.
Background
Launched on February 13, 2024, with a financial outlay of Rs 75,021 crore, PMSG:MBY aims to install rooftop solar systems in one crore households by March 2027. Over 40 lakh installations have been completed, benefiting more than 48 lakh households.
Key facts
PMSG:MBY aims to install rooftop solar in 1 crore households by March 2027.
Over 40 lakh installations completed, benefiting 48 lakh+ households.
MNRE held stakeholder consultation on July 27, 2026, for PM Surya Ghar 2.0.
Proposals include battery energy storage systems (BESS) at household, transformer, or utility level.
Group and virtual net metering may allow apartment residents and those without rooftops to benefit.
Stricter maintenance obligations and digital monitoring are being considered.
Batteries were excluded from the current phase due to cost; their role is now being re-evaluated.
Challenges identified: grid integration, discom readiness, financing, quality assurance, and long-term sustainability.
Prelims pointers
- Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG:MBY)
- Launched: February 13, 2024
- Financial outlay: Rs 75,021 crore
- Target: 1 crore households by March 2027
- Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
- Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
- Group net metering and virtual net metering
Mains angles
- GS3: Energy – Evaluate the role of rooftop solar in India's renewable energy targets and challenges in scaling up.
- GS3: Environment – Discuss the environmental and economic benefits of integrating battery storage with solar power.
- GS2: Government Policies and Interventions – Analyze the effectiveness of PMSG:MBY and suggest improvements for Phase 2.