75 lakh households targeted for rooftop solar by December 2026 under PM Surya Ghar

📌 Summary:

• New & Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi said PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has crossed 40 lakh beneficiary households in 2 years, with a target of 75 lakh by December 2026
• A new Utility-Linked Aggregation (ULA) model will accelerate adoption among underserved households; ~30 lakh installations planned via State utilities, benefiting 1-3 kW consumers
• Over 65 lakh applications are in the pipeline; May 2026 was the strongest month with a record 3.16 lakh installations and 15,000 households added in a single day
• Solar growth accelerating: first 50 GW took 96 months, next 50 GW took 36 months, 100-150 GW took only 14 months
• Over Rs 22,750 crore subsidies disbursed (Rs 2,743 crore in May 2026); 17 lakh+ households now have zero electricity bills
• Minister launched the PM Surya Ghar logo and WhatsApp bot; plans to integrate Battery Energy Storage Systems and expand the Model Solar Village initiative; scheme strengthens energy security amid the West Asia crisis

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 Environment - renewable energy transition, energy security/self-reliance, decentralised solar power.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana launched 13 February 2024, outlay Rs 75,021 crore
• New: Utility-Linked Aggregation (ULA) model for underserved households
• 40 lakh+ households reached in 2 years; target 75 lakh by Dec 2026; record 3.16 lakh installations in May 2026

🔑 Key Term: Utility-Linked Aggregation (ULA) - a model where electricity distribution utilities aggregate and facilitate rooftop-solar installations to speed adoption among small/underserved consumers.