Supaul: More than 20,000 families in Supaul, Bihar, have applied to install rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The scheme aims to help households produce their own electricity, reduce power bills and support the use of clean energy.
However, bank loan approval has slowed the process for many applicants. As of 28 September 2026, 606 applications were waiting for loan approval. District Magistrate Sawan Kumar has asked banks to clear these cases within one week.
20,470 people have applied for rooftop solar
The district received a total of 20,470 applications for rooftop solar plants. After applicants completed the required formalities, 1,433 applications reached different banks for loan processing.
So far, banks have approved loans for 232 applicants. Another 606 applications remain at the loan approval stage. These applicants have completed much of the process but cannot move ahead until the bank takes a decision.
The delay came up during a review meeting held at the Lahtan Chaudhary Hall in the Supaul Collectorate on Monday. The District Magistrate expressed concern over the pending cases and directed the lead bank manager and other bank officials to act within the given deadline.
DM names branches with pending applications
The highest number of pending loan applications was found at branches of Central Bank of India, Bank of India and Punjab National Bank.
The District Magistrate raised concerns about the work at the Katैया, Triveniganj and Kishanpur, also known as Andauli, branches of Central Bank of India. The Triveniganj branch of Bank of India and the Piprakhurd and Triveniganj branches of Punjab National Bank also had a large number of pending cases.
Officials were told not to seek extra time without reason. The target is to provide loans for all 606 pending applications within one week. For families waiting to install solar panels, the bank file has become the most important file in the house, even if it is not the most exciting one.
Solar plants installed on 459 homes
Rooftop solar work has already been completed at 459 beneficiary homes in Supaul. These households have started producing solar power for their own use.
Under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, the central government aims to install rooftop solar systems in one crore homes across India. The scheme can help families lower their monthly electricity costs and use power generated from their own rooftops.
Subsidy and loan details under the scheme
Information shared during the meeting stated that loans are available through banks at an interest rate of 5.75 percent. The subsidy details shared for the district were:
- Up to Rs 40,000 for a 1 kW solar plant
- Up to Rs 80,000 for a 2 kW solar plant
- Up to Rs 98,000 for a 3 kW or larger solar plant
Under the central scheme rules, central financial support covers 60 percent of the cost up to 2 kW and 40 percent of the cost for the additional 1 kW. Central support does not increase for capacity above 3 kW. Applicants should check the latest subsidy rules and their final eligible amount on the official portal before making financial plans.
How residents can apply
Residents need key documents to apply for the scheme. These include an Aadhaar card, electricity consumer number, mobile number, bank account details and proof that they own or can use the rooftop.
Applications can be made through the official PM Surya Ghar website, the Bihar app and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana mobile app. After applying, the process may include document checks, bank loan approval, technical work and installation by an approved solar vendor.
Applicants should keep their application number, bank details and contact information safe. They should also check whether the selected vendor is approved under the scheme. This can help avoid delays and confusion during installation.
Applications will move on a first-come, first-served basis
Officials said that other applications will move forward on a first-come, first-served basis. This makes the quick disposal of bank cases important for applicants who have already completed the required steps.
The subsidy provision is set to remain available until 31 March 2027, as per the information shared at the meeting. Still, applicants may face delays if the bank, electricity department or vendor does not complete its part on time.
Administration asks banks, engineers and vendors to work together
The District Magistrate also directed junior electrical engineers and solar vendors to speed up their work. The meeting reviewed coordination between the electricity department, banks and agencies involved in the scheme.
A rooftop solar application passes through several steps. A delay in document checks, loan approval, technical inspection or installation can hold up the entire case. The administration will now track the 606 pending applications against the one-week deadline set for the banks.
