CM Punjab Free Solar Panel Scheme: Eligibility & Apply

CM Punjab Free Solar Panel Scheme Roshan Gharana free solar systems 2026

The Government of Punjab has launched the CM Punjab Free Solar Panel Scheme, also known as the Roshan Gharana (Bright Home) initiative, to provide free solar energy systems to low-income households across the province. Led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the scheme aims to reduce electricity bills for the province's lowest-consuming households while promoting clean, renewable energy and reducing reliance on the national grid.

In this guide, we explain what the CM Punjab Free Solar Panel Scheme offers, who is eligible, and the complete step-by-step process to apply online.

What Is the CM Punjab Free Solar Panel Scheme?

Under this scheme, the Government of Punjab is providing up to 100,000 free solar systems to poor households with low monthly electricity consumption. According to the official Punjab Energy Department, the scheme has a financial outlay of approximately Rs. 9.97 billion, and beneficiaries are selected through transparent computerized balloting, followed by physical verification by the district administration before installation.

The programme has since been extended: on the Chief Minister's directions, the scheme's timeline was extended by six months to December 2026, with additional funding allocated to distribute more than 94,000 solar systems at an estimated cost of nearly Rs. 10 billion. Officials have reported that over 800,000 applications have been received, reflecting very high demand across the province.

Eligibility Criteria

According to the official Punjab government portal, domestic consumers with monthly electricity consumption of up to 200 units are eligible, under the following categories:

  • Up to 50 units (Life Line)
  • 51–100 units (Life Line)
  • 0–100 units (Protected)
  • 0–100 units (Unprotected)
  • 101–200 units (Protected)
  • 101–200 units (Unprotected)

Additional eligibility conditions:

  • Eligibility is determined based on the applicant's electricity bill for June 2024.
  • The consumer's sanctioned electrical load must be up to 2 KW.
  • Only domestic (residential) consumers qualify — commercial and industrial connections are not eligible.

Who Is NOT Eligible?

The following categories of consumers are excluded from the scheme:

  • Domestic consumers involved in electricity theft.
  • Consumers with defective electricity meters.
  • Consumers with multiple meters at a single residence.
  • Consumers with a history of payment default (more than 3 late payments in the past 12 months).

How to Apply for the Free Solar Panel Scheme

Consumers can register through either of the following methods:

1. Web Portal

  1. Visit the official portal: cmsolarscheme.punjab.gov.pk
  2. Register with your CNIC and electricity reference number.
  3. Fill in the required details; your eligibility is checked automatically based on your billing history.
  4. Submit your application and await the balloting result.

2. SMS Registration

Send an SMS in the following format to 8800:

Reference-No<space>CNIC

Selection and Installation Process

  1. Registration: Consumers register via the web portal or SMS.
  2. Automatic Eligibility Check: The system verifies eligibility based on billing and load data.
  3. Computerized Balloting: A transparent digital lottery selects beneficiaries from eligible registrants.
  4. Physical Verification: District administration teams verify the selected consumer's residence and connection.
  5. Installation: Approved households receive free installation of their solar system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the CM Punjab Free Solar Panel Scheme?
It is a Punjab government initiative that provides free solar energy systems to low-income households with monthly electricity consumption of up to 200 units.

Q2. How many households will benefit from this scheme?
The scheme initially targeted up to 100,000 households, with the government later allocating additional funding to distribute more than 94,000 systems under an extended timeline.

Q3. How are beneficiaries selected?
Beneficiaries are selected through a transparent computerized balloting (lottery) system, followed by physical verification.

Q4. Is the solar system really free?
Yes, eligible households receive the solar system completely free of cost, with no installation charges.

Q5. How do I apply for this scheme?
You can apply online at cmsolarscheme.punjab.gov.pk or via SMS by sending your reference number and CNIC to 8800.

Q6. Can I apply if I have more than 200 units of monthly electricity consumption?
No, this scheme is specifically designed for domestic consumers with monthly consumption up to 200 units and a sanctioned load of up to 2 KW.

For video guide, view this video

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only, based on the official Punjab government portal and public news reports. Registration deadlines, phase numbers, and coverage figures have changed multiple times since the scheme's original launch — always verify current status, deadlines, and your application status through the official portal (cmsolarscheme.punjab.gov.pk) before applying.

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