Punjab’s largest household solar program has moved from announcements to rooftops. CM Maryam Nawaz was briefed that 94,483 solar panel systems would be installed in the first phase under the CM Punjab Free Solar Panel Scheme. As of October 2025, over 50,000 systems are installed, with digital balloting ensuring fair selection.
In this scheme, the Government of Punjab will give up to 100,000 solar systems free of cost to poor households having consumption from 0–200 units. The program has now entered a 2026 expansion with wider eligibility and a city-wise rollout through the Bank of Punjab.
What the first phase covers
In the first phase, households consuming up to 100 units of electricity will be provided with complete solar systems free of charge, and the Punjab government will cover all installation costs.
The scheme, also known as the Roshan Gharana Program, targets low-income domestic consumers across Punjab. Announced in early 2024 and ramping up in 2025 with a Rs 9.88 billion budget (Rs 2.5 billion for FY 2024-25 alone), it targets vulnerable families hit hard by rising power tariffs.
The scheme prioritizes off-grid and underdeveloped areas, with 30% of systems allocated to South Punjab to address regional disparities.
Phase 1 milestones
The first phase has crossed every major implementation stage.
Registration (closed January 5, 2025)
According to CM Maryam Nawaz, a staggering 861,000 applicants registered for the scheme. Consumers applied through two channels: the official online portal at cmsolarscheme.punjab.gov.pk and SMS registration by sending their bill reference number and CNIC to 8800.
Eligibility of domestic consumers will be based on bills for the month of June 2024. Consumer having sanction load up to 2 KW will be eligible.
Digital balloting
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz formally launched the free solar panel scheme for those consuming up to 200 units per month by conducting a digital balloting. Digital balloting, conducted in March 2025, selected 94,483 beneficiaries for Phase 1, ensuring transparency through a computerized system.
The provision of solar panels and inverters would be linked to the computerised national identity card of consumers to ensure transparent distribution.
Installation progress
The chief minister was informed that after physical verification, the installation of solar systems would start across the province by the end of March. Solar system installations began in late May 2025, with 50,000 households targeted for completion by July 2025.
The registration campaign has been completed, Letter of Award has been issued and project procurement arranged. Physical verification of the successful applicants is in progress in all districts.
“Installing 100,000 solar systems in Punjab will reduce carbon emissions by 57,000 tonnes. The free solar panel scheme will also reduce the burden of subsidy on the federal government,” the CM said.
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Who is eligible
Phase 1 eligibility criteria (based on June 2024 billing):
- Consumption: up to 200 units per month (0–50 Lifeline, 51–100 Lifeline, 0–100 Protected/Unprotected, 101–200 Protected/Unprotected)
- Sanctioned load: up to 2 kW
- Residency: permanent Punjab resident with valid CNIC
Domestic consumers involved in electricity theft shall not be eligible. Domestic consumers having defective meters shall not be eligible. Domestic consumers having multiple meters at single residence shall not be eligible.
Consumers with more than three late payments in the past 12 months also do not qualify.
What selected households receive
Under this program, households consuming 0–100 units of electricity will receive a 550-watt solar system, while those using 101–200 units will be provided a 1,100-watt (1.1 kW) system—both at zero cost.
Each system includes solar panels, an inverter, battery backup, and complete wiring. Installation is handled by certified technicians. Two years of free maintenance ensures long-term functionality for beneficiaries.
All equipment is linked to the beneficiary’s CNIC to prevent misuse or resale.
How to check your application status
If you registered during Phase 1, you can track your status through multiple channels:
- Online portal: Visit cmsolarscheme.punjab.gov.pk and enter your CNIC or bill reference number. Statuses show “Balloted,” “Verified,” “Under Installation,” or “Rejected” with reasons.
- SMS: Send your CNIC and reference number to 8800 for updates.
- Mobile app: In June 2025, the government launched a dedicated mobile app, enabling applicants to track their status and receive updates.
- Helpline: Call 042-99030204 for direct assistance.
Do not pay any agent or middleman. Registration and status checks are free.
Phase 2 and the 2026 expansion
A second phase is planned post-July 2025, targeting additional households, particularly in rural areas, with registration details to be announced later.
The 2026 version of the scheme introduces several major changes:
Expanded eligibility: households with monthly electricity consumption of up to 300 units are now eligible, up from the previous 200-unit limit.
The CM Solar Panel Scheme 2026, launched in collaboration with the Bank of Punjab, has introduced a city-wise application system to manage the growing demand. By introducing a phased, city-based rollout, authorities can ensure better transparency, verification, and system efficiency.
In the initial phase, major urban centers have been prioritized due to higher electricity load, greater population density, and increased pressure on the national grid.
The Punjab Government has clarified that the solar scheme will eventually open for all eligible beneficiaries across the province. However, the expansion depends on budget availability, system performance in current cities, and installation capacity.
What to watch next
Three factors will determine how smoothly the program scales:
- Phase 1 completion rate. The target was 94,483 systems. With over 50,000 reported installed by October 2025, the final count and any shortfall matter for public trust.
- Phase 2 registration timeline. Hundreds of thousands of applicants missed Phase 1 selection. Clear dates and criteria for the next round will reduce confusion and scam risk.
- Broader solarization. The government also plans to expand solarization to 43 jails and agricultural tubewells, further cutting utility costs. Installation and maintenance are expected to create 5,000–7,000 jobs in Punjab’s solar sector.
Punjab’s free solar scheme has moved from an election-season promise to a program with verifiable numbers: 861,000 applicants, 94,483 selected, 50,000+ installed, and a 2026 expansion underway. For eligible households, it remains one of the most direct forms of relief against rising electricity costs.