Rising electricity costs have become a significant burden for households across Pakistan, particularly in the province of Punjab. Recognizing this challenge, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched the CM Punjab Solar Panel Scheme 2025, also known as the Roshan Gharana Program. This groundbreaking initiative aims to provide free solar panel systems to 100,000 deserving households throughout the province, offering a sustainable solution to the energy crisis while promoting the adoption of renewable energy.
What is the CM Punjab Solar Panel Scheme?
The CM Punjab Solar Panel Scheme is a government-funded initiative aimed at providing complete solar energy systems to low-income households at no cost. The scheme targets families who consume minimal electricity and struggle with high utility bills and frequent power outages. By equipping eligible homes with solar panels, inverters, and batteries, the program enables families to generate their own electricity and achieve significant savings on monthly bills.
As of 2025, the program has successfully entered Phase 3, with over 50,000 households already benefiting from free solar installations. The Punjab government has allocated a budget of 10 billion rupees to ensure the program reaches its target of 100,000 families by December 2025.
Key Benefits of the Scheme
The CM Punjab Solar Panel Scheme offers numerous advantages that extend beyond just financial savings:
Zero Electricity Bills: Families consuming up to 200 units per month can achieve a 100% reduction in their electricity bills, with electricity rates currently at Rs. 65 per unit. A 1 kW solar system can save households between Rs. 6,500 and Rs. 9,750 monthly.
Complete Solar Package: Each eligible household receives a comprehensive solar energy kit including solar panels (550W or 1100W capacity), an inverter, battery storage, and all necessary wiring and fixtures. The system can generate up to one kilowatt of electricity, sufficient to power ceiling fans, LED lights, mobile chargers, and other essential home appliances.
Protection from Load Shedding: Solar systems provide an uninterrupted power supply during the day and store energy in batteries for nighttime use or cloudy weather conditions, effectively eliminating the problem of frequent power cuts.
Environmental Impact: By promoting clean, renewable energy, the scheme significantly reduces carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, contributing to Pakistan’s environmental sustainability goals.
Free Installation and Maintenance: The government covers all installation costs, and beneficiaries receive two years of free maintenance services along with basic training on system operation.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the CM Punjab Solar Panel Scheme, applicants must meet specific requirements:
- Residency: Must be a permanent resident of Punjab province
- Electricity Consumption: Monthly electricity usage must not exceed 200 units (based on June 2024 bills)
- Sanctioned Load: Maximum sanctioned load of 2 KW
- CNIC Requirement: Must possess a valid Computerized National Identity Card
- Property Status: Homeowners are preferred, though renters with landlord permission may apply
- Income Criteria: Monthly household income should be below Rs. 60,000
- Bill Registration: The Electricity bill must be registered under the applicant’s CNIC
Essential Exclusions: Government employees, consumers with defective meters, those involved in electricity theft, households with multiple meters at a single residence, and individuals already enrolled in similar federal solar schemes are not eligible.
How to Apply: Complete Application Method
The Punjab government has simplified and made the application process accessible through multiple channels. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Method 1: SMS Registration
The quickest and easiest application method is through SMS:
- Locate Your Details: Find your Bill Reference Number on your electricity bill and have your CNIC number ready (without dashes)
- Compose SMS: Type your Bill Reference Number, followed by a space, then your CNIC number
- Send SMS: Send the message to 8800
- Confirmation: You will receive an SMS confirmation once your application is submitted
- Wait for Response: The system will verify your eligibility and notify you within 30 to 45 days
Method 2: Online Application Portal
For those preferring online registration:
- Visit Official Website: Go to cmsolarscheme.punjab.gov.pk (the official registration portal)
- Create Account: If you’re a new user, create an account; existing users can log in with their credentials
- Fill Application Form: Click on “Apply for Solar Panel Scheme 2025” and complete all required fields, including:
- Personal information (name, father’s name, contact number)
- CNIC number
- Complete residential address
- Bill reference number
- Monthly electricity consumption details
- Upload Documents: Scan and upload the following documents in a clear, readable format:
- Copy of CNIC (front and back)
- Latest electricity bill
- Proof of residence
- Income certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size photograph
- Submit Application: Double-check all information for accuracy before submitting
- Save Tracking ID: Note down your application tracking number for future reference
Method 3: District Office Registration
Applicants can also apply in person:
- Visit your nearest district energy office or designated government center
- Request the CM Punjab Solar Panel Scheme registration form
- Fill out the form completely with assistance from staff if needed
- Attach photocopies of all required documents
- Submit the form to the designated officer
- Collect your acknowledgment receipt
Selection Process and Timeline
After submitting your application, here’s what happens next:
Digital Balloting: Due to overwhelming demand—with 861,000 applicants registered—the government conducts transparent digital balloting to ensure a fair selection process. CM Maryam Nawaz personally oversees this process to maintain transparency.
Physical Verification: Selected applicants undergo a thorough verification process, during which district administration teams and DISCO officials conduct site inspections to confirm eligibility and assess the feasibility of installation.
Approval Notification: Approved applicants receive confirmation via SMS or phone call within 30 to 60 days of submitting their application.
Installation Schedule: Once approved, government-trained technical teams visit the household to install the solar system. Certified professionals handle the entire installation process at no cost to the beneficiary.
Distribution Status and Coverage Areas
The scheme is being implemented in phases across Punjab:
Phase 1 (Completed): Lahore and Bahawalpur have completed installations
Phase 2 (Active): Multan and Sahiwal are currently in active distribution
Phase 3 (Current Quarter): Faisalabad, Sargodha, Sialkot, Vehari, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Gujranwala, and Rawalpindi are scheduled for upcoming installations.
The distribution period spans from June 2025 to October 2025, with installations expected to continue through December 2025 to meet the target of 100,000 households.
How to Check Application Status
Applicants can track their application progress through the official portal:
- Visit cmsolarscheme.punjab.gov.pk
- Click on “Check Application Status”
- Enter your CNIC number or tracking ID
- View your status: Pending, Approved, or Rejected
- If approved, the installation schedule and phase details will be displayed
Important Tips for Applicants
- Verify Eligibility First: Before applying, send your CNIC and bill reference number to 8800 to confirm eligibility
- Check Bill Details: Ensure your June 2024 electricity bill shows consumption below 200 units
- Use Official Channels Only: Apply exclusively through cmsolarscheme.punjab.gov.pk or SMS to 8800 to avoid scams
- Keep Documents Updated: Ensure your CNIC is valid and your electricity bill is in your name
- Monitor Communications: Stay alert for SMS messages and phone calls from official government numbers
- Prepare for Installation: If approved, ensure your rooftop or installation area is accessible and clear
Contact Information and Support
For assistance or queries regarding the CM Punjab Solar Panel Scheme:
- SMS Help: Text your CNIC to 8800 for eligibility verification
- Official Website: cmsolarscheme.punjab.gov.pk
- Alternative Information Portal: punjab.gov.pk/cm-punjab-free-solar-panel-scheme
Note: The last date for applications has passed for the current phase. However, the government may announce new registration periods, so it is advisable to monitor official announcements regularly.
Conclusion
The CM Punjab Solar Panel Scheme 2025 represents a transformative step toward energy independence and environmental sustainability in Punjab. By providing free solar systems to deserving families, the government is not only offering relief from crushing electricity bills but also empowering citizens to embrace clean energy solutions. With straightforward application methods and transparent selection processes, the scheme ensures that help reaches those who need it most.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and haven’t applied yet, watch for announcements about new registration phases. This initiative is more than just a government program—it’s a pathway to a brighter, more sustainable future for the families of Punjab. Take advantage of this opportunity to secure reliable, free electricity for your home while contributing to a greener Pakistan.
