PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana 2026 Free Rooftop Solar — Eligibility, Apply & Subsidy
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is India's largest rooftop solar subsidy scheme, targeting 1 crore households with a budget of ₹75,021 crore. The scheme provides subsidies of ₹30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW and ₹18,000 for the 3rd kW, with a maximum subsidy of ₹78,000 for 3 kW systems. After subsidy, a 3 kW system costs just ₹57,000-1,17,000 and generates enough electricity to cover 300-400 units monthly, effectively eliminating electricity bills for most households. Applications are processed through the official portal pmsuryaghar.gov.in with DISCOM verification and subsidy credited directly to your bank account within 30 days of installation.
What is PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?
Launched on 13 February 2024 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a comprehensive central government scheme to promote rooftop solar adoption among Indian households. The scheme aims to install rooftop solar systems on 1 crore (10 million) households across India, providing them with free electricity of up to 300 units per month. The total scheme outlay is ₹75,021 crore (approximately $9 billion), making it the world's largest residential solar subsidy programme. The scheme replaces and expands upon the earlier Rooftop Solar Programme Phase II. It is implemented through state DISCOMs (Distribution Companies) who handle applications, installation verification, net meter installation, and subsidy processing. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) oversees the scheme centrally. As of 2026, over 50 lakh applications have been received and over 20 lakh installations completed.
Subsidy Amount — How Much Do You Get?
The subsidy is calculated per kilowatt of installed capacity with a tiered structure: ₹30,000 per kW for the 1st and 2nd kW (total ₹60,000 for 2 kW), and ₹18,000 per kW for the 3rd kW only (additional ₹18,000). Systems above 3 kW receive no additional subsidy — the maximum subsidy is capped at ₹78,000 regardless of system size. This means a 5 kW or 10 kW system still gets only ₹78,000 subsidy. The subsidy is a Central Financial Assistance (CFA) — it is not a loan and does not need to be repaid. It is credited directly to the beneficiary's bank account (linked to Aadhaar) after the DISCOM verifies the installation. The subsidy covers only grid-connected rooftop solar systems — off-grid or standalone systems with battery only do not qualify. The panels, inverter, and mounting must meet BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) and MNRE technical specifications. Only domestically manufactured solar modules listed on the ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) qualify for subsidy.
Eligibility Criteria — Who Can Apply?
The scheme is available to all residential electricity consumers across India with a valid domestic electricity connection from any DISCOM. Key eligibility requirements: You must have a domestic (residential) electricity connection — commercial, industrial, and agricultural connections do not qualify. The applicant must be the electricity bill account holder (or authorized family member). The property must have adequate shadow-free rooftop area — approximately 10 sq meters per kW (a 3 kW system needs about 30 sq meters). The roof must be structurally sound to support panel weight (approximately 15-20 kg per panel). Both owned houses and rented premises can apply — renters need landlord NOC. Group housing societies and apartment buildings can apply for communal rooftop installations. There are no income criteria — the scheme is universal for all domestic consumers regardless of income level. However, one subsidy per household (per electricity connection) applies.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1 — Register on pmsuryaghar.gov.in: Visit the official portal and register using your electricity consumer number, mobile number linked to Aadhaar, and basic details. You'll receive an OTP for verification. Step 2 — Select a registered vendor: The portal shows MNRE-registered solar installers in your area. Compare quotes (the portal shows estimated costs after subsidy). Select a vendor and confirm. Step 3 — Installation: The vendor installs the rooftop solar system (typically 1-3 days for residential). The system includes BIS-certified panels, grid-tied inverter, mounting structure, wiring, earthing, and DC/AC protection. Step 4 — DISCOM inspection: After installation, submit commissioning request through the portal. Your DISCOM sends an inspector to verify the installation meets technical standards. Step 5 — Net meter installation: DISCOM installs a bi-directional net meter (may take 2-4 weeks after inspection). Step 6 — Subsidy disbursement: After successful net meter commissioning, the subsidy amount is credited to your Aadhaar-linked bank account within 30 working days. The entire process from application to subsidy receipt typically takes 2-4 months.
Documents Required for Application
Keep these documents ready before applying: Electricity bill (recent, showing consumer number and connection details). Aadhaar card of the applicant (must be linked to the bank account for subsidy transfer). Bank account details (Aadhaar-linked account — passbook or cancelled cheque). Passport-size photograph of the applicant. Property documents (ownership proof or landlord NOC for rented premises). Rooftop photograph (clear photo showing available roof area). For group housing societies: society registration certificate, resolution for solar installation, and authorized signatory details. All documents are uploaded digitally through the portal — no physical submission required. The vendor typically assists with documentation and portal submission as part of their service.
Common Issues and How to Resolve Them
Application stuck at DISCOM approval: Some DISCOMs have processing backlogs. If your application hasn't progressed in 30 days, escalate through the portal's grievance section or contact your DISCOM's solar cell directly. MNRE has set timelines for DISCOM processing. Vendor not available in your area: If the portal shows few vendors, check neighboring districts — many vendors serve wider areas. You can also request your preferred installer to register on the MNRE portal. Subsidy delayed after commissioning: Subsidy should be credited within 30 working days. If delayed, check your application status on the portal. Common reasons for delay: Aadhaar not linked to bank account, bank account details mismatch, or DISCOM verification pending. Apartment/society installation: For multi-story buildings, the society applies as a single entity. Subsidy is calculated based on total kW installed, capped at ₹78,000 per individual household unit. The society must have a registered RWA (Resident Welfare Association) or management committee to apply. Net meter delay: Net meter installation can take 2-8 weeks depending on DISCOM workload. Your solar system generates power from day one but export credits begin only after net meter commissioning.
Financial Analysis — Is PM Surya Ghar Worth It?
Let's do the math for a typical 3 kW system in a state with ₹6/kWh average rate: System cost before subsidy: ₹1,50,000 (mid-range). PM Surya Ghar subsidy: -₹78,000. Out-of-pocket cost: ₹72,000. Monthly generation: approximately 350 units. Monthly savings at ₹6/unit: approximately ₹2,100. Annual savings: ₹25,200. Payback period: 72,000 / 25,200 = 2.9 years. After payback, you receive ₹25,200/year in free electricity for 22+ remaining years. Total lifetime savings: approximately ₹5,50,000+ over 25 years. Even in states with lower rates (₹4/kWh), the payback is 4-5 years with lifetime savings exceeding ₹3,50,000. With electricity rates increasing 5-8% annually, actual savings will be significantly higher than this static calculation. The scheme effectively offers a return on investment exceeding 25-35% annually — better than virtually any other household investment available.
| System Size | Cost Before | PM Subsidy | Your Cost | Monthly Units | Monthly Savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | ₹50,000-65,000 | ₹30,000 | ₹20,000-35,000 | 100-130 | ₹600-900 | 2-3 yrs |
| 2 kW | ₹95,000-1,30,000 | ₹60,000 | ₹35,000-70,000 | 200-260 | ₹1,200-1,800 | 2-3 yrs |
| 3 kW | ₹1,40,000-1,95,000 | ₹78,000 | ₹62,000-1,17,000 | 300-400 | ₹1,800-2,800 | 3-4 yrs |
| 5 kW | ₹2,25,000-3,25,000 | ₹78,000 | ₹1,47,000-2,47,000 | 500-650 | ₹3,000-4,500 | 4-5 yrs |
| 10 kW | ₹4,50,000-6,50,000 | ₹78,000 | ₹3,72,000-5,72,000 | 1,000-1,300 | ₹6,000-9,000 | 5-7 yrs |
Subsidy: ₹30,000/kW for 1st & 2nd kW + ₹18,000 for 3rd kW. Max ₹78,000. Monthly savings at ₹6/unit average. Generation at 5 peak sun hours/day. ALMM-listed panels and BIS-certified components required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to apply for PM Surya Ghar Yojana?
How much subsidy do I get under PM Surya Ghar?
Who is eligible for PM Surya Ghar?
How long does the PM Surya Ghar process take?
Can apartment residents apply for PM Surya Ghar?
Disclaimer: This article is for educational reference only. Rates and policies may change. Verify current information with official sources. All electrical work should be performed by a licensed professional.