The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a central government scheme that offers a subsidy of up to Rs 78,000 (capped) for a 3 kW or above system to install residential rooftop solar panels at home. You can apply online for the solar subsidy on the official PM Surya Ghar portal. Check if your chosen solar company is a registered solar panel installer on the portal; if yes, then select your vendor and apply for the subsidy and get the subsidy amount in your bank account after your system is commissioned.
In this guide, you will learn about the eligibility for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, how much subsidy you get, the exact steps to apply, and the mistakes that slow down approvals.
What Is the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?
The Indian government launched PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana on 29th February 2024, and pledged to solarise 1 crore Indian homes by March 2027. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) runs the scheme, through which you can avail the subsidy based on your home rooftop solar system size.
You install household solar panels on your roof, which generate power during the day and cut your electricity bill by up to 90%. The scheme’s goal is to help households cover up to 300 units of their monthly use with their own rooftop power. Any extra electricity your rooftop solar system generates can be sent to the grid through net metering. Depending on your state’s rules, these excess units may be adjusted against your electricity consumption in future billing cycles or settled at a cycle set by the local electricity regulator.
How Much Subsidy Can You Get?
The subsidy amount depends on the solar system size you are getting installed on your home’s roof. For a 1-2 kW solar system, the subsidy is Rs 30,000 per kW. For capacity above 2 kW and up to 3 kW, you get an additional Rs 18,000 per kW. The maximum subsidy is capped at Rs 78,000 for systems of 3 kW or more. Here is the subsidy breakdown for rooftop solar:
| System Size | Central Subsidy |
| 1 kW | Rs 30,000 |
| 2 kW | Rs 60,000 |
| 3 kW and above | Rs 78,000 (capped) |
Please note: The Indian government has capped the subsidy for homeowners at a maximum of Rs 78,000. This means that any system that’s 3 kW or higher gets a fixed relaxation of Rs 78,000.
If you are a resident of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, or Rajasthan, you can also avail an additional state subsidy amount based on the system capacity and your respective state. You must make sure to check the city before availing any state subsidy, as these are not available in every city.
The approved subsidy amount is transferred to your bank account within 30 days of subsidy claim approval.
Who Can Apply for PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?
The PM Surya Ghar Yojana is only for residential rooftops. Shops, offices, and factories are not covered. Housing societies can apply for shared-area solar subsidies under separate rules. You can apply for the solar subsidy if you meet these conditions:
- You are an Indian citizen and a legal owner of the roof/property where the home rooftop solar system will be installed.
- You have a valid electricity connection in your name with your local DISCOM (Distribution Company)
- You have not taken any other solar subsidy for your home before.
- You must choose ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers)-approved DCR (Domestic Content Requirement) solar panels.
- You must opt for a grid-tied rooftop solar system.
Documents Required for PM Surya Ghar Yojana Application
You must have the following documents ready from the beginning to apply for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana:
1. Your latest electricity bill with the consumer number and connection details. 2. Aadhaar card for identity verification.
3. A mobile number linked to Aadhaar for OTP verification.
4. Bank account details and a cancelled cheque.
5. Proof of property ownership, or the owner’s consent if you are not the sole owner of the property.
This document list might update based on various conditions, so it is always better to prepare your documents with the help of your finalized solar panel company. They will guide you on the spot for all such required documents.
How to Apply for PM Surya Ghar Subsidy: Step-by-Step Process
To apply for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, you must fulfil the basic eligibility, submit all the required documents, pick the registered solar company, and get approvals and net metering. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the entire process:
1. Visit the portal: Go to the national portal (pmsuryaghar.gov.in), click on the consumer section, and apply.
2. Create a profile: Once you log in, fill in your profile with your name, email address, home address, state, district, and PIN code, and save it.
3. Fill in the application: Click Apply and fill in your personal details and your latest electricity bill information. Also, upload proof of identity, proof of property ownership, and your most recent electricity bill. You can also log in through your consumer account number so that the portal fetches details of the electricity meter connection.
4. Submit your bank details: Upload your bank account details and a cancelled cheque to receive your subsidy. The scheme usually provides central subsidy through direct bank transfer (DBT). You must ensure your bank account is linked to your Aadhaar.
5. Choose an empanelled solar company: Now, you can pick a registered solar company from the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana portal’s state-wise list and request a quote.
6. Upload signed agreement: You must sign the agreement with your chosen solar company and upload it on the portal.
7. Net metering: Once your solar company finishes the installation, submit the system details on the portal and apply for the net meter. Your DISCOM will issue a solar commissioning certificate to confirm the system is live.
8. Receive the subsidy: To claim the subsidy, log back into your customer account on the PM Surya Ghar portal and submit the commissioning certificate to claim the subsidy. You will receive the subsidy amount directly to your bank account within 30 days of claim approval.
How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
Most homes take a few weeks to a couple of months from subsidy application. The installation itself takes only a few days. Most of the waiting time comes from approvals and inspection by the DISCOM, and this varies from state to state.
Once your request is processed, the central subsidy is credited directly to your bank, usually within 30 days of the plant being commissioned. The total time from application to subsidy disbursement may vary depending on DISCOM approvals, installation, inspection, and document verification.
Common Mistakes That Delay the Subsidy
Most rejections come from small errors. Avoid these:
- Using panels that are not ALMM-listed
- Your given bank account not linked with Aadhaar
- System size larger than your sanctioned load
- Name mismatch with your Aadhaar
- Installation before DISCOM feasibility approval
Why the Solar Company You Choose Matters
The subsidy is only one part of going solar. A poor installation can mean rejected applications, delayed net metering, or a system that produces fewer than promised power units.
Look for a solar company that uses ALMM-listed panels, checks your roof professionally before giving a quote, and handles the paperwork itself. SolarSquare is one such company. The company works only with BIS and ALMM-certified panels and uses WindPro mount structures engineered to withstand wind speeds up to 170km/h. They manage the subsidy and net metering process for customers and back their installations with a savings guarantee, which is uncommon in this industry. SolarSquare is also listed as the #1 rooftop home solar company in India, as per the PM Surya Ghar portal installation data within various cities & states.
Having one company manage everything from start to finish tends to make the whole experience smoother, especially if you are new to solar and don’t want to deal with multiple vendors for panels, inverters, and servicing separately.
Conclusion
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has made rooftop solar far more affordable for Indian homes. With a subsidy of up to ₹78,000 (3kW or above capped), easy loans, and an online process, the cost barrier is lower than before.
The steps are simple. Check your eligibility, keep your documents ready, choose a registered installer, and follow the portal process. Get this right, and you can start saving on your electricity bill within weeks.
