PM Surya Ghar (Solar Rooftop Subsidy) — ₹78,000 Subsidy

What is PM Surya Ghar (Solar Rooftop Subsidy)?

PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is the Government of India's flagship rooftop solar scheme that provides central financial assistance (subsidy) to households installing solar panels on their rooftops. The scheme aims to install 1 crore rooftop solar systems across India.

Key features:

• Subsidy up to ₹78,000 depending on system size
• Free electricity of up to 300 units/month (with a 3 kW system)
• Surplus power sold back to grid — earn income from your roof
• Apply online at pmsuryaghar.gov.in
• Additional state subsidies available in many states

Subsidy Amounts (Central Government)

For residential consumers only. Commercial and industrial consumers have different schemes.

Expected Electricity Generation

With a 3 kW system, most households can generate enough to have zero or minimal electricity bills after the subsidy-funded installation.

Payback Period

• System cost (3 kW): ~₹1,50,000–₹1,80,000 (total)
• After ₹78,000 central subsidy: net cost ~₹72,000–₹1,02,000
• Annual electricity saving: ₹15,000–₹25,000 (depending on consumption)
• Payback period: 4–7 years after which electricity is essentially free for 20+ years

How to Apply — Step by Step

1. Go to pmsuryaghar.gov.in
2. Click "Apply for Rooftop Solar"
3. Register with Aadhaar and mobile number
4. Enter:
   • DISCOM (your electricity distribution company)
   • Consumer Number (from your electricity bill)
   • Address and rooftop details
5. Select preferred system size (1 kW, 2 kW, 3 kW, or larger)
6. Choose from empanelled vendors in your area (approved solar installers)
7. The DISCOM approves your application (technical feasibility check)
8. Vendor installs the system after approval
9. DISCOM inspects and provides net metering connection
10. Subsidy is credited to your bank account via DBT

Tip: The entire process — application to installation — can take 2–4 months depending on your DISCOM and local vendor capacity.

Documents Required

1. Aadhaar card
2. Electricity bill (showing Consumer Number and DISCOM)
3. Bank account details (for subsidy DBT)
4. Proof of ownership of the house (for DISCOM approval)
5. Photographs of the rooftop (some DISCOMs require this)

Net Metering — Earn from Surplus Power

After installation, your DISCOM installs a bidirectional (net) meter:

• Daytime: Solar panels generate power → power used at home; excess fed to grid
• Night: Power from grid at normal tariff
• Monthly bill = units consumed from grid minus units exported to grid
• Many months you may have zero bill or even a credit

Additional State Subsidies

Many states add their own subsidy on top of the central ₹78,000:

• Gujarat, Rajasthan, MP: Additional ₹10,000–₹20,000
• Maharashtra: Additional subsidy via MEDA
• Check your state energy department website for combined subsidy

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install more than 3 kW under this scheme?

Yes — you can install a larger system (4 kW, 5 kW, 10 kW), but the subsidy is capped at ₹78,000 (equivalent to 3 kW). The extra kW cost is fully borne by you.

Is this scheme for apartments also?

Yes — housing societies and apartment owners can apply under a group housing scheme. The society applies collectively through the RWA. Individual flat owners can also apply if they have terrace access rights.

Can I apply if I am a tenant (renter)?

Technically, the installation requires landlord consent as it is a permanent fixture. If you are a tenant, you would need your landlord's written permission and the subsidy would go to the account of the legal owner.

What if the vendor disappears after taking advance?

Only use DISCOM-empanelled vendors listed on the pmsuryaghar.gov.in portal. If issues arise, report on the portal and to your DISCOM consumer grievance cell.

How long do solar panels last?

Quality solar panels carry a 25-year performance warranty — they generate at least 80% of rated capacity for 25 years. Inverters typically last 8–12 years.

Official Links

• Apply: pmsuryaghar.gov.in
• MNRE (scheme ministry): mnre.gov.in
• Helpline: 1800-180-3333 (MNRE)
• Your state DISCOM for net metering and technical queries