PM Surya Ghar — Free Electricity + Solar Rooftop Subsidy

What is PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a central government scheme that provides free solar rooftop panels to households across India. Under this scheme, eligible families can get up to 300 units of free electricity every month. The government also gives a direct subsidy of up to ₹78,000 on the cost of solar panel installation. The scheme was launched in February 2024 by the Government of India.

The goal is to help 1 crore households get rooftop solar panels — reducing electricity bills to zero and helping the environment.

Key Benefits

• Free electricity: Up to 300 units per month at no cost (based on system size)
• Direct subsidy: ₹30,000 to ₹78,000 directly credited to your bank account
• Sell extra power: Excess electricity generated can be sold back to the grid (net metering)
• Reduced bills: After installation, most households pay zero or near-zero electricity bills
• Long-term savings: Solar panels last 25+ years

Subsidy Amount by System Size

Who is Eligible?

• Any Indian household (owner of a residential property with a rooftop)
• Must have a valid electricity connection
• Must have a rooftop suitable for solar panel installation (flat or sloped roof with sunlight access)
• Aadhaar-linked bank account required for subsidy transfer
• No income limit — all households are eligible

Not eligible: Commercial/industrial properties, apartments where roof ownership is shared (unless the housing society applies collectively)

Documents Required

1. Aadhaar card of applicant
2. Electricity bill (latest) — to verify consumer number
3. Bank passbook or cancelled cheque (account must be Aadhaar-linked)
4. Residential address proof
5. Recent photograph
6. Electricity consumer number (printed on electricity bill)

How to Apply Online — Step by Step

1. Go to pmsuryaghar.gov.in (official portal)
2. Click "Apply for Rooftop Solar"
3. Select your state and electricity distribution company (DISCOM)
4. Enter your electricity consumer number (from your electricity bill)
5. Register with your mobile number — OTP verification
6. Fill in the application form with personal and address details
7. Upload required documents (Aadhaar, electricity bill, bank details)
8. Submit the application — you will receive an application reference number
9. A DISCOM officer will visit your home for a technical feasibility check
10. Once approved, select an empanelled vendor from the portal
11. Vendor installs the solar panels
12. DISCOM installs net meter (to measure excess electricity sent back to grid)
13. Subsidy is credited to your Aadhaar-linked bank account within 30 days of installation

How to Check Application Status

1. Visit pmsuryaghar.gov.in
2. Click "Track Application Status"
3. Enter your application reference number or registered mobile number
4. Click Submit — current status will be displayed

Status stages you may see:

• Application submitted
• Technical feasibility check pending
• Feasibility approved / rejected
• Vendor assigned
• Installation in progress
• Net meter installation pending
• Subsidy disbursed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the solar panel completely free?

The solar panel itself is not free — you pay the installation cost, but the government subsidy (up to ₹78,000) significantly reduces the cost. A 3 kW system costs approximately ₹1.5–2 lakh, and after the ₹78,000 subsidy, your actual cost is around ₹72,000–1.2 lakh. The electricity generated is free for 25+ years, so most families recover the cost within 4–5 years.

How much free electricity will I get per month?

• 1 kW system: ~90–100 units/month
• 2 kW system: ~180–200 units/month
• 3 kW system: ~270–300 units/month

Most households with a 2–3 kW system get their bills down to near zero.

Can renters apply for this scheme?

No, the scheme is for property owners who own the rooftop. Renters cannot apply unless they have written permission from the property owner and the connection is in their name.

How long does the process take?

After applying, the entire process from application to installation typically takes 2–4 months, depending on your state and DISCOM workload.

What if the DISCOM rejects my application?

If your rooftop is not suitable (e.g., too much shade, structural issues), the DISCOM may reject. You can reapply after addressing the issues, or contact your DISCOM office for clarification.

Can a housing society or apartment complex apply?

Yes — a Resident Welfare Association (RWA) can apply for rooftop solar on the common terrace. Contact your DISCOM for group/society applications.

Who installs the panels?

Only empanelled (government-approved) vendors listed on the portal are eligible. You must choose from the approved vendor list — do not hire outside vendors as the subsidy will not apply.

Is there a loan available for the remaining cost?

Yes — nationalised banks like SBI, PNB, and Bank of Baroda offer collateral-free loans for the balance amount at subsidised interest rates under this scheme. Apply through the portal or visit your nearest bank branch.

Official Links

• Apply online: pmsuryaghar.gov.in
• Track status: pmsuryaghar.gov.in/track
• Scheme details: myscheme.gov.in
• Helpline: 1800-180-3333 (toll-free)