PM Surya Ghar — Solar Rooftop Subsidy Scheme, Apply Online

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is one of India's most ambitious renewable energy programmes. Launched by the Government of India, this scheme provides substantial subsidies to residential households for installing solar panels on their rooftops. The goal is to help 1 crore households generate their own electricity, reduce their bills, and contribute to India's clean energy targets.

If you own a house with a suitable rooftop, this scheme can help you get solar panels installed at a significantly reduced cost — with the government covering a large portion of the expense.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with any government department or agency. Always verify details on the official PM Surya Ghar portal.

What is PM Surya Ghar Yojana?

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (formerly known as the Rooftop Solar Programme) is a central government scheme that provides direct subsidies to residential consumers for installing grid-connected rooftop solar systems. Under this scheme:

• The government provides a subsidy of up to ₹78,000 for solar installations
• Households can generate 300 units of free electricity per month
• Excess electricity can be sold back to the grid through net metering
• The scheme covers the entire country and is available to all residential electricity consumers

Subsidy Structure

Note: Some state governments provide additional subsidies on top of the central subsidy.

Eligibility

To apply for PM Surya Ghar subsidy, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be a residential electricity consumer with a valid electricity connection
• The connection must be in your name (or your family member's name)
• You must have a suitable rooftop — owned, not rented (tenants need landlord consent)
• The rooftop should have adequate shadow-free area (approximately 10 sq. meters per kW)
• The solar system must be installed by an empanelled vendor registered on the PM Surya Ghar portal
• One subsidy per household (per electricity connection)

Who Cannot Apply?

• Commercial, industrial, or institutional consumers
• Households that have already availed rooftop solar subsidy under previous schemes
• Rented properties without the owner's written consent

Documents Required

• Aadhaar card of the applicant
• Latest electricity bill (with consumer number clearly visible)
• Bank account details (for subsidy credit — must be linked to Aadhaar)
• Passport-size photograph
• Property documents or self-declaration of ownership
• Rooftop photograph (showing available space)
• Mobile number linked to Aadhaar

Step-by-Step Process: Apply Online

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to pmsuryaghar.gov.in — this is the only official portal for applying.

Step 2: Register Your Account

Click on "Apply for Rooftop Solar" and register using your:

• State and district
• Electricity distribution company (DISCOM)
• Consumer account number (from your electricity bill)
• Mobile number and email

Step 3: Log In and Fill the Application

After registration, log in and fill in the application form with:

• Personal details (name, address, Aadhaar)
• Electricity connection details
• Rooftop details (area available, type of roof)
• Desired solar system capacity (1 kW, 2 kW, 3 kW, etc.)

Step 4: DISCOM Feasibility Approval

Your DISCOM will review your application and check the technical feasibility of installing solar panels and a net meter at your location. This may take 1–3 weeks.

Step 5: Choose an Empanelled Vendor

Once your DISCOM approves feasibility, you will see a list of empanelled solar vendors in your area on the portal. Choose a vendor based on:

• Price quotation
• Customer reviews
• Warranty offered
• Brand of panels and inverter

Step 6: Installation

The selected vendor will visit your premises, conduct a site survey, and install the solar system. Installation typically takes 1–3 days depending on the system size.

Step 7: Net Meter Installation

After the solar panels are installed, your DISCOM will install a net meter (bidirectional meter) that tracks both electricity consumed from the grid and electricity exported to the grid. This may take 1–2 weeks after panel installation.

Step 8: Commissioning and Inspection

The DISCOM will inspect the installation and commission the system. Once commissioned, your solar system is officially connected to the grid.

Step 9: Submit Subsidy Claim

After commissioning, upload the following on the portal:

• Commissioning certificate
• Net meter installation proof
• Bank account details
• Invoice from the vendor

Step 10: Receive Subsidy

The central government will credit the subsidy amount directly to your bank account within 30 days of claim approval.

Step-by-Step Process: Offline

While the application is primarily online, you can get offline help through:

1. Visit your DISCOM office — ask about the PM Surya Ghar scheme and get help with the application
2. Common Service Centres (CSC) — CSC operators can help you register and apply on the portal
3. Empanelled vendors — many vendors assist with the entire application and documentation process as part of their service

Fees and Costs

What You Pay

The total cost of a rooftop solar system after subsidy:

• Net meter installation: Usually free or ₹500–₹2,000 depending on the DISCOM
• Bank loans are available for the consumer's share at subsidised interest rates through many banks
• No GST on residential rooftop solar systems (solar panels and inverters attract 0% GST)

Processing Time

Tips for Applicants

1. Check your rooftop first — ensure you have at least 10 sq. meters of shadow-free area per kW. South-facing rooftops work best.

2. Compare vendor quotes — do not just pick the cheapest vendor. Check the quality of panels (mono PERC is better than polycrystalline), inverter warranty, and after-sales support.

3. Choose the right capacity — analyse your electricity bill. A 2–3 kW system is sufficient for most households consuming 200–300 units per month.

4. Ensure Aadhaar-bank linking — the subsidy is transferred via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer), so your bank account must be linked to your Aadhaar.

5. Maintain your panels — clean your solar panels every 2–3 weeks for optimal output. Dust and bird droppings reduce efficiency.

6. Understand net metering — excess electricity you generate is exported to the grid, and you receive credit on your bill. This effectively makes daytime electricity free.

7. Beware of fraud — only use vendors empanelled on the official portal. Do not pay anyone who claims to "fast-track" your subsidy.

Related Guides

• Smart Electricity Meter Installation
• How to Pay Electricity Bill Online
• EV Subsidy — FAME Scheme & State Incentives
• Rainwater Harvesting Subsidy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can tenants apply for PM Surya Ghar subsidy?

Tenants cannot apply directly. The electricity connection holder (property owner) must apply. However, if the landlord gives written consent and the connection is in the tenant's name, it may be possible in some states.

2. Can I install solar panels without the subsidy?

Yes, you can install rooftop solar without the government subsidy by directly hiring a solar installer. However, you will miss out on the significant cost reduction the subsidy provides.

3. What happens on cloudy or rainy days?

Solar panels still generate some electricity on cloudy days, though at reduced capacity (about 20–30% of peak output). On rainy days, output is minimal. Your grid connection ensures you always have power — you simply draw from the grid when solar output is low.

4. How long do solar panels last?

Good quality solar panels last 25–30 years with a performance warranty of 25 years (guaranteeing at least 80% output). Inverters typically last 10–15 years and may need replacement once during the panel lifetime.

5. Will I get completely free electricity?

If your system is sized correctly and your consumption is moderate, you can offset most or all of your electricity bill. The scheme name "Muft Bijli" (free electricity) refers to up to 300 free units per month from solar generation. Your actual savings depend on your consumption and system size.

6. Can I sell excess electricity to the grid?

Yes, through net metering. Excess units exported to the grid are adjusted against units consumed from the grid. If you export more than you consume in a billing cycle, the credits carry forward. Some states also offer feed-in tariffs for surplus generation.

7. Is the subsidy available for housing societies and apartments?

Yes, housing societies and group housing can also apply. The subsidy is calculated based on the total capacity installed, and the benefit is shared among the residents. The society's registered office bearer can apply on behalf of all members.