PM Surya Ghar Yojana 2026: Subsidy, Eligibility & How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
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What is PM Surya Ghar Yojana?
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is India’s flagship residential rooftop solar scheme that helps households install grid-connected rooftop solar and receive a direct benefit transfer (DBT) subsidy after commissioning. In practical terms, the scheme is designed to reduce your monthly electricity bill by generating power on your roof and exporting surplus to the grid through net metering (where your DISCOM supports it).
For a homeowner, the scheme has three big advantages:
- You get a central subsidy (CFA) that reduces the upfront cost.
- You save monthly on electricity because the system generates units every day.
- You can benefit from net metering credits if you generate more than you consume in certain months.
The commonly referenced central subsidy caps for residential rooftop solar under the scheme are up to ₹78,000 for systems of 3 kW and above (as per official scheme communications). Use our Solar Subsidy Calculator to estimate based on your bill and roof size.
Who Can Apply?
Most successful applications have one thing in common: clean ownership/consumer details and a straightforward installation path. Here’s who can generally apply:
If you live in an apartment, the process depends on whether you have an individual meter and rooftop rights (or a group housing approach). Many rejections happen due to mismatched consumer name/address or missing authorization from the property owner.
If your electricity connection is not in your name (e.g., previous owner), update it with your DISCOM before applying. Name mismatches often delay feasibility approval and subsidy release.
How Much Subsidy Will You Get?
The subsidy depends mainly on system size (kW). Residential rooftop systems are typically sized using your monthly bill, roof area, and sanctioned load.
Central subsidy calculation (common official rule-of-thumb used for estimation):
- Up to 2 kW: ₹30,000 per kW
- 3rd kW: additional ₹18,000
- Maximum cap: ₹78,000
These caps apply to the central CFA portion and are subject to scheme rules and verification.
How should you interpret this?
- If you install a 1 kW system, the subsidy is typically lower because the system is smaller.
- If you install 2 kW, you reach the 2 kW slab.
- If you install 3 kW (or more), the central subsidy generally hits the cap.
But don’t blindly install a larger system just for the subsidy. A good system size should match:
- your sanctioned load,
- your roof area,
- and your typical consumption pattern.
Use the calculator to estimate recommended kW and savings.
How to Apply Online — Step by Step
This is where most people get confused. The process is actually simple if you treat it like a checklist and keep your documents ready.
Confirm your consumer number, mobile number linked to your electricity account, and the exact spelling of your name and address as per the latest bill.
Go to pmsuryaghar.gov.in, select your state and DISCOM, and register using your consumer details. Use the same mobile number you can access.
After registration, submit the online application for rooftop solar. The DISCOM checks technical feasibility (sanctioned load, transformer capacity, etc.). Track status regularly.
Choose an approved vendor (as per portal/utility guidance). Ensure the inverter and modules meet required standards, and keep invoices and serial numbers safe.
Apply for net metering (or applicable arrangement) and schedule DISCOM inspection. The system must be commissioned and uploaded/approved on the portal.
After commissioning approval, enter bank account and IFSC details on the portal. Subsidy is credited after verification.
Practical tip: take photos of the installation (roof, inverter, meter) and store PDFs of invoices. If any detail is questioned later, these proofs resolve issues faster.
Documents You Need
Keep these ready in a single folder before you apply. It reduces back-and-forth with vendors and DISCOM.
If you want a detailed checklist with how to prepare documents, read: Solar Subsidy Documents Required.
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Subsidy
From a “financial advisor” point of view, most delays are process errors—not technical complexity. Avoid these:
Common delay reasons: wrong consumer number, mismatch in name/address, choosing a non-empanelled vendor, missing net metering steps, and incomplete bank details for DBT.
- Over-sizing the system beyond your sanctioned load and assuming it will be approved.
- Not checking roof suitability (shade from water tanks, nearby buildings, trees).
- Not tracking portal status and waiting months without action.
- Ignoring net metering paperwork (the subsidy release depends on commissioning proof).
If you’re planning budgeting, consider that even after subsidy, you may pay the remainder upfront or finance it via loan. Our calculator and EMI tools help estimate monthly outflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum subsidy I can get in 2026?
The commonly communicated central subsidy cap is ₹78,000 for 3 kW and above for residential rooftop solar, subject to scheme rules and verification.
Is the subsidy credited before or after installation?
Typically after installation and commissioning (DISCOM inspection + portal approval), then DBT credit to your bank account.
Can I apply if my house is jointly owned?
Usually yes, but you may need authorization or matching ownership details depending on DISCOM requirements.
Do I need net metering for subsidy?
In most cases, net metering/commissioning is part of the standard process before subsidy release.
Where can I estimate my system size and savings?
Use our Solar Subsidy Calculator to estimate recommended kW, subsidy, and savings based on your bill and roof area.
