With rising electricity rates over the years, the Indian government has taken an initiative to solarize 1 crore households by March 2027. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was launched in February 2024. It aims to offer a subsidy of ₹78,000 (capped) for a 3 kW or above solar system size.
In this blog, you will get a walkthrough of PM Surya Ghar Yojana, eligibility requirements, documents required, and more.
What Is the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a central government scheme run by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). It helps homeowners install solar panels on their rooftops by reducing the overall cost of the solar system.
The scheme offers these benefits:
- Central financial assistance (CFA) that lowers the installation cost
- Reduces electricity bills by up to 90%
- Extra income from selling surplus power to the grid
- Bank loans at concessional interest rates
The subsidy for your solar system depends on the system size. You can get a subsidy of ₹30,000 per kW for up to 2 kW, and ₹18,000 for the additional kW. The total subsidy is capped at ₹78,000 for 3 kW systems and above.
However, the subsidy is available only to those who meet certain criteria. The subsidy details are given below:
| System Size | Central Subsidy |
| 1 kW | ₹30,000 |
| 2 kW | ₹60,000 |
| 3 kW and above | ₹78,000 (capped) |
Please note: The central government has set a maximum subsidy of ₹78,000 for homeowners. So any system of 3 kW or more receives a fixed subsidy of ₹78,000, no matter how large it is. Residents of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan may also get an extra state subsidy, based on the size of their system. However, these state benefits are not offered in every city. You must check whether your city is covered before you count on the extra amount.
Eligibility Criteria of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
To get the benefit of the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, you must meet the following conditions -
- Indian citizenship: You must be an Indian citizen
- Ownership of a house: You must own the house. Tenants and renters cannot apply on their own, as the roof rights belong to the owner.
- A suitable roof: The roof needs enough shadow-free space. As a thumb rule, one kW of solar needs around 10 sqm of space. Both flat and sloped roofs can work. The roof must be strong and free from shade for most of the day. Good roof space is important for household solar panels to give steady output.
- A valid electricity connection: You must have a residential connection with an active consumer number. The house should be in your name or a family member's.
- No previous solar subsidy: You must not have taken any other subsidy for solar panels before. The scheme gives the benefit only once.
- Residential use only: The scheme is meant for homes. Commercial, industrial and institutional connections do not qualify for this scheme.
- Approved equipment and Solar Company: The system must use solar modules that meet the Domestic Content Requirement (DCR). It must also be installed by a solar company registered or empanelled with the local DISCOM (Distribution Company). SolarSquare is one such solar company that homeowners can consider.
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 Yojana:
- Latest electricity bill with the consumer number and connection details
- Aadhaar card
- Mobile number linked to Aadhaar
- Bank details with a cancelled cheque
- Proof of property ownership, or the owner’s consent if you are not the sole owner.
Note: Requirements can vary slightly by state and DISCOM. Check with your DISCOM if you are unsure.
How to Apply for PM Surya Ghar Subsidy: Step-by-Step Process
To apply for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, you need to meet the eligibility rules, submit the required documents, choose a registered solar company, and get your net meter approved. Here is the full process, step by step:
- Visit the portal: Go to the national portal (pmsuryaghar.gov.in), open the consumer section and start your application.
- Create your profile: Log in and fill in your name, email address, address, state, district and PIN code. Then save the profile.
- Fill in the application: Click "Apply" and enter your personal details and your latest electricity bill information. Upload your ID proof, proof of the property ownership, and your most recent electricity bill.
- Add your bank details: Upload your bank account details and a cancelled cheque. The central subsidy is usually paid by direct bank transfer (DBT), so make sure your bank account is linked to your Aadhaar.
- Choose a registered solar company: Pick a solar company from the state-wise list on the PM Surya Ghar portal and ask for a quote.
- Upload the signed agreement: Sign an agreement with your chosen solar company and upload it to the portal.
- Apply for net metering: After the solar company completes the work, submit the system details on the portal and apply for the net meter. Your DISCOM will then issue a commissioning certificate confirming the system is live.
- Claim the subsidy: Log back into your consumer account and upload the commissioning certificate to claim your subsidy. Once your claim is approved, the money reaches your bank account within 30 days.
Common Mistakes That Delay the Subsidy
You must take care of a few factors before applying to PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, as most delays and rejections happen because of small errors. Some of the common mistakes that delay the process are listed below:
- Installing panels that are not listed under ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers)
- Not linking your bank account to your Aadhaar
- Choosing a system larger than your sanctioned load
- Having a name on your documents that does not match your Aadhaar
- Installing the system before DISCOM feasibility approval
Conclusion
As a homeowner, you need four things to meet the eligibility criteria for the PM Surya Ghar Scheme. You must be the owner of the house, have a suitable roof, a valid residential electricity connection, and have not taken a solar subsidy earlier. Homeowners looking for guidance can consult a solar provider such as SolarSquare for a free site assessment.
As a registered solar company, they look after everything from start to finish, including the subsidy application, DISCOM approvals, net metering, and installation. You don't have to make repeated trips to the DISCOM office or chase paperwork yourself. They also keep the process simple and clear for first-time solar buyers, making it one of the best choices for homeowners who want a hassle-free switch to solar power.
An Indo-American News website. It covers Gossips, Politics, Movies, Technolgy, and Sports News and Photo Galleries and Live Coverage of Events via Youtube.
The website is established in 2015 and is owned by AGK FIRE INC.
