PM Surya Ghar subsidy: how much you get and how to apply (2026)

Quick answer: Under PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, homeowners get a central subsidy of 60% of the cost for the first 2 kW and 40% for the next 1 kW of rooftop solar — about ₹30,000 for 1 kW, ₹60,000 for 2 kW and a maximum of ₹78,000 for 3 kW or more. Apply on pmsuryaghar.gov.in, get DISCOM approval, install through a registered vendor, get a net meter, and the subsidy reaches your bank account after inspection — usually within about 15 days of a valid claim.

Key takeaways

• The scheme targets 1 crore homes by the end of FY 2026-27; over 26 lakh systems were installed by March 2026.
• A 2–3 kW system suits most homes using 150–300 units a month.
• Collateral-free loans at around 7% are available for systems up to 3 kW.
• Some states add their own subsidy on top of the central one.
• Only registered vendors and ALMM-listed (Made in India) panels qualify — check before you sign.

Electricity tariffs keep rising, and summer bills with ACs can be painful. Rooftop solar with this subsidy can cut your bill close to zero for many homes. This guide explains the subsidy, what you'll really pay, how much you'll save, who's eligible, and the full process from application to subsidy credit.

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#Subsidy amounts

The subsidy is calculated on benchmark costs: 60% for the first 2 kW and 40% for the third kW. Above 3 kW, the subsidy stays at ₹78,000.

Special-category states and UTs (North-East, hilly states, islands) get higher per-kW support.

Group housing societies / RWAs can get subsidy for common facilities such as lifts and corridor lights, for systems up to a set size per house.

#Who is eligible

• An Indian citizen
• Owns a house with a suitable roof (shadow-free space)
• Has a valid electricity connection in their name
• Has not taken another rooftop solar subsidy before

Tenants generally can't apply unless the owner applies. The electricity connection must be in the applicant's name.

#How much space you need

Plan for roughly 80–100 sq ft (7–9 m²) of shadow-free roof per kW:

Generation varies by state, roof direction, season and shading. South-facing roofs with no shadow from water tanks or nearby buildings do best.

#What you'll actually pay (example)

Market prices for a good on-grid system (panels, inverter, structure, wiring, installation, net meter) vary by state and brand. As a rough guide:

Example: A 3 kW on-grid system costs about ₹1.8–2.1 lakh before subsidy.

• Central subsidy: –₹78,000
• Your net cost: about ₹1.0–1.3 lakh (less if your state adds a subsidy)
• Generation: ~360 units a month
• At ₹7–8 per unit, savings ≈ ₹2,500–₹2,900 a month, or ₹30,000–₹35,000 a year
• Payback: roughly 3–4 years, with panels lasting 25 years

Get 2–3 quotes from registered vendors and compare panel wattage, brand, inverter brand and warranties.

#Step-by-step: how to apply

1. Register on pmsuryaghar.gov.in — choose your state and DISCOM, and enter your consumer number, mobile and email.
2. Log in and fill the rooftop solar application.
3. Wait for feasibility approval from your DISCOM (they check your connection and load).
4. Choose a registered vendor listed on the portal for your DISCOM and get the system installed.
5. Apply for net metering with plant details after installation.
6. The DISCOM inspects and installs the net meter, then issues a commissioning certificate on the portal.
7. Submit your bank details and a cancelled cheque on the portal.
8. The subsidy is credited to your bank account — generally within about 15 days of a valid request.

Tip: Don't pay a vendor who asks you to apply "through them" on a different website. Your application and subsidy claim must be on pmsuryaghar.gov.in (or the PM Surya Ghar app) in your own name.

#Loans for rooftop solar

• Collateral-free loans at about 7% interest for systems up to 3 kW from public sector banks.
• You can apply for a loan through the national portal — choose the loan option and your bank.
• Many banks finance up to 90% of the system cost; the subsidy can be used to reduce the loan once credited.

#How net metering works

A net meter records electricity you send to the grid and electricity you take from it.

• During the day, your panels power your home and export the extra.
• At night, you import from the grid.
• Your bill is for net units (imports minus exports). Extra units are carried forward or paid for at the DISCOM's rate, depending on state rules.

#Choosing a good system

• Panels: ALMM-listed (required for subsidy), from a known brand; mono-PERC or TOPCon are common in 2026. Look for 25-year performance warranty.
• Inverter: on-grid inverter from a reputable brand with 5–10 years warranty.
• Structure: galvanised or aluminium, built for your area's wind speed; raised structures let you use the roof below.
• Earthing and lightning arrester: required for safety.
• Monitoring: a mobile app to track daily generation.
• Service: ask for a written AMC (annual maintenance) — cleaning and checks.

#Maintenance tips

• Clean panels with plain water every 2–4 weeks (more often in dusty areas) — early morning or evening.
• Don't use detergent or hard brushes.
• Check the inverter app monthly; a sudden drop means dirt, shading or a fault.
• Keep trees trimmed and avoid new shadows (like a new water tank).

#Common mistakes

• Choosing a cheap, unregistered vendor — you lose the subsidy.
• Oversizing beyond your use when your state pays little for exported units.
• Ignoring shading — even partial shade on one panel can cut output a lot.
• Not checking the warranty papers for panels, inverter and workmanship.
• Skipping net metering — without it, you can't use the full benefit.

#Frequently asked questions

How much subsidy do I get for a 3 kW system?

₹78,000 — the maximum central subsidy under PM Surya Ghar.

Can I get the subsidy for a 5 kW system?

Yes, but the subsidy is capped at ₹78,000. The remaining cost is yours.

Is the electricity really free?

The scheme aims for up to 300 free units a month. If your panels generate enough to cover your use, your bill can drop to near zero apart from fixed charges.

How long does it take to get the subsidy?

After commissioning and submitting bank details, the government says transfers are generally processed within about 15 days.

Can tenants apply?

Generally no — the applicant must own the roof and have the electricity connection in their name.

Does rooftop solar work during a power cut?

A normal on-grid system shuts down during a grid outage for safety. For backup, you need a hybrid system with batteries — see our inverter and battery guide.

Do I need to clean solar panels?

Yes, every few weeks in dusty areas. Dirty panels can lose a noticeable share of output.

#Sources

• PM Surya Ghar — National portal
• Business Today — PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana explained (May 2026)
• MNRE — Ministry of New and Renewable Energy