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

> Get up to ₹78,000 subsidy for a 3 kW rooftop solar system, collateral-free loans near 7%, and lower bills. Eligibility, subsidy table, real costs, savings and the step-by-step process.

- URL: https://2search.in/knowledge/articles/oct-26/pm-surya-ghar-rooftop-solar-subsidy
- Genre: Energy savings
- Country: India
- Published: 2026-10-27
- Updated: 2026-10-27
- Publisher: 2search (https://2search.in)

> **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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![PM Surya Ghar subsidy: how much you get and how to apply (2026) Breakdown & Visual Guide](/images/articles/pm-surya-ghar-rooftop-solar-subsidy/diagram.svg)

## Subsidy amounts

| System size | Central subsidy | Suits monthly use of |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **1 kW** | ~₹30,000 | Up to ~150 units (with 2 kW for higher use) |
| **2 kW** | ~₹60,000 | 150–300 units |
| **3 kW and above** | **₹78,000** (maximum) | 300+ units |

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**:

| System | Approx. roof area | Typical generation |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 kW | ~100 sq ft | ~110–130 units/month |
| 2 kW | ~200 sq ft | ~220–260 units/month |
| 3 kW | ~300 sq ft | ~330–390 units/month |

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](/inverter-battery-size-guide-india).

### 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](https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in/)
- [Business Today — PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana explained (May 2026)](https://www.businesstoday.in/amp/personal-finance/news/story/pm-surya-ghar-muft-bijli-yojana-how-it-works-who-can-apply-and-what-benefits-households-get-533959-2026-05-29)
- [MNRE — Ministry of New and Renewable Energy](https://mnre.gov.in/)