PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana — Free Solar Rooftop Scheme

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a central government scheme launched in February 2024 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The goal is simple — install solar panels on the rooftops of 1 crore households across India and give them up to 300 units of free electricity every month.

The government provides a direct subsidy (sent straight to your bank account) to reduce the cost of installing a rooftop solar system. After installation, the electricity your panels generate is yours to use for free. Any extra units you produce go back to the grid through net metering, and your electricity bill drops dramatically — often to zero.

Key Benefits

• Up to 300 units of free electricity per month from your own solar panels
• Central subsidy up to ₹78,000 deposited directly into your bank account
• Reduced electricity bills — many families save ₹15,000–₹18,000 per year
• 25+ years lifespan of solar panels with minimal maintenance
• Net metering — earn credits for surplus power you send to the grid
• Clean energy — reduce your carbon footprint

Subsidy Amount by System Size

The subsidy under PM Surya Ghar Yojana depends on the size of the solar system you install:

Note: The subsidy is ₹30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW, and ₹18,000 per kW for the next 1 kW (up to 3 kW total). Systems above 3 kW do not get additional subsidy. Most households find a 2 kW or 3 kW system sufficient for their needs.

Who Is Eligible?

PM Surya Ghar Yojana is open to almost every household in India:

• You must have an active electricity connection in your name (domestic/residential category)
• Your house must have a suitable rooftop with enough sunlight
• The scheme is for residential households only — not for commercial or industrial use
• All income groups can apply — there is no income limit
• You should not have already availed a rooftop solar subsidy from the central government

If you don't have an electricity connection yet, check our guide on how to apply for an electricity connection first.

Documents Required

Keep these documents ready before you start the online application:

1. Latest electricity bill (with consumer number clearly visible)
2. Aadhaar card of the applicant
3. Bank account details (account number, IFSC code — for subsidy transfer)
4. Aadhaar-linked bank account (mandatory for receiving the subsidy via DBT)
5. Rooftop photograph showing the area where panels will be installed
6. Passport-size photo of the applicant
7. Mobile number linked to Aadhaar (for OTP verification)

How to Apply Online — Step by Step

The entire application process happens on the official portal: pmsuryaghar.gov.in

Step 1: Register on the Portal

1. Go to pmsuryaghar.gov.in
2. Click on "Apply for Rooftop Solar"
3. Enter your state, electricity distribution company (DISCOM), and consumer number
4. Enter your mobile number and verify with OTP
5. Fill in basic details — name, address, email, electricity bill details
6. Upload required documents
7. Submit the application

Step 2: DISCOM Feasibility Approval

• After you submit, your local DISCOM (electricity distribution company) will review your application
• They check whether your rooftop and electricity connection are suitable for solar installation
• This approval typically takes 15–30 days
• You will get an SMS/notification once approved

Step 3: Choose a Registered Vendor

• Once DISCOM approves your application, you can select a vendor from the list of registered solar installers on the portal
• Compare quotes from multiple vendors before choosing
• The vendor must be MNRE-empanelled (registered with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy)

Step 4: Installation of Solar Panels

• The vendor will visit your home, do a site survey, and install the solar panels
• Installation usually takes 1–3 days for a residential system
• The vendor will also install the net meter and connect the system to the grid

Step 5: Net Metering and Inspection

• After installation, the vendor submits the commissioning report on the portal
• Your DISCOM sends an inspector to verify the installation
• Once verified, net metering is activated — your solar system is now live on the grid

Step 6: Subsidy Transfer to Your Bank Account

• After successful inspection and net metering activation, the subsidy amount is directly transferred to your Aadhaar-linked bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
• This usually happens within 30 days of commissioning

How to Check Application Status

1. Visit pmsuryaghar.gov.in
2. Click on "Login" and enter your registered mobile number
3. Go to your dashboard to see the current status of your application
4. Status stages include: Application Submitted → DISCOM Approved → Vendor Selected → Installation Complete → Inspection Done → Subsidy Released

You will also receive SMS updates at each stage.

Complete Timeline

What Is Net Metering?

Net metering is a billing system where:

• During the daytime, your solar panels generate electricity. Whatever you don't use is exported to the grid.
• At night or on cloudy days, you draw power from the grid as usual.
• Your DISCOM gives you credit for the units you exported.
• At the end of the billing cycle, you only pay for the net difference (units consumed minus units exported).

This is why many solar households see their electricity bill drop to almost zero.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is PM Surya Ghar Yojana really free?

The solar system is not entirely free. The government pays a subsidy of up to ₹78,000 and you pay the remaining cost. For a 3 kW system, your out-of-pocket cost will be roughly ₹1–1.3 lakh. However, the electricity you generate after installation is free for 25+ years.

Q2: Can tenants apply for this scheme?

No. Only the owner of the house with an electricity connection in their name can apply. If you are a tenant, the property owner needs to apply.

Q3: What happens if I produce more electricity than I use?

Extra units are exported to the grid and you get credit on your electricity bill through net metering. Some states also offer payments for surplus generation at the end of the year.

Q4: Do I need to pay the vendor upfront and then get the subsidy?

Yes. You pay the vendor the full installation cost upfront (or through a loan). The central subsidy is transferred to your bank account after the system is installed, inspected, and commissioned. Some banks offer solar loans at concessional rates.

Q5: What is the maintenance required for rooftop solar panels?

Very little. You need to clean the panels with water every 2–4 weeks to remove dust. There are no moving parts. Most panels come with a 25-year performance warranty. The inverter may need replacement after 10–15 years.

Q6: Can I install more than 3 kW?

Yes, you can install a larger system, but the central subsidy is capped at 3 kW (₹78,000). For any capacity above 3 kW, you bear the full cost. Most residential households don't need more than 3 kW.

Q7: Which states are covered under this scheme?

PM Surya Ghar Yojana is a pan-India scheme covering all states and union territories. However, the speed of implementation depends on your local DISCOM.

Important Links

• Official Portal: pmsuryaghar.gov.in
• Ministry of New and Renewable Energy: mnre.gov.in
• Related Guide: How to Apply for Electricity Connection Online

Last updated: February 2026. Information is based on official government guidelines. Subsidy amounts and processes may change — always verify on the official portal.