Electricity bills eat into almost every household budget, and rooftop solar used to feel out of reach because of the upfront cost. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana changes that equation, with a direct subsidy on rooftop solar panels and 300 units of free electricity every month for eligible households. This guide covers the scheme, the subsidy, the documents and the exact steps to apply online.
What is PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?
Launched in February 2024, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a central government scheme that helps households install rooftop solar panels, with a target of one crore households across India. The electricity the panels generate is first used by your own home, and extra units go back to the grid through net metering and are adjusted in your bill. For most homes, a 1 to 3 kW system covers a large part of the monthly consumption, which is how the promise of 300 free units a month works in practice. The subsidy is paid directly into the applicant’s bank account after installation and inspection.
Subsidy amount: how much money do you get?
The subsidy depends on the capacity of the solar system you install:
- 1 kW system: Rs 30,000 subsidy
- 2 kW system: Rs 60,000 subsidy
- 3 kW or higher: Rs 78,000 subsidy
So a typical 2 kW system, which suits a home running fans, lights, a fridge and a television, brings a Rs 60,000 subsidy. A 3 kW system, enough for a home that also runs a cooler or a washing machine regularly, gets the maximum Rs 78,000. Costs vary by vendor and location, so always take a written quotation from a registered vendor before you commit.
Who is eligible?
- You are an Indian citizen.
- You own a house with a roof that is suitable for installing solar panels.
- You have a valid electricity connection in your name.
- You have not availed any other government subsidy for rooftop solar earlier.
Tenants cannot apply, since the subsidy is tied to the house and its electricity connection. If your roof is shared, as in an apartment building, the residents’ association can explore a common installation instead.
Documents required
Keep these ready before you start the application:
- Aadhaar card
- Latest electricity bill, which carries your consumer number
- Bank passbook or a cancelled cheque, for the subsidy transfer
- Passport size photograph
- Proof of roof ownership, such as the property papers
How to apply online: step by step
The whole application runs on the official portal, pmsuryaghar.gov.in. There is no offline form, and no need to visit a government office.
- Step 1: Go to pmsuryaghar.gov.in and click on Apply for Rooftop Solar.
- Step 2: Register with your state, district and DISCOM, then enter your consumer number, mobile number and email address.
- Step 3: Log in and fill in the rooftop solar application form.
- Step 4: Wait for feasibility approval from your DISCOM, a check that your connection and roof can support the system you asked for.
- Step 5: Once approved, get the plant installed by a vendor registered on the portal. Only registered vendors are covered under the scheme.
- Step 6: After installation, apply for net metering. Your DISCOM will install the net meter and inspect the plant.
- Step 7: After the inspection report is uploaded, submit your bank account details on the portal. The subsidy is credited to your account, usually within 30 days.
Can you take a loan for the remaining cost?
Yes, the scheme includes collateral free, low interest loans for the part of the cost the subsidy does not cover. Public sector banks offer these loans at around 7 percent interest, and the savings on your electricity bill often cover a large part of the monthly instalment. Check the exact rate and tenure with your bank before signing, since rates are revised from time to time.
Things to keep in mind
- Apply only through pmsuryaghar.gov.in. Beware of agents who charge a fee to apply on your behalf. Registration on the portal is free.
- Choose your system size from your actual monthly consumption, not the maximum subsidy. Your electricity bill shows your average monthly units.
- Get the installation done only by a vendor registered on the portal, or the subsidy will not be released.
Frequently asked questions
How many units of free electricity does the scheme give?
Households get 300 units of free electricity per month, based on what their rooftop system generates.
What is the maximum subsidy under PM Surya Ghar Yojana?
Rs 78,000, for a rooftop solar system of 3 kW or higher.
How long does it take to get the subsidy?
Once the plant is installed and inspected and the details are submitted on the portal, the subsidy is usually credited within 30 days.
Is there a fee to apply for the scheme?
No, applying on the official portal pmsuryaghar.gov.in is free. Do not pay anyone who asks for a registration fee.
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana cuts a recurring monthly bill rather than giving a one time benefit, which makes it one of the most practical savings schemes for homeowners. If your roof gets good sunlight, check your average monthly units on your electricity bill, then apply on the official portal. Before you apply, verify the latest subsidy and eligibility details in the official notification on pmsuryaghar.gov.in, since scheme guidelines can be updated.
