What PM Surya Ghar offers
PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has been approved with a total outlay of Rs.75,021 crore for installing rooftop solar and providing free electricity up to 300 units every month for One Crore households. A 3 kW system will be able to generate more than 300 units a month on an average for a household. Through this scheme, the households will be able to save electricity bills as well as earn additional income through sale of surplus power to DISCOMs.
Who can apply
The scheme is for households that own a suitable roof. The households will apply for subsidy through the National Portal and will be able to select a suitable vendor for installing rooftop solar. There is no income limit stated in the scheme documents. If you live in a housing society, you may need approval from the society before installation.
How to apply step by step
- Go to the National Portal for PM Surya Ghar and register with your mobile number and electricity consumer number.
- Fill in your state, DISCOM, and address details.
- Apply for the subsidy and wait for approval from your DISCOM.
- Once approved, choose an empanelled vendor from the portal.
- The vendor installs the system and submits the completion report.
- After inspection, the subsidy is credited to your bank account.
With all credentials entered correctly on the National Portal, the average time taken in processing the CFA is around 15 days after the redemption request made by the consumer.
What the subsidy covers
The scheme provides a CFA of 60% of system cost for 2 kW systems and 40% of additional system cost for systems between 2 to 3 kW capacity, capped at 3 kW; at current benchmark prices this means Rs 30,000 subsidy for 1 kW system, Rs 60,000 for 2 kW systems and Rs 78,000 for 3 kW systems or higher.
How to pay for the system
Collateral-free loans are available from nationalized banks at a concessional interest rate of repo-rate plus 50 bps, i.e., 5.75% per annum for the present, with a tenure of 10 years. You can also pay upfront and claim the subsidy later.
What happens after installation
Your DISCOM will install a net meter or replace the existing meter. You will then start generating your own electricity. Any surplus power is exported to the grid and adjusted in your bill as per the state's net metering rules.
Documents you need
Keep your electricity bill, a photo ID, and bank account details ready. The portal will ask for these during registration. Your vendor will handle the technical documents for installation.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Entering the wrong consumer number delays approval.
- Choosing a vendor not empanelled on the portal.
- Not checking the roof strength before installation.
- Ignoring the society's rules if you live in a flat.
How long does the whole process take
The subsidy processing takes around 15 days after the redemption request. Installation time depends on the vendor and your location. Overall, expect a few weeks from application to a working system.
What size system do you need
Your system size should match your monthly consumption. A 3 kW system will be able to generate more than 300 units a month on an average for a household. If your bill shows less than 300 units, a 2 kW system may be enough. Check your last six months of bills to see your average usage.
How to choose a vendor
The National Portal lists empanelled vendors for your area after your application is approved. Compare quotes from at least two vendors. Ask about the panel brand, inverter type, and warranty. The vendor will handle the installation and net metering paperwork.
What is net metering
Net metering is how your surplus power is measured. Your DISCOM installs a bidirectional meter that records both import and export. The exported units are adjusted in your bill as per your state's rules. This is how you earn additional income through sale of surplus power to DISCOMs.
How the loan works
You can take a collateral-free loan from a nationalized bank at 5.75% per annum for 10 years. The loan covers the system cost after subsidy. Your EMI will be lower than your current electricity bill in many cases. Check with your bank for exact terms.
What to do if your application is stuck
If you do not hear back within two weeks, check your application status on the portal. Make sure your consumer number and bank details are correct. You can also contact your DISCOM's solar cell for help. Do not start installation before subsidy approval.
How to track your subsidy
After installation and inspection, the vendor submits the redemption request. The CFA is processed in around 15 days. You will get an SMS when the amount is credited. Keep your bank account active and linked to your Aadhaar for faster processing.
What documents the vendor needs
The vendor will ask for your electricity bill, ID proof, and a photo of the roof. They will also need a signed agreement and a site survey report. These are submitted on the portal along with the completion certificate.
How to prepare your roof
Make sure the roof is clean and free of shade. Check for any leaks or weak spots. The vendor will do a site survey before installation. If you live in a flat, get written permission from the housing society first.
What happens during inspection
After installation, the DISCOM sends an officer to inspect the system. They check the meter, wiring, and safety. Once approved, the net meter is activated. The subsidy is then processed.
How to maintain your system
Clean the panels every few weeks, especially after dust storms. Check the inverter display for errors. Your vendor will provide a maintenance schedule. Most systems need little upkeep beyond cleaning.
What if you move house
The system is fixed to the roof and cannot be moved easily. If you sell the house, the system usually stays with the property. Inform your DISCOM and update the ownership on the portal.
How to get help
For official updates and to start your application, visit the National Portal for PM Surya Ghar. Your DISCOM's local office can also help with net metering and inspection queries. If you need quotes from local installers, you can request them through this site.
- Scheme outlay
- Rs.75,021 crore
- Free electricity
- up to 300 units every month
- Subsidy for 3 kW
- Rs 78,000
- Loan interest rate
- 5.75% per annum
- CFA processing time
- around 15 days
Indicative system prices before subsidy
- 2 kW on-grid residential₹1,75,000–₹2,13,000 per system ₹1,75,000–2,13,000 / system
- 3 kW on-grid residential₹2,15,000–₹2,47,000 per system ₹2,15,000–2,47,000 / system
How the subsidy reduces your cost
For a 2 kW system priced between ₹1,75,000 and ₹2,13,000, the subsidy of Rs 60,000 brings the net cost down significantly. For a 3 kW system priced between ₹2,15,000 and ₹2,47,000, the subsidy of Rs 78,000 applies. The exact amount you pay depends on the vendor's quote and any additional work like structure or cabling.
What to check before you apply
Make sure your roof gets enough sunlight and is structurally sound. Check your average monthly consumption to decide the system size. A 3 kW system will be able to generate more than 300 units a month on an average for a household. If your consumption is lower, a 2 kW system may be enough.
How to compare quotes
Ask each vendor for a detailed quote with panel brand, inverter type, and warranty. Check if the price includes installation, structure, and net metering charges. The lowest quote is not always the best. Look for a vendor with good local reviews and after-sales support.
What to expect on installation day
The vendor will bring the panels, inverter, and mounting structure. Installation usually takes one to two days. The team will connect the system to your existing wiring. After that, the DISCOM inspection is scheduled.
How to read your first bill after solar
Your bill will show both import and export units. The net amount is what you pay. If you exported more than you imported, you may get a credit. The exact billing method depends on your state's net metering policy.
How to maximise your savings
Run heavy appliances during the day when the system is generating. Shift your usage to sunlight hours. Keep the panels clean. Monitor your generation on the inverter app. Small changes can increase your savings.
What if your system underperforms
First, check for shade or dirt on the panels. Look at the inverter display for error codes. Contact your vendor if the issue persists. Most vendors offer a performance warranty for the first few years.
How to get local quotes
If you want to compare prices from installers in your area, submit your details on this site. We will pass your enquiry to independent local installers. They will contact you with quotes. You are not obligated to accept any quote.