Can I get solar for free?

Not entirely free — the subsidy covers about 35-45% of the cost. You pay the rest (₹30K-1.4L depending on size). However, some states offer additional state subsidies that can reduce your cost further. And the free electricity generated pays back your investment in 3-5 years.

Does solar work during monsoon/cloudy days?

Yes, but at reduced output (30-50% of peak). Annual average generation accounts for all weather. A 3 kW system generates 300-400 units/month averaged across the year. In summer it may generate 450+ units, in monsoon 200-250 units.

What maintenance is needed?

Minimal. Clean panels with water once a month (or after dusty/rainy periods). No moving parts, no consumables. Inverter may need replacement after 10-12 years (₹15,000-25,000). Panels come with 25-year performance warranty.

I live in a flat/apartment. Can I apply?

For individual flats in apartments, it's complicated — you need housing society's permission and dedicated roof area. The scheme is primarily for individual houses with their own roof. Some states allow group applications for apartment societies.

What about battery storage?

The PM Surya Ghar subsidy is for grid-connected solar only (no battery). Your system feeds excess power to the grid via net metering. If you want battery backup (for power cuts), it's an additional cost of ₹50,000-1,50,000 and is not subsidized under this scheme.

Active SchemeUpdated: March 2026

☀️

PM Surya Ghar Yojana — Free Solar Rooftop

Up to ₹78,000 government subsidy on rooftop solar panels — generate free electricity and reduce your monthly electricity bill to near-zero

Subsidy

Up to ₹78,000

Target

1 Cr homes

Budget

₹75,021 Cr

Portal

pmsuryaghar.gov.in

📝Apply Online 📞Helpline: 1800-180-3333

📖What is PM Surya Ghar Yojana — Free Solar Rooftop?

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was launched in February 2024 with the ambitious target of installing rooftop solar on 1 crore households across India. The scheme provides substantial subsidies: ₹30,000 for 1 kW system, ₹60,000 for 2 kW, and ₹78,000 for 3 kW or above. A 3 kW rooftop solar system typically generates 300-400 units of free electricity per month — enough for most Indian households.

The scheme works through DISCOM (electricity distribution companies). You apply on the portal, your DISCOM approves the application, you install solar through an empanelled vendor, the DISCOM inspects and commissions the system, and the subsidy is credited directly to your bank account within 30 days of commissioning.

For a typical 3 kW system costing ₹1.8-2.2 lakh, you pay only ₹1-1.4 lakh after the ₹78,000 subsidy. The system generates ₹2,000-3,000 worth of free electricity every month, meaning it pays for itself in 3-5 years. After that, electricity is essentially free for 20-25 years (lifespan of solar panels).

The scheme also allows net metering — if your solar panels generate more electricity than you use, the excess is exported to the grid and you receive credit on your electricity bill. Some months you may have zero electricity bills, and in high-generation months, you may even earn from the grid.

✅Eligibility

Who can applyAny residential electricity consumer with a sanctioned rooftop load. Must have own house with suitable roof area.

Roof requirementApproximately 10 sq.m. per kW. For 3 kW system: 30 sq.m. (about 300 sq.ft.) of shadow-free roof area

Subsidy structure₹30,000 for 1 kW, ₹60,000 for 2 kW, ₹78,000 for 3 kW and above (max subsidy capped at 3 kW for residential)

Not eligibleCommercial, industrial, and institutional consumers. Only residential electricity connections qualify.

DocumentsElectricity bill, Aadhaar, bank account details, roof ownership proof, passport photo

💰Cost Breakdown — What You Actually Pay

System Size	Approx. Total Cost	Govt Subsidy	Your Cost	Monthly Savings	Payback Period
1 kW	₹60,000-70,000	₹30,000	₹30,000-40,000	₹800-1,000	3-4 years
2 kW	₹1,20,000-1,40,000	₹60,000	₹60,000-80,000	₹1,500-2,000	3-4 years
3 kW	₹1,80,000-2,20,000	₹78,000	₹1,00,000-1,40,000	₹2,000-3,000	3-5 years

📝How to Apply — Step by Step

Visit the portal, register with your electricity consumer number, mobile number, and email. Your DISCOM details are auto-fetched.

Apply for rooftop solar

Fill the application: roof area available, desired system size (1/2/3 kW), bank account details for subsidy. Upload electricity bill and Aadhaar.

DISCOM approves and issues feasibility report

Your DISCOM checks: roof suitability, transformer capacity, and net metering eligibility. Approval takes 7-15 days.

Choose empanelled vendor and install

Select a MNRE-empanelled solar installer from the portal's vendor list. Get quotes, compare, and finalize. Installation takes 1-3 days for residential systems.

DISCOM inspects and commissions

After installation, DISCOM inspects the system, installs a net meter (bidirectional meter), and commissions the system. This takes 7-15 days.

Subsidy credited to your bank

After successful commissioning, upload commissioning report on the portal. Subsidy (₹30K-78K) is credited directly to your Aadhaar-linked bank account within 30 days.

📝How to Apply

Need: electricity bill, Aadhaar, bank account details.

Apply and get DISCOM approval

Select system size. DISCOM checks feasibility. 7-15 days.

Install through empanelled vendor

Choose vendor from portal list. Installation in 1-3 days.

Get commissioned and receive subsidy

DISCOM inspects → commissions → subsidy in bank within 30 days.

⚠️Only use MNRE-empanelled vendors listed on the pmsuryaghar.gov.in portal. Non-empanelled installations do NOT qualify for subsidy. Verify vendor registration before making any payment.

📅Important Dates & Schedule

ApplicationOpen throughout the year at pmsuryaghar.gov.in

Subsidy disbursementWithin 30 days of commissioning

Scheme periodTill target of 1 crore homes is reached

❓Frequently Asked Questions

🔗Related Schemes

PM Surya Ghar Portal

pmsuryaghar.gov.in

Visit →