Under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, residential rooftop solar gets ₹30,000/kW for the first 2kW and ₹18,000 for the 3rd kW, a fixed cap of ₹78,000 for any system 3kW or larger. Off-grid systems don’t qualify; you also need DCR/ALMM-listed panels and a DISCOM-empanelled installer.

On this page:

  • How the subsidy is calculated  
  • PM Surya Ghar 2.0 changes  
  • How to apply  
  • State-by-state  
  • Commercial & special cases  
  • Eligibility checklist

How the Subsidy Is Actually Calculated

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is run by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and pays a fixed amount per kW installed, up to a hard cap it isn’t a percentage discount, which is a common misunderstanding. The slab structure:

System SizeSubsidy You Get
1 kW₹30,000
2 kW₹60,000 (₹30,000/kW × 2)
3 kW₹78,000 (₹60,000 + ₹18,000 for the 3rd kW)
5 kW₹78,000 – same as 3kW, the cap doesn’t increase further
10 kW₹78,000 – same cap applies regardless of size above 3kW

That’s why a 5kW system’s net cost doesn’t scale down proportionally to a bigger discount; the ₹78,000 cap is fixed once you cross 3kW, so the subsidy becomes a shrinking percentage of total cost as system size grows.

PM Surya Ghar 2.0: What’s Changed

The latest PM Surya Ghar updates can affect subsidy rules, application requirements, and what homeowners need to check before installation.

How to Apply: The Process Step by Step

  1. Register on the National Portal for Rooftop Solar (pmsuryaghar.gov.in) with your electricity consumer number.
  2. Submit your system design for feasibility approval from your DISCOM.
  3. Get the system installed by a DISCOM-empanelled vendor once approved.
  4. Apply for net metering a bidirectional meter is installed and commissioned.
  5. Submit the commissioning report through the portal; the subsidy is credited directly to your bank account, typically within 30 days.

State-by-State Subsidy Guides

The central subsidy is the same nationwide, but several states add their own top-up incentives or run additional application steps through the state DISCOM. These guides cover the state-specific details:

Commercial Installations and Special Eligibility Cases

Commercial and business installations follow a different cost and subsidy structure than residential.

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying, verify the connection type, panel eligibility, installer approval, and household eligibility to avoid issues with the subsidy claim.

RequirementDetail
Grid-connected with net meteringOff-grid systems do not qualify for the central subsidy at all.
ALMM-listed (DCR) panelsPanel models must appear on MNRE’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers.
DISCOM-empanelled installerSubsidy is forfeited if the installing vendor isn’t on your DISCOM’s approved list.
Residential connectionThe subsidy targets residential rooftop; commercial follows separate schemes.
One subsidy per household connectionCannot claim the subsidy twice on the same electricity connection.

Background & Reference Guides

These cover the fundamentals and are useful if you’re starting from zero though a few are dated and worth a quick currency check before relying on specific figures:

Frequently Asked Questions about solar subsidy & pm surya ghar

  1. What’s the maximum PM Surya Ghar subsidy I can get?

    ₹78,000, for any grid-connected residential system of 3kW or larger, installed through a DISCOM-empanelled vendor with ALMM-listed panels.

  2. Do off-grid systems qualify for the subsidy?

    No. Only grid-connected systems with net metering are eligible for the central subsidy.

  3. Can I get a state subsidy on top of the central one?

    In some states, yes check the state-specific guides above for what’s currently available in your state.

  4. How long does it take to receive the subsidy after installation?

    Once your commissioning report is submitted through the National Portal, the subsidy is typically credited directly to your bank account within 30 days assuming your installer, panels, and net metering approval all meet the eligibility requirements.

  5. Are DCR or ALMM-listed panels mandatory for the subsidy?

    Yes. Your panel model must appear on MNRE’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) this applies to the equipment itself and holds regardless of which DISCOM-empanelled installer you use.