PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana 2026 — Solar Rooftop Subsidy up to ₹78,000: Eligibility & How to Apply

Subsidy Amounts by Solar System Capacity

The central government subsidy is tiered by system size: Up to 2 kW: ₹30,000 per kW — maximum ₹60,000 subsidy. 2–3 kW: ₹18,000 per kW for the additional capacity (above 2 kW). Example for 3 kW system: ₹60,000 (first 2 kW) + ₹18,000 (third kW) = ₹78,000 total central subsidy. Above 3 kW: No additional central subsidy (subsidy capped at 3 kW). State governments may provide an additional subsidy on top of the central subsidy — Kerala offers up to ₹15,000 extra, Rajasthan and UP have state-level support under KUSUM. The typical installation cost of a 3 kW rooftop system in 2026 is ₹1.5–₹1.8 lakh. After the ₹78,000 central subsidy, your out-of-pocket cost is approximately ₹72,000–₹1,02,000.

Bank Loan Linkage — How to Finance the Remaining Cost

The PM Surya Ghar scheme is directly linked with bank loans for the residual cost after subsidy. Nationalised banks (SBI, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, PNB) offer dedicated solar rooftop loans at 7–9% p.a., repayable over 5–10 years. Example: 3 kW system, total cost ₹1.6 lakh, subsidy ₹78,000, loan ₹82,000 at 8% for 7 years → EMI approximately ₹1,280/month. Meanwhile, the average electricity savings for a household that currently pays ₹3,000–₹5,000/month in bills will reduce bills by 70–90%, generating net savings of ₹2,100–₹4,500/month. The system pays for itself in 3–5 years and then generates effective income for 20+ years (solar panel life). Solar loans are available without collateral for amounts up to ₹10 lakh under the scheme.

Net Metering — How to Earn from Your Solar System

Net metering allows your electricity meter to run backward when your solar system generates more power than you consume — your surplus is exported to the grid and credited at the state-determined Feed-in Tariff (FiT). In most states, the FiT is ₹2–₹4 per kWh. A 3 kW system in a sunny state like Rajasthan or Gujarat generates 400–450 kWh per month. If a household consumes 200 kWh/month, 200–250 kWh is exported. At ₹3/kWh FiT → monthly credit of ₹600–₹750 in addition to zero electricity bill. Net metering application is processed by your state DISCOM (distribution company) — your solar installer typically handles this as part of the installation package.

How to Apply at pmsuryaghar.gov.in — Step by Step

Step 1: Visit pmsuryaghar.gov.in and click 'Apply for Rooftop Solar'. Register with your electricity consumer number (found on your bill) and Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Step 2: Fill household details — state, district, electricity distributor (DISCOM), monthly consumption (units). Step 3: The portal auto-calculates eligible system size and subsidy amount. Step 4: Choose from the list of empanelled vendors in your district. Get a detailed quotation showing breakup of panel cost, inverter cost, installation, net meter charge. Step 5: Apply for bank loan if needed through the portal's linked bank section. Step 6: Installation by empanelled vendor → net meter connection by DISCOM → subsidy released by DISCOM to your account within 30 days of commissioning.

Frequently Asked Questions