PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana 2026: Apply Online, Subsidy Calculator & Free Electricity

Researched by Abhijit ChowdhuryPublished: Last verified:

Quick Summary

Key DetailOfficial Information
Scheme NamePM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
Governing MinistryMinistry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Govt of India
Primary GoalPowering 1 crore households with rooftop solar installations
Free ElectricityUp to 300 units per month
Maximum Central Subsidy₹78,000 (Direct Benefit Transfer to bank account)
Concessional Bank LoanCollateral-free loans at repo rate + 0.5% (~7% p.a.) via PSU banks
Application ModeOnline via National Portal for Rooftop Solar
Official Websitepmsuryaghar.gov.in

Central Subsidy Structure (2026)

Solar System CapacityMonthly Power GenerationCentral Subsidy AmountSuitable For
1 kW~120 units₹30,000Small 1-2 BHK, basic lights & fans
2 kW~240 units₹60,0002-3 BHK, refrigerator, TV, lights
3 kW and Above~360+ units₹78,000 (Maximum Cap)3-4 BHK with ACs, heavy appliances
Special Category States (NE, J&K, Ladakh, HP, UK)VariesUp to ₹85,800Cold/Hilly/Island regions

Benefits of PM Surya Ghar

  • Zero or Drastically Reduced Electricity Bills: Generates 300+ units of green power each month, saving ₹15,000 to ₹35,000 annually on domestic utility bills.
  • Earn from Surplus Power (Net Metering): Excess electricity generated during sunny daytime hours is fed into the state power grid, earning energy credits or bill adjustments.
  • Direct Bank Subsidy: The central subsidy (₹30,000 to ₹78,000) is deposited directly into your bank account within 30 days of net meter commissioning.
  • Low-Interest, Collateral-Free Bank Financing: Nationalised banks (SBI, Canara, PNB, BoB) provide rooftop solar loans up to ₹6 lakh without mortgage requirement, requiring only a 7% down payment.
  • 25-Year Long-Term Asset: Approved solar panels come with a 25-year performance warranty and pay for themselves within 3 to 4 years.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Indian Citizen & Property Owner: The applicant must be a resident citizen who owns a residential house with suitable roof rights.
  • Valid Domestic Electricity Connection: Must possess an active domestic electricity connection registered in their name (or legal family property).
  • Roof Space Availability: Clear, unshaded roof space (approx. 100 sq. ft. per 1 kW of solar capacity).
  • No Prior Solar Subsidy: The property should not have previously availed of an MNRE central solar subsidy for the same connection.

Documents Required

  • Recent Electricity Bill: Issued within the last 2 months showing Consumer Account Number (CA/Consumer ID), sanctioned load, and service address.
  • Aadhaar Card: Proof of identity of the electricity account holder.
  • Proof of Roof Ownership: Property tax receipt, sale deed, or municipal allotment letter.
  • Bank Passbook / Cancelled Cheque: Clear copy showing Account Number and IFSC (must match applicant name for subsidy credit).
  • Passport-size Photograph: Of the applicant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying

  • Installing Non-DCR / Unapproved Panels: MNRE guidelines mandate that subsidized solar modules must use Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) compliant cells and modules listed under the ALMM list. Installing unlisted or imported panels will forfeit your subsidy.
  • Hiring an Unregistered Vendor: You must select a vendor registered with your local DISCOM on the national portal. Private offline agreements with unauthorized technicians are not eligible for subsidy.
  • Name Mismatch on Electricity Bill and Bank Account: The name on your electricity bill, Aadhaar card, and bank account must match. Rectify bill names with your DISCOM beforehand if needed.
  • Applying Beyond Sanctioned Load: Solar capacity cannot exceed your electricity meter's sanctioned load. If you want a 3 kW system but your meter is 1 kW, apply for a load enhancement on your DISCOM portal first.

Steps to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Portal Registration

  1. Go to pmsuryaghar.gov.in and click "Apply for Rooftop Solar".
  2. Select your State and your local Electricity Distribution Company (DISCOM).
  3. Enter your Consumer Account Number (as printed on your bill) and click Next.
  4. Enter your mobile number, verify via OTP, and enter your email address to complete registration.

Step 2: Submit Application & Feasibility Approval

  1. Log in with your Consumer Account Number and Mobile OTP.
  2. Fill out the rooftop solar application form: enter your roof area, sanctioned load, and requested solar capacity (e.g., 3 kW).
  3. Upload a copy of your recent electricity bill.
  4. Submit the application. Your DISCOM will conduct technical feasibility verification (usually takes 3–7 working days).

Step 3: Installation through Registered Vendor

  1. Once Feasibility Approval is granted, browse the portal's approved DISCOM vendor directory.
  2. Select an authorized vendor and sign the standard project agreement.
  3. The vendor will install the DCR-compliant solar panels, inverter, earthing, and lightning arrestor on your roof.

Step 4: Net Meter Application & DISCOM Inspection

  1. After physical installation, submit plant details and vendor work completion documents on the portal.
  2. Apply for Net Metering inspection through the portal.
  3. DISCOM engineers inspect the installation and install the bi-directional Net Meter.
  4. DISCOM generates the online Commissioning Certificate.

Step 5: Subsidy Claim via DBT

  1. Log into your dashboard, enter your bank account details, and upload a cancelled cheque or passbook copy.
  2. The Central Government disburses the subsidy amount (up to ₹78,000) directly to your bank account within 30 days.

How to Track Subsidy & Net Meter Status

  1. Visit pmsuryaghar.gov.in and log in with your registered Consumer Number and OTP.
  2. Click on "Application Status Tracker" on your dashboard.
  3. Monitor your active progress stage: Technical Feasibility Approved: Green checkmark indicates permission to commence installation. Net Meter Inspection Pending: DISCOM engineer visit scheduled within 15 days. Commissioning Certificate Issued: Installation approved. Subsidy Disbursed: Check PFMS reference number and DBT credit date.

Grievance Redressal & Vendor Complaints

If a registered vendor overcharges, delays installation, or the DISCOM delays net meter approval beyond 30 days:

  1. DISCOM Nodal Officer: Contact your division's Superintending Engineer (SE) or Consumer Forum.
  2. National Solar Portal Grievance: Log in and submit a ticket under the "Complaints / Grievances" tab.
  3. National Solar Helpline: Call toll-free 15555 to register a complaint directly with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

ResourceDirect Link / Contact
National Solar Portalpmsuryaghar.gov.in
New Consumer Registrationpmsuryaghar.gov.in/consumerRegistration
Official Operational Guidelines (PDF)mnre.gov.in/PM-Surya-Ghar-Guidelines
Approved Vendor Directorypmsuryaghar.gov.in/vendorDirectory
Solar Subsidy Calculatorpmsuryaghar.gov.in/solarCalculator
National Solar Helpline15555