PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Subsidy Amounts, Eligibility, and How to Apply Online
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is the central government's flagship rooftop-solar scheme. It helps households install solar panels at a heavily subsidised cost, with the goal of giving families up to 300 free units of electricity a month and cutting their power bills to near zero. The scheme targets 1 crore households across India.
If your monthly electricity bill stings and you own your roof, this is the scheme to read about.
What you get
- A central subsidy of ₹30,000 to ₹78,000 towards a rooftop solar system, paid directly to your bank account
- Up to 300 units of free electricity per month once a suitably sized system is installed
- Lower or near-zero electricity bills, plus the ability to sell surplus power back to the grid through net metering
Subsidy amounts by system size
The subsidy depends on the capacity of the rooftop system you install:
| System capacity | Central subsidy |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | ₹30,000 |
| 2 kW | ₹60,000 |
| 3 kW and above | ₹78,000 (maximum) |
The subsidy is capped at ₹78,000, no matter how large the system. For most homes, a 2–3 kW system is enough to cover typical household consumption.
Who is eligible
- You must be an Indian citizen who owns a residential home (joint ownership also qualifies)
- The home must have a valid electricity connection / active meter in your name or a family member's name
- You need a shadow-free rooftop with enough space — roughly 10 sq. metres per kW
- The name on the application must match your records exactly, so the subsidy (DBT) reaches the right bank account
How to apply, step by step
Step 1: Register on the national portal
Go to the official portal at pmsuryaghar.gov.in and register using your mobile number, electricity consumer details, Aadhaar, and email. Select your state and your electricity distribution company (DISCOM).
Step 2: Submit your application
Log in and apply for rooftop solar. Upload your latest electricity bill and the required details.
Step 3: Wait for technical feasibility approval
Your DISCOM checks technical feasibility (whether your connection and area can support rooftop solar). This approval is needed before installation.
Step 4: Choose an empanelled vendor and install
Pick a registered / MNRE-empanelled vendor from the list on the portal and get the system installed. Using an empanelled vendor protects your subsidy eligibility.
Step 5: Apply for net metering
After installation, apply for net metering. Once the meter is installed and the DISCOM inspects and approves, your plant is commissioned.
Step 6: Submit details and receive the subsidy
Upload the commissioning certificate and your bank account details on the portal. The subsidy is then credited to your bank account, typically within about 30 days.
Is it worth it?
For a household that owns its roof and pays a meaningful monthly bill, the maths is usually favourable: the upfront cost drops sharply after the subsidy, and the system pays for itself over a few years through bill savings — after which the electricity is effectively free for the life of the panels.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get cash, or is the panel free? The panel is not free — you pay the installer, and the government credits the subsidy (₹30,000–₹78,000) to your bank account. The "free electricity" comes from the power the panels generate.
Can renters apply? The scheme is designed for homeowners. You need ownership of the property and the rooftop.
What if I use more than 300 units? You still benefit. The panels offset a large share of your usage; you pay only for consumption beyond what the system generates, often at a much lower net bill.
Which vendors should I use? Always choose a vendor listed / empanelled on the official portal. Avoid agents who promise "100% free panels" or ask for payments outside the official process.
Check what else you may qualify for
Want to see which other government schemes fit your household? Try our eligibility checker — it takes under a minute, and your answers stay in your browser.
Subsidy slabs and rules can change. Always verify the latest details and apply only through the official portal, pmsuryaghar.gov.in.