If you have been thinking about going solar but were worried about the upfront cost, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is designed specifically for you. Launched by the central government, this scheme provides direct subsidies to help Indian households install rooftop solar and enjoy up to 300 units of free electricity every month.
What Is PM Surya Ghar Yojana?
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a government scheme that provides financial support to residential consumers for installing rooftop solar systems. The scheme aims to:
- Install solar panels on 1 crore homes across India
- Provide up to 300 units of free electricity per month to beneficiaries
- Reduce the national electricity subsidy burden
- Boost solar energy adoption and domestic solar manufacturing
How Much Subsidy Can You Get?
- Up to 2 kW: ₹30,000 per kW
- 2 kW to 3 kW: ₹18,000 per kW for the additional capacity
- Above 3 kW: Capped at ₹78,000 total
In simple terms: 1 kW system = ₹30,000 subsidy. 2 kW system = ₹60,000 subsidy. 3 kW or above = ₹78,000 subsidy (maximum). Some states offer additional subsidies on top of the central government amount.
Who Is Eligible for PM Surya Ghar?
- Indian citizens
- Valid electricity connection from a DISCOM
- Own (or have permission to use) a rooftop suitable for solar installation
- Not already receiving a subsidy for rooftop solar under another government scheme
There is no income cap. Both urban and rural households can apply.
How to Apply for PM Surya Ghar
- Visit the official PM Surya Ghar portal at pmsuryaghar.gov.in
- Register using your state, DISCOM, and electricity consumer number
- Apply for rooftop solar installation on the portal
- A DISCOM-approved solar vendor will contact you for a site survey
- Choose your installer and get the system installed
- Once installation is complete, submit a commissioning certificate and your bank details on the portal
- The subsidy is credited directly to your bank account
Choosing Panels That Qualify for Subsidy
Under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, panels used in subsidy-linked installations must comply with Domestic Content Requirements (DCR) and carry the relevant BIS certification. Zetwerk's Zap91 range of solar modules is manufactured in India through a partnership with Pennar Industries, and the modules are designed to meet the certification requirements for PM Surya Ghar-linked installations. The ORION (N-Type TOPCon, 570 to 580Wp) and NOVA (P-Type MonoPERC, 525 to 555W) are both available for residential and commercial procurement.
How Much Free Electricity Will You Get?
A 3 kW system in most parts of India generates roughly 350 to 450 units per month. The scheme's promise of 300 units of free electricity is based on this average generation for a household with typical consumption of under 300 units per month. Any units you do not use can be exported to the grid through net metering for additional credit.
Key Takeaways
- PM Surya Ghar offers up to ₹78,000 subsidy for residential rooftop solar
- The scheme is open to all Indian residential electricity consumers
- Apply online through pmsuryaghar.gov.in
- A 3 kW system can generate up to 300 units per month of electricity at near-zero cost
FAQs
Can renters apply for PM Surya Ghar?
Renters can apply if they have written permission from the property owner. The electricity connection should be in the applicant's name.
How long does it take to receive the subsidy?
After successful installation, inspection, and submission of documents, the subsidy is typically credited within 30 to 60 days.
Is this scheme only for homes or for businesses too?
The PM Surya Ghar scheme is specifically for residential consumers. Commercial and industrial establishments have separate incentive structures.
