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PM Surya Ghar Yojana, full name PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, pays a central subsidy of 30,000 rupees per kW for the first 2 kW of a home rooftop solar system and 18,000 rupees for the third kW, so a 3 kW system or larger gets at most 78,000 rupees. The subsidy reaches your bank account after the system is installed, inspected and the net meter is fitted.
The aim is that a family making enough power on its own roof can use up to 300 units a month at little or no cost. You apply on the national rooftop solar portal, pick a registered vendor, and your electricity distribution company (the DISCOM) checks and commissions the system.
At a glance
Run by
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, with state DISCOMsSubsidy
30,000 rupees per kW up to 2 kW, 18,000 for the third kW, maximum 78,000Who can apply
Households with their own roof and a valid domestic electricity connectionApply at
pmsuryaghar.gov.in or the national rooftop solar appPaid
Into your bank account after commissioningHousing societies
18,000 rupees per kW for common facilities, as listed on the portal
PM Surya Ghar Yojana subsidy chart
| Average monthly use | Suitable system size | Subsidy |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 150 units | 1 to 2 kW | 30,000 to 60,000 rupees |
| 150 to 300 units | 2 to 3 kW | 60,000 to 78,000 rupees |
| Above 300 units | Above 3 kW | 78,000 rupees |
The calculation behind it: 1 kW gets 30,000, 2 kW gets 60,000, 3 kW gets 60,000 plus 18,000, which is 78,000. A 5 kW system still gets 78,000. Hill and special category states have had higher per kW figures, so check your state on the portal.
What a system costs and the price list question
There is no single government price list. Vendors registered on the portal quote their own price, which depends on panel type, inverter, structure height and your roof. The subsidy is fixed by size, so the amount you pay is the quote minus the subsidy, paid upfront to the vendor and recovered when the subsidy arrives.
If a vendor quotes 1.9 lakh for a 3 kW system, you pay the vendor in full, and after commissioning 78,000 rupees comes back to your account. Your own cost is about 1.12 lakh. Use the portal calculator and get two or three quotes before deciding.
The portal also lists collateral free loans from public sector banks for systems up to 3 kW. Check the current interest rate and terms online or with the branch manager.
Who can apply
- An Indian household that owns the house, with a roof that can hold the panels and gets sunlight most of the day.
- A valid domestic electricity connection in the applicant's name.
- No earlier central subsidy taken for rooftop solar on the same connection.
Tenants usually need the owner to apply, since the connection and roof are the owner's. Flats in a building apply through the housing society or residents welfare association for common use systems.
PM Surya Ghar Yojana online apply process
- Go to pmsuryaghar.gov.in and tap Apply for Rooftop Solar.
- Register with your state, electricity distribution company, consumer number from your bill, mobile number and email.
- Log in with the consumer number and mobile OTP and fill in the rooftop solar form.
- Wait for feasibility approval from the DISCOM.
- Choose a vendor registered with your DISCOM and get the plant installed.
- Submit plant details on the portal and apply for the net meter.
- After the net meter is fitted and the DISCOM inspects, a commissioning certificate is generated on the portal.
- Enter your bank account details and a cancelled cheque. The subsidy is credited to that account.
Common problems
| Snag | Why it happens | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Feasibility pending a long time | DISCOM checking load or transformer capacity | Follow up with the sub-division office |
| Name mismatch | Bill in a dead relative's name | Get the connection transferred first |
| Subsidy not received after commissioning | Bank details not entered or rejected | Log in and re-check the account details |
| Vendor asks you to pay the subsidy share too | Normal: you pay full price first | Make sure the vendor is on the portal list |
Old names and fake offers
The scheme was first announced as the Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana, which is why many people still search for "PM Suryoday yojana", "solar panel yojana" or "PM solar scheme". It was launched as PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The word muft means the free power you make yourself, not free panels. Anyone promising a "free solar panel scheme by government of India" for a fee is not official.
Farmers who need solar pumps should read the KUSUM scheme guide. Karnataka households may also look at Gruha Jyothi for free power units. See all central schemes on the PM yojana list.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the pm surya ghar yojana subsidy for 3 kW?
78,000 rupees: 30,000 for each of the first two kW and 18,000 for the third.
What is the pm solar yojana 3kw price?
There is no fixed government price. Vendors quote their own rates; you pay the vendor and then receive 78,000 rupees subsidy for 3 kW.
Is the pm surya ghar muft bijli yojana really free?
The panels are not free. You get a fixed subsidy, and the power the panels make can cut your bill, up to about 300 units a month for a suitable system.
Can I get subsidy for a 5 kW rooftop solar system?
Yes, but it is capped at 78,000 rupees for homes, the same as for 3 kW.
How do I log in to the pm surya ghar scheme portal?
Use your consumer number and the mobile number you registered, then the OTP. Your application status shows after login.
When is the subsidy paid?
After the DISCOM inspects the plant, fits the net meter and the commissioning certificate is generated, and you enter your bank details.
Official sources
- PM Surya Ghar national portal for rooftop solarpmsuryaghar.gov.in
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energymnre.gov.in
Rules, amounts and portals can change. Check the official source before you apply or deposit.