Launched in February 2024, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is the largest solar subsidy programme India has ever seen — with ₹75,021 crore allocated and a target of 1 crore rooftop solar installations. Here is exactly how to claim your subsidy, step by step.
What is PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?
Announced by PM Modi in February 2024, this scheme provides direct benefit transfer (DBT) subsidies to homeowners installing grid-connected rooftop solar systems. The goal: enable 1 crore households to generate their own clean electricity, reduce electricity bills to near zero, and earn income by selling surplus power back to the grid.
Unlike older MNRE schemes that routed subsidies through installers, PM Surya Ghar pays the subsidy directly into your bank account within 30 days of installation and inspection — making it faster and more transparent.
How Much Subsidy Can You Get?
| System Size | Central Subsidy | Subsidy as % of cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | ₹30,000 | 40–45% |
| 2 kW | ₹60,000 | 40–46% |
| 3 kW | ₹78,000 | 35–40% |
| 4 kW and above | ₹78,000 (capped) | 20–28% |
The subsidy is calculated as ₹30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW, then ₹18,000 for the third kW — and is capped at ₹78,000 regardless of larger system sizes. Some states also offer an additional top-up subsidy; Karnataka offers further support under its own renewable energy policy.
The subsidy only applies to residential rooftop installations by homeowners. It does not apply to commercial, industrial, or housing society common area installations (though those may be eligible under separate commercial schemes).
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
- Register on the PM Surya Ghar portal (pmsuryaghar.gov.in) using your electricity consumer number and mobile number linked to your account.
- Apply for rooftop solar feasibility — your DISCOM (e.g. BESCOM) will assess your connection capacity and issue a feasibility letter, typically within 15 days.
- Select a registered vendor — choose from MNRE-empanelled installers on the portal. SunVana is registered and eligible.
- System installation — your chosen installer sets up the solar system, obtains municipal and electrical clearances where required.
- Net metering connection — BESCOM inspects the installation and installs a bidirectional net meter.
- Submit commissioning certificate — upload the DISCOM-issued commissioning report and your bank details on the portal.
- Subsidy credited to your bank account — the central subsidy is transferred via DBT within 30 days of approval.
Documents You Will Need
- Aadhaar card
- Electricity consumer account number (from your BESCOM bill)
- Bank account details (for DBT transfer)
- Property ownership proof (sale deed or khata for BBMP areas)
- Passport-size photograph
- Mobile number registered with Aadhaar
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing an unregistered installer: Your installer must be registered on the PM Surya Ghar portal for the subsidy to apply. Always verify before signing a contract.
- Exceeding sanctioned load: Your solar system capacity cannot exceed your sanctioned electrical load. If your connection is 5 kW, your solar system should not exceed 5 kW.
- Delaying the application: Start the portal registration before installation begins — some steps require pre-installation approval from your DISCOM.
- Using non-BIS certified components: All panels and inverters must meet Bureau of Indian Standards certification to qualify for subsidy.
SunVana manages the entire PM Surya Ghar subsidy process for our customers — from portal registration to BESCOM coordination to subsidy follow-up. You don't need to navigate the bureaucracy yourself.