PM Surya Ghar Subsidy 2026
Complete Application Guide
Everything you need to know about India's biggest rooftop solar subsidy — eligibility, amounts, application steps, and common mistakes to avoid.
What is PM Surya Ghar?
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is the Indian government's flagship rooftop solar subsidy scheme launched under MNRE. The programme aims to install rooftop solar on one crore (10 million) residential households by 2027, with a budget of ₹75,021 crore.
The subsidy is disbursed directly to your bank account through DBT after installation. Unlike previous schemes that routed subsidies through installers (leading to markups), PM Surya Ghar ensures 100% transparency.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the PM Surya Ghar subsidy in 2026, you must meet all of these criteria:
Residential connection — Commercial, industrial, and agricultural connections are not eligible.
Property ownership — The electricity bill must be in the applicant's name.
No existing solar — Homes with existing grid-connected systems cannot apply.
Minimum 100 sq ft shadow-free roof area for a 1kW system.
System capacity cannot exceed your sanctioned electrical load.
Aadhaar must be linked to registered mobile number for OTP verification.
Subsidy Amounts (2026)
The PM Surya Ghar subsidy follows a tiered structure:
Some states offer additional state-level subsidies. UP provides ₹15,000/kW (max ₹30,000) through UPNEDA, and Delhi offers a GBI of ₹3/unit for 5 years. Check your state's renewable energy agency for local incentives.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Follow these steps carefully to apply:
Register on the Portal
Visit pmsuryaghar.gov.in and register using your electricity consumer number. Verify via Aadhaar OTP.
Select State & DISCOM
Choose your state, district, and electricity distribution company. The system auto-fetches connection details.
Choose System Capacity
Based on your monthly bill and roof space, select 1kW–10kW. The portal shows your applicable subsidy.
Select Empaneled Vendor
Choose from the MNRE-empaneled vendors list. Never choose a non-empaneled vendor — you'll lose the subsidy.
Get Feasibility Approval
Your DISCOM conducts a technical check. This takes 7–15 working days.
Installation
The vendor installs the system. Residential systems typically take 1–3 days.
Net Meter Application
Apply for a bi-directional net meter through your DISCOM. Installed within 15–30 days.
Commissioning
DISCOM inspects and commissions the system. You receive a commissioning certificate.
Claim Subsidy
Upload commissioning certificate + bank details on the portal. Subsidy credited via DBT within 30 working days.
Documents Required
Keep These Ready Before Applying
- ✓ Latest electricity bill (not older than 3 months)
- ✓ Aadhaar card (linked to active mobile number)
- ✓ Bank passbook or cancelled cheque (for DBT)
- ✓ Passport-size photograph
- ✓ Roof photograph showing shadow-free area
- ✓ Property ownership proof (sale deed, tax receipt, or society NOC)
Timeline & Disbursement
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Registration + vendor selection | 1–2 days |
| DISCOM feasibility approval | 7–15 working days |
| Installation | 1–3 days |
| Net meter installation | 15–30 working days |
| Commissioning & inspection | 5–10 working days |
| Subsidy disbursement (DBT) | 30 working days |
Total estimated time: 2–3 months from application to subsidy receipt. Net metering approval is typically the longest step due to DISCOM backlogs in high-demand states.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Non-empaneled vendor
#1 reason for rejection. Always verify your installer is on the MNRE empaneled list.
Mismatched bank details
Account name must exactly match the electricity connection name. Even minor spelling differences delay DBT.
Installing before approval
Never start before DISCOM feasibility clearance. Premature installations lose net metering eligibility.
Oversizing the system
Capacity beyond sanctioned load = DISCOM rejects net metering application.
Forgetting commissioning upload
Many homeowners install but forget to upload the certificate on the portal. No upload = no subsidy.
Paying 100% upfront
Reputable vendors ask 30–50% advance. Full upfront payment is a red flag.
For a personalised estimate of your savings after subsidy, use our free Solar ROI Calculator which uses real DISCOM tariff data and the latest 2026 subsidy rates.
State-Wise Subsidy Comparison (2026)
The central government provides a fixed subsidy under PM Surya Ghar. Several states layer additional incentives on top. Here is the complete picture for the six largest solar adoption states in India as of April 2026:
| State | DISCOM | Central Subsidy (3kW) | State Top-Up | Extra Incentive | Total Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | UPPCL | ₹78,000 | ₹30,000 (UPNEDA) | — | ₹1,08,000 |
| Delhi | BSES / Tata Power | ₹78,000 | ₹10,000 | ₹3/unit GBI (5 yr) | ₹88,000 + GBI |
| Maharashtra | MSEDCL | ₹78,000 | — | — | ₹78,000 |
| Karnataka | BESCOM | ₹78,000 | — | — | ₹78,000 |
| Gujarat | GUVNL | ₹78,000 | — | ₹2.25/unit buyback | ₹78,000 + buyback |
| Tamil Nadu | TANGEDCO | ₹78,000 | — | Annual credit settlement | ₹78,000 |
2026 Budget Update: What Changed
The Union Budget 2026 brought several changes to the PM Surya Ghar scheme that directly affect homeowners applying this year. Understanding what changed helps you plan your application correctly and avoid delays caused by outdated information.
System Cap Raised to 10 kW
Previously capped at 3 kW for maximum subsidy eligibility. Now homes with higher consumption can install up to 10 kW and still receive the ₹78,000 central subsidy. The subsidy amount itself does not increase beyond ₹78,000 for systems over 3 kW.
Faster DISCOM Approvals Mandated
The 2026 guidelines require DISCOMs to complete feasibility approval within 15 working days (reduced from 30 days). Delays beyond this window now trigger automatic escalation to the state SERC.
Collateral-Free Loans Up to ₹2 Lakh
Nationalised banks are now required under the scheme to offer collateral-free solar loans of up to ₹2 lakh at concessional rates of 7–8% per annum. This removes the biggest financial barrier for middle-income households.
Empanelled Vendor List Expanded
MNRE expanded the approved installer network by 40% in Q1 2026, adding manufacturers from tier-2 cities. This means faster on-ground availability and better price competition in cities like Nagpur, Coimbatore, and Jaipur.
Single-Window Portal Enhancement
The national portal at pmsuryaghar.gov.in now provides real-time application status tracking, direct DISCOM communication, and one-click grievance filing — replacing the previous multi-step complaint process.
Calculate Subsidy for Your State
Get exact savings based on your DISCOM tariff and 2026 PM Surya Ghar rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for PM Surya Ghar if I already have solar panels?+
Is the subsidy available for commercial properties?+
How long does the subsidy take to arrive?+
Can tenants apply for the subsidy?+
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