The rooftop solar subsidy, explained simply.
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana pays a central subsidy of up to ₹78,000 directly into your bank account when you install rooftop solar. Here is how it works in plain language — and how we take the paperwork off your plate.
How much subsidy do you get?
| System size | Central subsidy |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | ₹30,000 |
| 2 kW | ₹60,000 |
| 3 kW and above | ₹78,000 (capped) |
The subsidy is credited directly to your bank account after commissioning — it is not a discount a vendor gives you, and no honest vendor "keeps" it. Figures as of 2026; confirm current rates on pmsuryaghar.gov.in.
Who is eligible?
- You own a residential property with a roof you have rights to use.
- You have (or take) a grid electricity connection in your name.
- The system is grid-connected with net metering — the subsidy is for on-grid systems.
- Applications must go through the official National Portal — this also preserves certain compliance exemptions that keep system costs lower.
How the process actually runs
- 1. Apply on the National Portal — with your electricity connection details. We register this for you.
- 2. Feasibility approval from your DISCOM — PSPCL in Punjab, the Chandigarh distribution licensee in the UT, UHBVN/DHBVN in Haryana, HPSEBL in Himachal.
- 3. Installation by a registered vendor — using compliant, BIS-certified equipment; we supply exactly this.
- 4. Net meter installation — your DISCOM fits the meter that credits your exports.
- 5. Inspection & commissioning certificate — generated through the portal.
- 6. Subsidy lands in your bank account — after commissioning details are verified.
Realistically the full journey takes a few weeks to a couple of months depending on your DISCOM's queue — the paperwork being right the first time is what keeps you at the fast end, and that is the part we own for you.
State by state, in our region
- Punjab (PSPCL) — the state is far behind its rooftop targets, which means approvals are actively encouraged. Larger homes typically install 5 kW: the subsidy caps at ₹78,000, and the remaining slabs of your bill are where solar saves hardest.
- Chandigarh — the UT has among the most visible solar pushes in the region, including proposals to top up the central subsidy for 3 kW systems (announced as proposed, not yet notified — we track this so you don't have to).
- Haryana (UHBVN/DHBVN) — central subsidy applies; Panchkula and Ambala belt homes are strong candidates.
- Himachal (HPSEBL) — central subsidy applies fully in the hills; equipment choice matters more (see solar in Himachal).
Why timing matters in 2026
For the national picture, our PM Surya Ghar tracker reports installations, applications and subsidy released for all 36 states and union territories, refreshed daily.
Two clocks are ticking: certain equipment-compliance exemptions that keep system prices lower are tied to commissioning deadlines (31 December 2026 for net-metered projects, and 31 March 2027 for portal-route residential applicants), and module prices are widely expected to firm up as domestic-content rules tighten in 2027. Installing this year is likely to be cheaper than installing next year.
Frequently asked questions
Is the PM Surya Ghar subsidy really paid to me directly?
Yes — after your system is commissioned and verified, the subsidy is credited directly to your bank account by the government. A vendor who offers to 'adjust' the subsidy in the price is a red flag.
Can I get the subsidy for a 5 kW system?
Yes. The subsidy caps at ₹78,000 (the 3 kW amount), so a 5 kW system receives ₹78,000 — and the larger system typically saves more on your bill, which is why many Punjab homes choose 5 kW.
Do I need to apply before buying the system?
Yes — apply on the National Portal and get DISCOM feasibility approval before installation. Applying through the portal is also what keeps you eligible for the subsidy and current compliance exemptions. We handle this sequencing for you.
How long does the subsidy take to arrive?
Typically a few weeks after commissioning, assuming the file is clean: correct documents, compliant equipment, net meter installed and the commissioning report verified. Clean files are our specialty.
Does the subsidy apply to businesses too?
PM Surya Ghar is a residential scheme. Businesses and industry benefit differently — through accelerated depreciation, net metering and simply lower daytime tariffs; we advise commercial customers separately.