Introduction
The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is one of India’s most ambitious rooftop solar schemes, aiming to help households generate clean energy from their rooftops and reduce or eliminate electricity bills. In this complete guide, we will walk you through everything — from what the scheme is, who’s eligible, the subsidy structure, how to apply, and key tips to make the process smoother.
What Is PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana?
It is a central government-backed rooftop solar subsidy scheme, encouraging residential households to install grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on their roofs. The Economic Times+2The Economic Times+2
The scheme provides substantial financial assistance (subsidy) to make solar installation affordable. India Brand Equity Foundation+2pmsuryagharr.in+2
Benefit: Households can generate up to 300 units of free electricity per month, depending on the size of the solar system. PM Surya Ghar –
A massive budget has been approved for the scheme — ₹75,021 crore — to support rooftop solar adoption. The Economic Times
Why This Scheme Is a Big Deal
Huge Subsidy — It reduces the upfront cost of installing rooftop solar significantly, making it accessible for many households.
Zero / Low Electricity Bills — Once the solar plant is installed, you can offset a large portion (or all) of your monthly electricity usage via on-grid generation. The Economic Times+1
Eco-friendly — By generating solar power, you reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to India’s clean energy goals.
Long-Term Savings — Solar panels last for decades; the savings on power bills can make this a very good long-term investment.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, you need to meet certain criteria:
Must be an Indian citizen. India Brand Equity Foundation+1
Should own a house with a rooftop that is structurally suitable for solar panel installation. PM Surya Ghar –
Must have a valid electricity connection with your local DISCOM (distribution company). India Brand Equity Foundation
Should not have already availed another solar subsidy for the same rooftop. PM Surya Ghar –
The rooftop should be structurally sound, and there must be enough space to install a solar plant safely. PM Surya Ghar –
Subsidy Structure / Financial Assistance
Here’s how the subsidy works under this scheme:
For systems up to 2 kW, the subsidy is ₹30,000 per kW. pmsuryagharr.in
For additional capacity from 2 kW to 3 kW, the subsidy is ₹18,000 per kW. pmsuryagharr.in
For systems above 3 kW, the maximum subsidy is capped at ₹78,000. pmsuryagharr.in
So for a 3 kW system, you can get up to ₹78,000 subsidy. Moneycontrol
The subsidy is credited to your bank account within ~30 days after successful commissioning and DISCOM inspection. The Economic Times
There’s also a low-interest loan facility (around ~7%) for financing rooftop solar, available through certain banks, without collateral. India Brand Equity Foundation
How to Choose the Right Solar System Size
Your recommended plant capacity depends largely on your monthly electricity consumption and the usable rooftop area.
If you consume 0–150 units/month, a 1–2 kW system is usually sufficient. pmsuryagharr.in
For 150–300 units, a 2–3 kW system may be ideal. ClearTax+1
For more than 300 units, you may go for a bigger system, but subsidy is capped. pmsuryagharr.in
Also consider future usage — if you plan to use more electricity (for ACs, EV charging, etc.), size accordingly.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Here’s how you can apply for the scheme and avail the subsidy:
Visit the Official Portal
Go to the national rooftop solar portal (PM Surya Ghar) to start your application. Moneycontrol+1Register on the Portal
Select your State and your Discom (electricity distribution company). Hindustan Times+1
Enter your Electricity Consumer Number, Mobile Number, and Email ID. Hindustan Times
Submit the registration.
Login and Fill Application
Use your Consumer Number + Mobile Number to login. The Economic Times
Fill in the rooftop solar application form: details about your house, rooftop, your electricity usage, etc. Hindustan Times
Feasibility Approval
After application, your DISCOM will check feasibility (whether your rooftop is suitable, structural strength, shading, etc.). Moneycontrol
Once approved, you will be asked to choose a registered (empanelled) solar vendor to install the plant. Moneycontrol
Installation of Solar Plant
Vendor installs the PV panels, inverter, wiring, and other components.
After installation, you apply for a net meter via the same portal. The Economic Times
Commissioning & DISCOM Inspection
DISCOM inspects the system, installs/verifies the net meter, and issues a commissioning certificate on the portal. Hindustan Times
The commissioning report is generated which you will submit. The Economic Times
Subsidy Disbursement
Upload Bank Account details and a cancelled cheque on the portal. The Economic Times
Once all is verified, the subsidy is transferred to your bank account — typically within 30 days. The Economic Times
Documents Required
To apply, make sure you have:
Proof of Identity: Aadhar Card, Voter ID, or other government ID. PM Surya Ghar –
Proof of Residence: Electricity bill or domicile certificate. PM Surya Ghar –
Consumer Number (from your electricity bill) for DISCOM verification. PM Surya Ghar –
Bank details (account number, IFSC) for subsidy transfer. PM Surya Ghar –
Vendor agreement or quotation: from an approved vendor. PM Surya Ghar –
Photos of rooftop, or site, before installation. PM Surya Ghar –
Tips & Best Practices
Compare Vendors: Use the list of empanelled vendors on the portal and get multiple quotes.
Check Past Installations: Ask the vendor for examples of their work, so you’re confident about quality.
Plan the Plant Capacity Carefully: Don’t just go for maximum possible size — size it according to your consumption and rooftop.
Loan Option: If upfront cost is high, consider taking the low-interest government-backed loan.
Maintain Documentation: Keep records of installation, commissioning, net meter certificate, pictures — these are needed for subsidy disbursal.
Monitor Power Generation: Once installed, track how much solar power your system is producing; this helps in understanding your savings.
Beware of Fraud: Only use verified websites (like pmsuryaghar.gov.in) and empanelled vendors. There have been phishing attempts around subsidy offers.
Benefits & Impact
Huge Savings: With the subsidy, the cost of a 1–3 kW system becomes very affordable.
Free Electricity: With net metering and your own solar plant, a large portion of your electricity bill can be nullified.
Increased Property Value: Solar-installed houses often have higher resale value.
Environmental Impact: Clean energy reduces carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.
Energy Independence: Generating your own electricity reduces dependence on the grid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I install more than 3 kW under this scheme?
Yes, but the subsidy is capped at 3 kW (i.e., maximum ₹78,000). Moneycontrol
Q2. Do I need to pay the vendor first before getting subsidy?
Usually, yes — you pay for installation, and once commissioning is done and inspected, subsidy is transferred later.
Q3. Can I choose any vendor to install my solar panels?
No — you must choose a DISCOM-registered (empanelled) vendor, as only they are authorized.
Q4. What happens after I apply for the net meter?
After application, DISCOM inspects, installs/verifies the net meter, and issues a commissioning certificate. Hindustan Times
Q5. Is there any maintenance cost for the solar system?
Yes, you may have to maintain the system (cleaning panels, minor repairs), but these costs are usually low compared to long-term savings.
Conclusion
The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a powerful scheme for Indian households to embrace clean energy, save money, and secure free (or nearly free) electricity in the long run. By leveraging the subsidy, understanding the process, and choosing reliable vendors, you can set up a rooftop solar system in a financially smart way.
If you have a rooftop and are paying hefty electricity bills, this scheme is definitely worth exploring. It’s a win-win: good for your pocket, and great for the planet.