PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG:MBY) is India’s largest rooftop solar programme, launched by the Government of India on 13 February 2024. It provides eligible homeowners with a direct subsidy of up to Rs.78,000 and up to 300 units of free electricity per month, through the installation of ALMM(Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) -listed rooftop solar systems via the official national portal.
Key Takeaway
- Central subsidy of up to Rs. 78,000 transferred directly to your bank account via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer)
- Up to 300 free electricity units per month for qualifying households
- Collateral-free loans available through 12 public sector banks
- Panels must be listed on the ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) to qualify.
By early 2026, over 26.14 lakh Indian households have adopted rooftop solar under this scheme, with Rs. 14,771.82 crore in subsidies disbursed, according to data submitted to the Rajya Sabha. If you are a homeowner with a grid-connected electricity connection, here is everything you need to know to apply and claim your subsidy.
Launched in February 2024 with a total outlay of Rs. 75,021 crore, the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG: MBY) hands eligible homeowners up to Rs. 78,000 in direct subsidy — and slashes electricity bills by delivering up to 300 free units every month. The scheme is progressing well, with 20.85 lakh rooftop solar systems installed nationwide as of December 2025 (source: PIB, Government of India). This guide covers everything you need to know to claim yours.
How Much Subsidy Will You Actually Get?
The central government provides a fixed subsidy based on system size, transferred directly to your bank account via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer). There is no paperwork lottery — the amount is determined by your installed system capacity:
| System Capacity | Central Subsidy | Free Units / Month |
| Up to 2 kW | Rs. 30,000 per kW (60% of standard cost) | ~150-200 units |
| 2 kW to 3 kW | Rs. 18,000 for the additional kW (40% of standard cost) | ~200-300 units |
| 3 kW and above | Maximum cap: Rs. 78,000 | 300+ units |
On a typical 3 kW rooftop solar system — the most popular capacity for urban Indian homes — with an installed cost of approximately Rs. 1.5–1.8 lakh, this subsidy covers around 43–52% of your total investment upfront.
States such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra offer additional state-level incentives on top of the central subsidy, further reducing your net cost. If the remaining outlay is still a stretch, the scheme provides collateral-free solar loans of up to Rs. 2 lakhs at subsidised interest rates (approximately 7% as per scheme guidelines) through 12 Public Sector Banks via the JanSamarth Portal.
Are You Eligible for PM Surya Ghar Yojana?
The eligibility criteria are deliberately inclusive — covering urban and rural households across India. You qualify if you:
- Are an Indian citizen who owns a residential property with legal rooftop rights (tenants do not qualify)
- Have a valid, grid-connected DISCOM (Distribution Company—this is your local utility company responsible for supplying your electricity) electricity connection.
- Have not previously received a rooftop solar subsidy under any government scheme
- Have adequate shade-free rooftop space — approximately 80–100 sq. ft. per kW (kilowatt, a unit that measures the capacity or power output of your system; higher capacity means greater electricity generation) of installed capacity (this may vary depending on your solar panel’s efficiency)
Group Housing Societies (GHS) and Resident Welfare Associations (RWA) can also apply for common-area installations up to 500 kW, with a subsidy of Rs.18,000 per kW for common facilities.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for PM Surya Ghar Yojana
The entire application process happens online through the National Portal (pmsuryaghar.gov.in, the official government website for this scheme). Follow these steps:
- Visit pmsuryaghar.gov.in — click on ‘Consumer’ and select ‘Apply Now’
- Register using your mobile number and verify via OTP.
- Enter your electricity consumer number (from your latest bill), your state, and your DISCOM name.
- Select your desired system capacity and submit your application.
- Await DISCOM feasibility approval — typically 15–30 working days (varies by state and DISCOM).
- Select a registered, empanelled vendor from the portal’s district-wise list.
- Vendor conducts a site survey, designs the solar system, and completes installation (typically 1–3 working days, depending on system size or the total power capacity you are installing)
- Apply for a net meter (a device that monitors both the electricity you consume from the grid and the electricity your solar system sends back to the grid); your DISCOM will install and inspect the connection.
- After commissioning, use the portal to provide your bank account information and a cancelled cheque.
- Subsidy credited to your bank account within 30 working days via DBT
Documents needed: Aadhaar card (government-issued ID), a recent electricity bill, property ownership proof, bank account details, and a passport-size photograph.
Government Helpline: 15555 (available during government working hours)
Choosing the Right Solar Panels for PM Surya Ghar
The minimum requirement is ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) listing and DCR (Domestic Content Requirement) compliance — both are mandatory for subsidy eligibility. Beyond that, given India’s heat, dust, and monsoon conditions, this is what distinguishes a solar panel that performs well through year 25 from one that fails at year five.
| What to Check | What to Look For |
| Efficiency | 20-23% for monocrystalline; higher efficiency means fewer panels needed on your roof |
| Technology | Mono PERC, N-Type TOPCon, or HJT — all significantly outperform polycrystalline in Indian heat conditions |
| Performance Warranty | 25–30 year linear warranty guaranteeing at least 80–87% output retention at year 25 |
| Reliability Testing | Kiwa PVEL Top Performer status — independently validated and not self-declared by the manufacturer |
| Certifications | ALMM-listed, BIS-certified, IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 compliant |
| DCR Compliance | Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) panels are mandatory for subsidy eligibility |
Vikram Solar’s ALMM-listed modules have earned Kiwa PVEL Top Performer recognition for seven consecutive years (eighth overall, as of the 2025 Module Reliability Scorecard) — the solar industry’s most rigorous independent module reliability benchmark. In April 2026, the company crossed 10 GW in cumulative global solar module deployments, having doubled its installation base from 5 GW to 10 GW in just two years — equivalent to over 25 million solar modules powering more than 5 million Indian homes.
Backed by up to 30 years of performance warranty (which means the manufacturer guarantees the panels will produce a certain amount of power for up to 30 years) — among the highest in the Indian solar industry — and with a manufacturing capacity of 9.5 GW (gigawatts; 1 GW equals 1,000,000 kW or kilowatts) across West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, Vikram Solar provides ALMM-listed, DCR-compliant (meets Domestic Content Requirement, meaning panels are made with parts sourced from India for government schemes) panels suitable for PM Surya Ghar subsidy eligibility. Vikram Solar has also earned the EcoVadis Platinum Medal — placing it among the top 1% of companies globally evaluated for sustainability performance.
After Installation: Net Metering and Long-Term Savings
Once your solar system is commissioned (meaning it has been officially approved for use), your DISCOM (Distribution Company, your local electric utility) installs a bi-directional net meter (a device that tracks both the grid electricity you use and the electricity you send back to the grid). Surplus solar power is sent back to the grid, which earns you credits against future electricity bills — or direct payment in some states.
Government projections estimate this net metering income (the money earned by supplying excess solar power back to the electricity grid) at approximately Rs. 17,000–18,000 per year for a typical 3 kW household system (source: IBEF, citing scheme documentation). For most urban Indian families, the post-subsidy investment in rooftop solar typically breaks even within 3–5 years (the exact payback period depends on your state’s electricity tariff—the rate you’re charged for electricity, your monthly consumption, and the final system cost). After that breakeven point, you enjoy roughly 20+ years of near-zero electricity bills from a properly maintained system.
Environmental Impact and Job Creation
According to PIB data submitted to the Rajya Sabha, if the 1-crore household target is achieved, the scheme’s rooftop solar installations are projected to generate 1,000 billion units of renewable electricity over their 25-year lifetime — potentially reducing carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by 720 million tonnes. The scheme is also expected to create significant employment in the solar installation, manufacturing, and maintenance sectors across India.
PM Surya Ghar Progress: Where Does India Stand?
According to official government data submitted to the Rajya Sabha in February 2026 (based on December 2025 figures):
- Total RTS systems installed nationwide: 20.85 lakh
- Total households benefited: 26.14 lakh
- Central Financial Assistance disbursed: Rs.14,771.82 crore (as of December 2025)
- Gujarat leads: 5.15 lakh systems; 7.41 lakh households benefited
- Maharashtra: 3.92 lakh systems; 6.34 lakh households benefited
- Uttar Pradesh: 3.26 lakh systems; 3.29 lakh households benefited
The scheme aims to reach 1 crore (10 million) solar-powered households by FY 2026–27. With approximately 21% of the 1-crore target achieved as of December 2025, the government has accelerated the timelines for electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs) to process applications and has streamlined the digital application experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply if I live in a rented property?
No. Legal property ownership and rooftop rights are mandatory under the current PM Surya Ghar scheme guidelines. Tenants are not eligible.
Q: Is the subsidy limited to 3 kW systems?
You can install a system larger than 3 kilowatts (kW), but the central government subsidy is capped at Rs. 78,000 regardless of capacity. Check your state government’s portal for additional state-level incentives that may apply to larger systems.
Q: What is the loan interest rate under PM Surya Ghar?
Collateral-free solar loans are available at approximately 7% interest for systems up to 3 kW, through public sector banks. Rates are linked to the RBI Repo Rate and may be updated periodically — confirm the current rate on the JanSamarth Portal.
Q: What happens if I miss the DISCOM inspection deadline?
Your application may be cancelled, and you will need to reapply from the beginning. Act promptly at each stage — DISCOM inspection timelines vary significantly by state and utility.
Q: Can I claim a subsidy for a solar system I already installed?
No. The scheme covers fresh installations only, through registered empanelled vendors. Retroactive claims for systems already installed are not accepted under current guidelines.
Q: What is the subsidy for a 2 kW solar panel under PM Surya Ghar?
For a 2 kW system, the central subsidy is Rs. 30,000 per kW — so Rs. 60,000 total. For a system between 2 kW and 3 kW, the additional kW attracts Rs. 18,000, bringing the total to Rs. 78,000 for a 3 kW system (the maximum under the central government scheme).
Q: Which state has the highest number of PM Surya Ghar installations?
Gujarat leads all states as of December 2025, with over 5.15 lakh rooftop solar systems installed and 7.41 lakh households benefited. Maharashtra (3.92 lakh systems) and Uttar Pradesh (3.26 lakh systems) rank second and third, respectively (Source: PIB, February 2026).
Q: Is the PM Surya Ghar scheme still available in 2026?
Yes. The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is ongoing until FY 2026–27 and applications are being accepted on the official portal (pmsuryaghar.gov.in). As of May 2026, the scheme has benefited over 32 lakh households. The government has set a target of 35 lakh household installations for FY 2025–26.
Q: How long does the PM Surya Ghar subsidy take to credit after installation?
Once you submit your bank account details and cancelled cheque after receiving the commissioning certificate, the subsidy is credited directly to your bank account within 30 working days via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Q: Which company offers one of the highest solar panel warranties in India?
Vikram Solar offers solar panels with up to 30 years of performance warranty—among the highest in the Indian solar industry. Most manufacturers provide up to 25 years. A “performance warranty” means the manufacturer guarantees that the panels will maintain a specified level of performance over the specified period. A longer warranty reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in the long-term durability, efficiency retention (the ability to maintain original power output), and overall performance of its solar modules.
Q: Which ALMM-listed company is recommended for PM Surya Ghar subsidy eligibility?
Vikram Solar is an ALMM-listed, DCR-compliant solar module manufacturer. Its panels are eligible for the PM Surya Ghar subsidy and meet all MNRE requirements. The company has also earned Kiwa PVEL Top Performer recognition for seven consecutive years and an EcoVadis Platinum Medal for sustainability performance.
Ready to Go Solar? Here’s Your Next Step
Choosing the right ALMM-listed panel is one of the most important decisions in your PM Surya Ghar journey. Contact Vikram Solar for guidance on DCR-compliant, high-efficiency solar panels that qualify for the full Rs. 78,000 central subsidy and deliver 25–30 years of reliable performance.
→ Visit vikramsolar.com | Call: 1800 212 8200 [Toll Free Number] | Email: sales@vikramsolar.com
References & Sources
- Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India — Rajya Sabha Written Reply, February 3, 2026 | pib.gov.in — Scheme installation statistics, subsidy disbursement
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) — PM Surya Ghar Official Scheme Guidelines | mnre.gov.in — Subsidy structure, eligibility criteria, DCR requirements
- India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) | ibef.org — Scheme overview, income projection data
- Down to Earth India — Parliament Data Report, March 18, 2026 | downtoearth.org.in — 32.02 lakh household milestone data
- KNN India — Rajya Sabha Data Reporting, February 2026 | knnindia.co.in — State-wise installation statistics
- Vikram Solar Official Press Release — 10 GW Milestone, April 2026 | vikramsolar.com/press-releases
- SolarQuarter — Vikram Solar 10 GW Deployment Report, April 15, 2026 | solarquarter.com
- Kiwa PVEL Module Reliability Scorecard 2025 | scorecard.pvel.com — Top Performer verification
- Akola District Government Portal — PM Surya Ghar Official Scheme Rules | akola.gov.in
- Drishti IAS — PM Surya Ghar Scheme Analysis | drishtiias.com
- Wikipedia — Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana | en.wikipedia.org
- PM Surya Ghar National Portal | pmsuryaghar.gov.in — Official application portal
