PM Surya Ghar Yojana: Get up to ₹78,000 subsidy! Step-by-step guide to making your electricity bill zero.

The scheme was introduced by the Government of India and is administered by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). It is designed to provide Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to residential electricity consumers installing grid-connected rooftop solar systems.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the initiative with a target of installing rooftop solar systems in one crore households across the country. According to MNRE guidelines, beneficiaries can receive subsidies directly in their bank accounts after successful installation, inspection, and commissioning of systems.

The PM Surya Ghar Yojana builds upon earlier rooftop solar programmes but introduces a unified national portal to simplify applications and improve transparency.

Subsidy Structure: How the ₹78,000 Benefit Is Calculated

The subsidy amount depends on the size of the installed solar system:

• ₹30,000 for systems up to 1 kW
• ₹60,000 for systems up to 2 kW
• ₹78,000 for systems of 3 kW and above

The maximum support is capped at ₹78,000 per household. Only residential consumers are eligible. The subsidy is transferred after inspection approval by the local distribution company (DISCOM). Systems must be installed through empanelled vendors listed on the official portal.

Why the Government Is Promoting Rooftop Solar

India has set ambitious renewable energy targets. According to the Central Electricity Authority, renewable sources form a growing share of installed electricity capacity. However, rooftop solar remains underutilised compared to large-scale solar parks.

Decentralised solar systems reduce transmission losses and improve local energy reliability. They also help households offset rising electricity tariffs.

Energy experts argue that distributed solar strengthens grid resilience. “Rooftop solar reduces peak demand pressure and supports energy transition goals,” said a senior researcher at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in recent policy commentary.

Guide to Applying

1. Register on the Official Portal

Consumers must visit the national portal at pmsuryaghar.gov.in. Registration requires:

• Mobile number verification
• Electricity consumer number
• State and DISCOM selection

2. Feasibility Approval from DISCOM

The local DISCOM reviews rooftop capacity and technical feasibility. Approval is mandatory before installation.

3. Choose an Empanelled Vendor

Applicants must select a registered vendor listed on the portal. Using non-approved vendors may disqualify subsidy claims.

4. Install the Solar System

The vendor installs the system according to MNRE technical standards. Installation duration varies by region and capacity.

5. Net Metering and Inspection

After installation, the DISCOM conducts inspection and installs a net meter.

6. Subsidy Disbursement

Upon successful commissioning, the subsidy is credited directly to the applicant’s bank account.

Understanding Net Metering and the “Zero Bill” Claim

Net metering allows surplus solar power generated during daytime to be exported to the grid. Consumers receive credits, which offset electricity drawn at night.

However, achieving a zero electricity bill depends on:

• System size relative to household consumption
• State-level net metering rules
• Seasonal sunlight variations
• Electricity tariff rates

According to data from the Central Electricity Authority, a 3 kW system may generate approximately 12–15 units daily under optimal conditions. A zero bill is possible when solar generation equals or exceeds total monthly usage. However, fixed charges and taxes may still apply.

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Financial Planning and Return on Investment

A 3 kW rooftop system typically costs between ₹1.5 lakh and ₹2 lakh, depending on quality and location. After applying the ₹78,000 subsidy, the net cost reduces significantly. Industry estimates suggest a payback period of five to seven years.

Solar panels generally last 20 to 25 years. Inverters may require replacement within 8 to 12 years. Maintenance includes cleaning and periodic system checks. Banks and financial institutions offer rooftop solar loans. However, interest rates and collateral requirements vary.

State-Level Variations and Regulatory Factors

Electricity is a concurrent subject under the Indian Constitution, meaning states play a significant regulatory role. Net metering policies differ across states. Some states cap system size based on sanctioned load. Others impose limits on exported energy. Consumers should consult their State Electricity Regulatory Commission guidelines before installation.

Common Challenges Reported

Despite strong policy support, implementation challenges remain:

• Delays in DISCOM approvals
• Loan processing slowdowns
• Limited rooftop suitability in high-density urban housing
• Technical capacity constraints in some regions

Industry observers note that better coordination between central and state agencies will be essential for scaling the programme effectively.

Environmental and Economic Impact

The PM Surya Ghar Yojana aims to expand decentralised renewable energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. According to MNRE projections, one crore rooftop installations could significantly reduce carbon emissions over time.

The scheme is also expected to generate employment across manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and supply chains.

Safety and Technical Standards

MNRE guidelines require:

• BIS-certified solar panels
• Approved inverters
• Proper earthing and wiring
• Structural safety assessment

Consumers should verify warranty terms, including performance guarantees for solar modules.

Who Should Consider Applying?

The scheme may be most beneficial for:

• Independent homeowners with adequate rooftop space
• Households with monthly electricity consumption of 250–400 units
• Residents in areas with stable sunlight availability

Apartment dwellers may face structural and legal limitations unless rooftop rights are clearly defined.

The PM Surya Ghar Yojana provides structured financial support for rooftop solar adoption in India. While the promise of a zero electricity bill depends on usage patterns and regulatory conditions, the ₹78,000 subsidy lowers the barrier to entry for residential solar.

As implementation progresses, its long-term impact will depend on state coordination, financing accessibility, and sustained consumer awareness.