PM Surya Ghar Yojana: Get Up to Rs 78,000 Subsidy to Install Solar Panels at Home

• PM Surya Ghar offers up to Rs 78,000 subsidy

• Rooftop solar can reduce household electricity costs

• PM Surya Ghar applications can be submitted online

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is encouraging more households to switch to rooftop solar by offering financial assistance for eligible residential installations. The scheme aims to expand rooftop solar use across the country and help households meet a larger share of their electricity needs through their own solar systems.

Under the current central subsidy structure, residential consumers can receive Rs 30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW of rooftop solar capacity. An additional Rs 18,000 is available for the next 1 kW. This takes the maximum central subsidy to Rs 78,000 for systems above 3 kW.

The actual solar capacity a household needs depends largely on its electricity consumption. Homes using around 0 to 150 units a month may generally consider a 1 to 2 kW system, while households consuming 150 to 300 units may look at a 2 to 3 kW installation. Homes with higher consumption may require a larger system, although the right capacity also depends on available rooftop space and other site conditions.

The scheme is aimed at residential electricity consumers. Applicants need an electricity connection and must provide the required consumer and billing details during the application process. The rooftop must also have suitable space for installing a grid connected solar system.

The application process is handled through the national rooftop solar portal. Applicants first register using their mobile number and complete the required verification. They then provide details such as their name, address, state, district, pin code and other information needed to complete their profile.

Once the profile is ready, applicants can select the option to apply for rooftop solar and enter details including their state, district, DISCOM and electricity consumer number. After the consumer details are fetched and checked, the application can be submitted for further processing.

After feasibility approval, the applicant can select an eligible vendor through the process available on the portal. The solar plant is then installed by the selected vendor. Following installation, the system is inspected and verified by the concerned DISCOM before the subsidy is processed.

The subsidy is not simply an upfront cash payment at the time of purchase. Under the national rooftop solar mechanism, the eligible central financial assistance is released after successful installation and verification of the system.

The government has set a wider objective of installing rooftop solar systems in one crore residential households through the PM Surya Ghar programme. The scheme is also intended to help households receive free or lower cost electricity for consumption of up to 300 units per month through rooftop solar generation.

For households considering solar panels, the main advantage is the reduction in the initial installation cost through the subsidy. However, consumers should check the latest eligibility conditions, approved vendors and applicable DISCOM procedures before placing an order or making any payment.

The official PM Surya Ghar portal should be used for applications and related services. Applicants should also verify the latest subsidy rules because government guidelines and implementation procedures can change.