PM Surya Ghar Subsidy 2026: How to Apply, Step by Step

Short answer: apply on the national portal pmsuryaghar.gov.in with your electricity consumer number, choose a registered vendor, get DISCOM approval, install a DCR on-grid system, get the net meter installed and inspected, then submit your bank details. The central subsidy is ₹30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW and ₹18,000 for the third kW, up to ₹78,000, paid directly to your bank account (check current notification).

Subsidy amounts (central financial assistance)

*North-eastern states, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Ladakh, Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep.

The subsidy is calculated on the lower of module (DC) and inverter (AC) capacity, so a 3.3 kWp array on a 3 kW inverter counts as 3 kW. Several states add their own top-up, for example Uttar Pradesh (₹15,000 per kW, capped at ₹30,000) and Chhattisgarh. See our state guides such as Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Who is eligible?

• An Indian household that owns the house with a suitable roof
• A valid domestic electricity connection in the applicant's name
• No earlier central subsidy for rooftop solar on that connection
• Willing to use DCR modules (Indian cells and modules), an on-grid system with net metering, and a registered vendor

Renters can only apply if the connection and roof belong to them, which usually means the owner applies.

Documents to keep ready

• Latest electricity bill (consumer number, sanctioned load)
• Aadhaar (OTP-based verification on the portal)
• Mobile number and email
• Bank account details and a cancelled cheque or passbook page
• Proof of ownership if the DISCOM asks (varies by state)
• Roof photos (the vendor will also take these)

Step-by-step application

1. Register on the portal

Go to pmsuryaghar.gov.in, choose Apply for Rooftop Solar, select your state and DISCOM, enter your consumer number, mobile and email. Verify by OTP.

2. Log in and fill the application

Enter the system size you want and pick a registered vendor from the list for your DISCOM. Compare vendor ratings where shown. You can also ask your chosen installer to confirm they are registered for your DISCOM.

3. DISCOM feasibility (or deemed approval)

The DISCOM checks whether your connection can take the system. Under the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, systems up to 10 kW are exempt from a technical feasibility study, and many DISCOMs grant deemed approval quickly (check your state's practice).

4. Sign the agreement and install

Your vendor installs the system: DCR modules, inverter, structure, earthing, lightning protection, ACDB/DCDB and cabling. Insist on an itemised quote and warranty papers. Our installer checklist helps.

5. Submit installation details and apply for the net meter

The vendor uploads plant details: module serial numbers and DCR certificate, inverter details, photos with the nameplate. You (or the vendor) apply for net metering.

6. Net meter installation and inspection

The DISCOM tests and installs the bi-directional meter, inspects the system and issues a commissioning report on the portal. Many states have waived application and net-metering fees for scheme applicants (check yours).

7. Submit bank details and claim the subsidy

After commissioning, submit your bank details and cancelled cheque on the portal. The subsidy is released by direct benefit transfer, typically within about 30 days of this step.

Loans under the scheme

Collateral-free loans are available through public sector banks via the Jan Samarth portal. Reported rates are linked to the repo rate (about repo + 0.5%); in August 2026 this was reported as 5.75% (check current rate with your bank, as the repo rate has since changed). If you take a loan, the subsidy is often credited towards it.

How long does it take?

Some DISCOMs are much faster than others. Applications filed near March can roll into the next financial year's disbursement.

Common reasons for delay or rejection

1. Non-DCR modules. Only DCR modules qualify; the DCR certificate and serial numbers must match.
2. Name mismatch between the bill, Aadhaar and bank account.
3. Sanctioned load lower than system size. Apply for load enhancement first.
4. Installation before application. Always register first.
5. Unregistered vendor or a vendor not registered for your DISCOM.
6. Poor photos (nameplate unreadable, modules not visible).

The "Give It Up" option and ALMM

Some households choose to give up the subsidy. MNRE has clarified that such PM Surya Ghar applicants remain under the scheme guidelines until 31 March 2027, including a temporary relaxation from the ALMM List-II cell rule. All other new net-metered systems commissioned from 1 June 2026 need modules made with ALMM List-II cells. See ALMM explained and DCR vs non-DCR.

Is it worth it?

For most homes, yes. A 3 kW system costing about ₹1.8 lakh drops to about ₹1 lakh after subsidy, and at ₹8 per unit it can pay back in around three years. Model it:

Start by sizing correctly: 200 units, 300 units, 500 units.

Talk to Sunlectric

Stuck on a portal step or want a registered installer near you? WhatsApp +91 89567 89307 (wa.me/918956789307). Sunlectric supplies DCR modules with documents ready for the portal, plus inverters, structure and BOS, from our Pune hub with same-day dispatch. Installers can learn the full scheme workflow in the Academy's policy module.

Sources

• Scheme guidelines and CFA: pmsuryaghar.gov.in; PIB scheme document, Aug 2024 (accessed Oct 2026)
• CFA norms as of Sept 2026: SolarQuarter, 1 Sep 2026; Mercom
• Progress, deemed approval, fee waivers and loan rate: Mercom, 4 Aug 2026
• Feasibility exemption up to 10 kW: SolarQuarter, 23 Feb 2024
• ALMM List-II and Give It Up clarification: TaiyangNews, 9 Jun 2026
• RBI repo rate (context): Sunlectric benchmarks, Oct 2026