PM SuryaGhar: Muft Bijli Yojana — Complete Guide (2025)

PM SuryaGhar (launched Feb 2024) helps households install rooftop solar with central subsidy and easy loans, targeting 1 crore homes and up to ~300 units of “free” electricity per month through self-generation and net-metering/net-billing.

 

 

How much subsidy do you get?

Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for residential rooftop systems:

• ₹30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW
• ₹18,000 per kW for the next 1 kW (i.e., 2–3 kW)
• ₹78,000 maximum for systems above 3 kW (CFA capped)  

These slab values are reflected on the National Portal and in bank product pages aligned to the scheme.  

Some states/UTs may add their own extra subsidy, which is routed through and integrated with the National Portal.

Who is eligible?

• Any domestic consumer with a valid electricity consumer number can apply via the National Portal. You must own the roof or have the roof owner’s written permission (for tenants).
• To claim CFA, you must use domestically manufactured modules made from domestic solar cells (DCR requirement). Non-DCR modules make the project ineligible for central subsidy.

How “300 free units” actually works

The scheme’s intent is to cover up to ~300 units/month by generating your own solar electricity; any shortfall or surplus is settled through state DISCOM metering rules (net-metering or net-billing). Your bill can fall to zero if generation matches use; benefits vary by state regulations and your consumption pattern.

Finance options (low-interest loans)

Collateral-free, low-interest loans (around ~7% for up to 3 kW) are enabled through banks; many banks list dedicated SuryaGhar loan products integrated with the portal and Jan Samarth. Example: SBI shows loans up to ₹6 lakh, ~6.00%–8.15% (floating), 10-year tenure, and the same subsidy slabs.

Step-by-step: How to apply on the National Portal

1. Register at pmsuryaghar.gov.in with your consumer number and contact details. The portal assists with system size, vendor options, and benefits calculator.
2. Choose a registered vendor (you’re free to select any portal-registered vendor; no state-fixed empanelled rates). Agree on design, components, price, and timelines in writing.
3. Seek DISCOM feasibility/approval through the portal’s integrated workflow.
4. Install the system (ensure DCR-compliant modules; follow portal specs and state regulations).
5. Net meter installation & commissioning by the DISCOM after inspection.
6. Subsidy e-token & redemption: after DISCOM verification, your CFA e-token is activated; you redeem it in your profile and CFA is credited to your bank account (or to your loan account if you financed it). Typical CFA processing time is ~15 days after redemption, subject to correct details.

Technical & documentation checklist

• DCR (domestic) panels from approved Indian manufacturers; inverters & BoS as per MNRE specs.
• Net-metering/net-billing as per your State Electricity Regulatory Commission rules.
• Documents: KYC, recent electricity bill, bank details; loan docs if financing (income proof above certain loan sizes varies by bank).
• Typical area: ~10 m² of shadow-free roof per 1 kW (varies by module efficiency).
• Generation thumb rule: ~4–5.5 units/day per 1 kW on clear sunny days.
• O&M: periodic cleaning, electrical checks; modules often warrantied for 25 years on output (degradation limits apply).

Costs & savings: quick example (illustrative)

A 3 kW system in many cities can produce ~300+ units/month on average over the year. With the ₹78,000 CFA and state add-ons where available, many households see simple payback within a few years depending on tariff, usage pattern, and financing terms. Always verify with the portal’s Rooftop Calculator and your vendor’s site survey. Solar Rooftop PMSuryagha

Frequently Asked Questions

Can tenants apply?
Yes, if the electricity connection is in your name and the roof owner gives written permission. Solar Rooftop PMSuryaghar

Can I use non-DCR panels?
Yes, but you won’t get central subsidy. DCR is mandatory for CFA.

What if I already have rooftop solar?
If you previously took subsidy for, say, 1 kW and expand to 4 kW, you may claim additional CFA only for the balance up to 3 kW, as per the guideline example.

Is off-grid eligible?
No. Subsidy is for grid-connected systems.

Key official resources

• National Portal (apply, vendors, calculator, status): pmsuryaghar.gov.in
• Scheme guidelines (MNRE): process, DCR, financing, e-token, state integration.
• PIB overview (2025): targets, CFA summaries, loan & processing timelines.
• Bank products (example: SBI SuryaGhar loan)

Quick tips before you sign

• Compare at least 2–3 portal-registered vendors on specs, structure design, warranties, and after-sales service. not just price
• If your state offers extra subsidy, check eligibility windows and whether it auto-flows through the National Portal.
• Confirm your DISCOM’s net-metering rules and any fixed/minimum charges so your savings estimate is realistic.

If you want, tell me your monthly consumption and city, I’ll estimate an optimal kW size, expected generation, and post-subsidy budget using the official calculator and typical vendor quotes.