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PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Complete Guide for Indian Homeowners

What Is PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a central government scheme launched in February 2024 with the goal of making rooftop solar accessible to one crore (10 million) Indian households. The scheme provides direct financial subsidies to eligible residential consumers who install grid-connected rooftop solar systems through approved installers.

The headline promise — “muft bijli” (free electricity) — refers to the scheme’s aim to reduce or eliminate electricity bills for beneficiary households by offsetting consumption with solar generation and net metering credits.

Scheme progress (as of May 2026): over 60.95 lakh applications have been received nationally, with 31.38 lakh rooftop solar installations completed so far. The Union Budget 2026-27 allocated ₹22,000 crore to the scheme, up from a revised ₹17,000 crore in FY26 — a sign of continued, growing government commitment rather than a scheme winding down. These figures change as the scheme progresses; always check pmsuryaghar.gov.in for the latest official numbers.

How the Subsidy Works

The subsidy under PM Surya Ghar is a central government component paid directly to the homeowner’s bank account after the system is commissioned and net metering is approved. Some states offer additional state-level subsidies on top of the central component.

Approximate central subsidy amounts (verify current rates before applying):

For most urban households with monthly bills of ₹1,000–₹3,000, a 2–3 kW system is typically sufficient to offset a significant portion of electricity consumption.

Eligibility at a Glance

To qualify for the scheme, you generally need to:

Eligibility criteria may vary by state, DISCOM, and scheme updates. Always verify directly through the official portal.

Documents You Will Typically Need

Gather these before starting your application — having them ready speeds up the process:

Exact document requirements may vary slightly by DISCOM and state. Check the pmsuryaghar.gov.in portal for the current checklist.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Register on the portal. Visit pmsuryaghar.gov.in, create an account using your electricity consumer number and DISCOM details.

2. Check your eligibility. The portal will guide you through eligibility checks based on your state, DISCOM, and connection type.

3. Select an empanelled installer. The portal lists DISCOM-approved installers in your area. You must use one of these — a non-empanelled installer disqualifies your subsidy claim.

4. Get a site assessment and quotation. The installer will assess your rooftop, recommend system size, and provide a quotation. Compare quotes from at least two empanelled installers. See our guide to choosing a solar installer for what to check before signing.

5. Complete the installation. Once you agree on terms, the installer proceeds with installation and arranges a net metering connection with your DISCOM.

6. DISCOM inspection and commissioning. Your DISCOM will inspect the system and officially commission it, enabling bi-directional energy flow.

7. Apply for subsidy disbursement. After commissioning, complete the subsidy application on the portal. The subsidy amount is credited to your bank account typically within weeks to months, depending on your state.

What to Watch Out For

Verify empanelment before signing. Some installers falsely claim to be registered. Confirm on the official portal — do not rely on the installer’s word alone.

Understand what the subsidy covers. The subsidy reduces the net cost of the system. You still pay the balance upfront or through financing. The subsidy is not an immediate discount at the point of sale.

Net metering approval timelines vary. The full benefit of the scheme depends on net metering, which is administered by your DISCOM and can take weeks to months to set up after installation.

System quality matters. The subsidy incentivises installation but does not guarantee quality. Ask your installer about panel brand, warranty, and inverter specifications — see our panel brand comparisons if you’re weighing specific options, and confirm the exact model is ALMM-listed. Use our Buyer Protection Guide to vet proposals carefully.

Is PM Surya Ghar Worth It?

For most Indian homeowners with monthly electricity bills above ₹1,000 and adequate roof space, the combination of subsidy, net metering credits, and long-term savings makes rooftop solar a strong financial case — especially at 2–3 kW where the central subsidy coverage is highest.

The key is executing well: choosing a reliable empanelled installer, understanding the actual system cost after subsidy, and knowing the net metering terms from your DISCOM.

If upfront cost is a concern, solar loans and EMI programs can help bridge the gap before the subsidy arrives — see the solar financing guide.

Use Solar AI Advisor’s calculator to get a personalized savings estimate for your home before you begin the application process.

PM Surya Ghar in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is one of the largest states in India for PM Surya Ghar uptake. The scheme is administered through four separate DISCOMs under UPPCL — your city determines which DISCOM you apply through, and which empanelled installer list to use.

Which DISCOM Handles Your City?

DISCOM Cities Covered
MVVNL (Madhyanchal) Lucknow, Ayodhya, Raebareli and surrounding districts
PUVVNL (Purvanchal) Prayagraj, Varanasi, Pratapgarh and eastern UP
DVVNL (Dakshinanchal) Kanpur, Agra and southern UP
PVVNL (Paschimanchal) Noida, Ghaziabad, Meerut and western UP

When you register at pmsuryaghar.gov.in, use your exact DISCOM consumer number. The portal uses this to show you the correct empanelled installer list for your city.

UP’s State Top-Up Subsidy — On Top of the Central Amount

Uttar Pradesh also offers its own state-level subsidy, in addition to the central PM Surya Ghar subsidy described above — this applies regardless of which of the four DISCOMs you fall under. UP’s state top-up is ₹15,000 per kW, capped at ₹30,000 total (reached at 2kW and unchanged for any larger system).

For a typical 3kW system, that means:

Both amounts are disbursed through the same pmsuryaghar.gov.in application — there’s no separate state portal or paperwork. Always verify current central and state subsidy rates on the official portal, since both are subject to government policy and fund availability.

Applying Through pmsuryaghar.gov.in in UP

The application process is identical across all four UP DISCOMs:

  1. Register at pmsuryaghar.gov.in with your DISCOM consumer number
  2. Select an empanelled installer from your DISCOM’s approved list
  3. Get the system installed and net metering connection processed
  4. Complete the subsidy disbursement claim on the portal
  5. Subsidy credited to your bank account after commissioning is confirmed

Net metering timelines in UP typically run two to six weeks after installation, depending on DISCOM workload in your city.

City-Specific Guides for UP Homeowners

For detailed DISCOM-specific guidance, subsidy application steps, and local installer context, see the city guides:

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