Electricity bills are an important monthly expense for many Indian households. With rising awareness of renewable energy, rooftop solar panels are becoming an option for families who want to generate their own electricity and reduce their dependence on grid power.
The Government of India introduced the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana to encourage residential households to adopt rooftop solar energy. Eligible consumers can receive financial assistance towards installing an approved rooftop solar system.
Under the central scheme, the subsidy can reach ₹78,000 for eligible residential systems of 3 kW or more. Residents of Tamil Nadu should also check the state’s official solar portal for current application procedures, local requirements and any additional assistance that may be available.
This article explains how the scheme works, who can apply, how much financial assistance may be available, and how to complete the application process using official government websites.
What Is the PM Surya Ghar Scheme?
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a central government programme administered by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. It supports eligible residential consumers who install grid-connected rooftop solar systems.
The programme aims to expand household solar power adoption and help families reduce electricity expenses. The central scheme was designed to support rooftop solar installations in one crore households.
The programme offers several potential benefits:
- Financial assistance towards the cost of an eligible rooftop solar system.
- Lower electricity purchases from the grid when the system generates sufficient power.
- Greater use of renewable energy at the household level.
- An opportunity to recover part of the installation cost through long-term electricity savings.
The scheme does not mean that every applicant receives a completely free solar installation. Applicants may need to pay the remaining system cost, along with any applicable charges not covered by the subsidy.
Official application website: https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in/
How Much Financial Assistance Is Available?
The central subsidy is calculated according to the eligible rooftop solar capacity.
| Eligible system capacity | Central subsidy |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | ₹30,000 |
| 2 kW | ₹60,000 |
| 3 kW | ₹78,000 |
| Above 3 kW | Maximum ₹78,000 |
The central assistance generally covers ₹30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW and ₹18,000 for the additional 1 kW. No additional central subsidy is provided for capacity above 3 kW under this standard residential subsidy structure.
The final amount depends on eligibility, the installed system, technical compliance and approval under the scheme guidelines.
Is There Additional Solar Subsidy in Tamil Nadu?
Tamil Nadu has a dedicated Unified Solar Rooftop Portal that provides information about rooftop solar applications, vendors, subsidy procedures and technical requirements.
Residents should check the state portal to determine the procedure applicable to their electricity connection.
Tamil Nadu official solar portal: https://www.tnebltd.gov.in/usrp/index.xhtml
The portal also provides information about the state solar programme and its application services. Do not assume that additional state assistance will automatically be added to the central subsidy. Check the latest government order, eligibility conditions and current implementation status before calculating your expected benefit.
Who Can Apply for the Scheme?
The scheme is intended for eligible residential electricity consumers. Before applying, check whether you meet the following general requirements:
- You are an Indian citizen.
- You have a valid residential electricity connection.
- Your property has a suitable rooftop for a solar installation.
- Your proposed system meets the scheme’s technical requirements.
- You comply with the scheme’s rules concerning previous solar subsidies and eligible installations.
- You follow the approved vendor, inspection and commissioning procedures.
A commercial or industrial electricity connection does not automatically qualify for the same residential subsidy.
For the detailed eligibility rules, visit the official government scheme page:
https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/pmsgmb
The official guidelines and the application portal determine whether an individual application qualifies.
Documents and Information to Prepare
Applicants should keep their electricity and identity details ready before starting the process. Depending on the application stage, the portal may require:
- Electricity consumer or account number.
- Registered mobile number for verification.
- Email address, if requested.
- Applicant details matching the electricity connection records.
- Bank account information and supporting documents required for subsidy payment.
- Installation information, equipment details and technical documents when requested.
- Net-metering and commissioning records, where applicable.
The exact requirements can vary by application stage. Follow the instructions displayed on the official portal and avoid uploading documents to unofficial websites.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online
Step 1: Visit the official national portal
Open the PM Surya Ghar website:
Apply here: https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in/
Choose the consumer registration or rooftop solar application option displayed on the portal.
Do not start by paying a private agent who claims to guarantee approval. The official portal is the starting point for applying for the central residential subsidy.
Step 2: Register your residential electricity connection
Select Tamil Nadu and choose the electricity distribution company shown for your connection.
Enter the consumer or account number requested by the portal, along with your mobile number and other required information.
Complete the verification process and confirm that the electricity connection details are correct.
Keep your registration reference number for future use.
Step 3: Complete the rooftop solar application
Log in to the national portal and open your application dashboard.
Fill in the requested details and submit the rooftop solar application. Check the spelling of your information and the electricity account number before submitting.
Save the acknowledgement and application reference number. These details may be needed when completing subsequent steps through the Tamil Nadu portal.
Step 4: Follow the feasibility approval process
After submission, the electricity distribution company reviews the application and the technical feasibility of the proposed installation.
Monitor your application dashboard for approval, additional information requests or instructions.
Do not purchase equipment on the assumption that the application is approved until the required approval has been received.
Step 5: Select an authorised rooftop solar vendor
Once you reach the appropriate stage, review the vendor options available through the scheme.
Tamil Nadu residents can consult the state’s official solar portal:
Vendor and application information: https://www.tnebltd.gov.in/usrp/index.xhtml
Compare quotations, equipment specifications, warranties and installation charges. Confirm that the vendor and proposed equipment comply with the scheme requirements.
Ask for a written quotation showing the total cost and any charges that may remain payable after the subsidy.
Step 6: Arrange the installation
After completing the required approval and vendor procedures, arrange installation of the rooftop solar system.
The final price may depend on the capacity, inverter, mounting structure, wiring, roof conditions and other installation requirements.
Keep the invoice, payment receipts, equipment details and installation records.
Step 7: Complete the Tamil Nadu portal procedure
Tamil Nadu has its own Unified Solar Rooftop Portal for application-related processes.
Official Tamil Nadu application portal: https://www.tnebltd.gov.in/usrp/index.xhtml
The state portal provides services related to application references, application status, inverter details, net-metering documents and other installation requirements.
Follow the procedure applicable to your application and electricity connection. Where instructed, use your national portal reference number to continue the process on the state portal.
Step 8: Complete net metering and commissioning
After installation, complete the technical inspection, metering and commissioning requirements prescribed by the electricity distribution company.
Submit the requested documents through the official portal. These may include inverter information, plant photographs, module compliance details and net-metering records.
The system must satisfy the applicable requirements before the subsidy claim can proceed.
Step 9: Submit the subsidy claim
After completing the required installation and verification stages, follow the subsidy claim procedure displayed on the official national portal.
Provide the requested bank details and supporting information accurately. The relevant authorities will verify the installation and application before the approved amount is disbursed according to the scheme rules.
Check your application here: https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in/
Keep your application reference number and payment records until the process is completed.
Step 10: Track your application status
Check the application dashboard regularly for updates, requests for additional information and payment status.
Tamil Nadu’s portal also provides application-status services:
https://www.tnebltd.gov.in/usrp/index.xhtml
If the application is delayed, consult the contact details published on the official portal rather than relying on unofficial claims about payment dates.
How Much Does a Rooftop Solar System Cost?
The total installation cost varies from household to household. Factors include the system capacity, quality of the equipment, installation complexity, roof structure and the vendor’s quotation.
The central subsidy reduces the eligible cost but does not necessarily pay for the entire system.
Before proceeding, compare quotations from authorised vendors and confirm:
- Total installation cost.
- Eligible subsidy amount.
- Any balance payable by the household.
- Warranty and maintenance arrangements.
- Whether metering, wiring and other required work are included.
A household should calculate the expected savings using its actual electricity consumption and the proposed system’s estimated generation rather than assuming that the subsidy will eliminate all expenses.
Does the Scheme Guarantee 300 Units of Free Electricity?
The programme aims to help eligible households benefit from rooftop solar generation, with a stated objective of providing up to 300 units of electricity per month.
However, this is not a guarantee that every household will receive exactly 300 free units on every bill.
The actual benefit depends on solar generation, household consumption, weather, system capacity and applicable electricity billing and metering rules.
If a household consumes more electricity than its solar system generates, it may still need to pay for electricity imported from the grid and any applicable charges.
Important Precautions Before Applying
- Use the official national and Tamil Nadu portals.
- Confirm your eligibility before committing to an installation.
- Select a vendor who meets the applicable scheme requirements.
- Read the written quotation carefully.
- Do not share OTPs or sensitive banking credentials with agents.
- Do not pay anyone who promises guaranteed approval in exchange for an unofficial commission.
- Check the latest state guidelines before counting on additional state assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the maximum central subsidy under PM Surya Ghar?
The standard central residential subsidy can reach ₹78,000 for an eligible rooftop solar system of 3 kW or more, subject to scheme requirements.
2. Is the solar installation completely free?
No. The central subsidy does not necessarily cover the full cost of installation. The applicant may have to pay the remaining cost and applicable charges.
3. Can residents of Tamil Nadu apply?
Eligible residential consumers in Tamil Nadu can start through the national portal and follow the applicable Tamil Nadu electricity utility procedures.
4. Where can I apply online?
Start at https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in/ and consult the Tamil Nadu portal at https://www.tnebltd.gov.in/usrp/index.xhtml for state-specific application procedures.
5. When will the subsidy be credited?
The timing depends on completion of the installation, verification, documentation and the applicable disbursement process. Check the official application status for updates.
Final Words
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana gives eligible Indian households an opportunity to reduce electricity expenses by installing rooftop solar systems with government financial assistance.
The central subsidy can reach ₹78,000 for eligible residential systems of 3 kW or more. Residents of Tamil Nadu should additionally check the latest state portal information before relying on any extra subsidy.
Start with the official national application portal, follow the prescribed approval and installation procedures, and keep your documents and reference numbers safe throughout the process.
Start your application: https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in/
Tamil Nadu Solar Rooftop Portal: https://www.tnebltd.gov.in/usrp/index.xhtml