How the PM Surya Ghar rooftop solar scheme works — the subsidy structure, eligibility, net metering, documents and step-by-step application to cut your electricity bills.
Electricity bills are a recurring worry for most households. The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, launched in February 2024, helps families install rooftop solar panels with a direct central subsidy — cutting bills sharply and even generating income from surplus power. Here's a clear walkthrough.
PM Surya Ghar aims to bring rooftop solar to one crore households, providing free or low-cost electricity for typical family consumption. Households that install a system receive a central subsidy based on the capacity, and surplus electricity can be exported to the grid. See our structured PM Surya Ghar scheme page for a quick summary.
A rooftop solar system generates electricity during the day. What you use directly reduces your bill; what you don't use is exported to the grid through net metering, earning credits or payment from your electricity distribution company (DISCOM). For a typical household, a well-sized system can offset most or all of its monthly consumption.
| Element | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Central subsidy | Upfront capital cost is reduced, higher rate for the initial kilowatts |
| Self-consumption | Daytime usage is met directly by solar, lowering bills |
| Net metering | Surplus units exported to the grid earn credits/payment |
| System life | Panels typically last 20–25 years with low maintenance |
Work with a registered vendor to size the system to your average monthly consumption. An oversized system costs more without proportionate benefit, while an undersized one leaves bills higher than necessary. Your past electricity bills are the best guide.
If you are building or buying a home, pair rooftop solar with the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Lower running costs plus a subsidised home purchase make ownership far more affordable over the long term.
The subsidy is linked to system capacity, with a higher rate for the initial kilowatts. Exact amounts are published on the official portal and revised periodically.
Yes. With net metering, surplus electricity your system generates is exported to the grid and adjusted against your bill or paid for by your DISCOM.
Only vendors registered on the PM Surya Ghar portal should install the system, so that the installation qualifies for the subsidy and net metering.
Timelines vary by DISCOM and vendor availability, covering feasibility approval, installation, inspection and subsidy release. Track your application status on the portal.
PM Surya Ghar turns your rooftop into a long-term asset that pays back through lower bills and grid exports, while supporting India's clean-energy goals. Register on the official portal, choose a registered vendor, and size your system to your actual usage. Start at pmsuryaghar.gov.in.
Disclaimer: SchemeSphere is an independent informational platform and is not affiliated with any government body. Please verify all details on the official portal before applying.
Written by
SchemeSphere Editorial Team
The SchemeSphere editorial team researches and simplifies government schemes so every citizen can understand their rights and benefits. We link to official sources and update our guides as rules change.
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