India rooftop solar guide

PM Surya Ghar subsidy

Eligible residential consumers apply on the National Portal, choose a registered vendor, install compliant grid-connected rooftop solar and complete DISCOM inspection before central assistance is processed.

9 min readLast reviewed 3 September 2026
In brief Eligible residential consumers apply on the National Portal, choose a registered vendor, install compliant grid-connected rooftop solar and complete DISCOM inspection before central assistance is processed.

Current central assistance rates

Eligible household systemStandard statesSpecial category states and UTs
First 2 kW₹30,000 per kW₹33,000 per kW
Next 1 kW₹18,000 per kW₹19,800 per kW
Capacity above 3 kWNo extra central assistanceNo extra central assistance

The normal maximum for an individual household is ₹78,000 in standard states and ₹85,800 in special category areas. The portal determines the applicable amount. State support, where available, follows separate rules.

Who can claim it

The central assistance covered here is for eligible residential consumers with a grid-connected electricity connection. Commercial and industrial consumers are not eligible for this residential CFA. Housing societies can use a separate rate for qualifying common facilities, subject to the capacity limit in the guidelines.

The installation must use a vendor registered on the National Portal and modules that meet the domestic content requirement. Off-grid installations are not eligible. The published guidelines allow approved metering arrangements and certain grid-connected battery or behind-the-meter systems, subject to the relevant state regulator and DISCOM.

Application to payment

  1. Register at pmsuryaghar.gov.in using your state, DISCOM and consumer details.
  2. Submit the rooftop solar application and follow the feasibility process shown for your DISCOM.
  3. Compare registered vendors. Agree on equipment, layout, price, timeline, payment stages and service in writing.
  4. Install the system and upload the required plant details and documents.
  5. Complete the DISCOM inspection, metering agreement and commissioning steps.
  6. Submit or confirm bank details and redeem the activated e-token or claim flow shown in your account.

The guidelines state that CFA is processed within 15 days after DISCOM approval. Your total project time can be longer because installation, meter work, correction requests and local queues come first.

Avoid these common problems

  • Do not assume a salesperson is registered. Check the portal listing.
  • Do not install first and apply later if you expect subsidy.
  • Match equipment serial numbers and capacities across invoice, portal and site.
  • Use a bank account and documents accepted by the portal.
  • Keep login access yourself. Do not hand over OTP control.
  • Do not treat “300 units free” as a guaranteed zero bill. Generation, use, tariff, fixed charges and metering rules decide the bill.

For a step-by-step version, read today’s guide to PM Surya Ghar registration and subsidy.

Common questions

Is there a PM Surya Ghar application deadline?

The published scheme guidelines say the implementation period runs to 31 March 2027. That is not a promise that every application can wait until that date. Check the National Portal and your DISCOM for current application status and any local cut-offs.

Can I use any solar vendor?

You can negotiate rates, but to claim CFA under the standard capex route you must choose a vendor registered on the National Portal.

When is the subsidy paid?

It is processed after installation, required documents, DISCOM inspection and approval, and completion of the portal claim steps. The guidelines state processing within 15 days of DISCOM approval.

Official sources

Rules and portal processes can change. Check these sources before committing money.

  1. MNRE operational guidelines for residential CFA
  2. MNRE clarification issued February 2025
  3. PM Surya Ghar National Portal
  4. PIB scheme update, 4 August 2026
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