The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (also known as Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana) is a central government scheme launched in February 2024 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to promote rooftop solar installations in residential households. It aims to provide up to 300 units of free electricity per month through solar power generation, reduce electricity bills, enable surplus power sale to the grid (net metering), and support India’s renewable energy goals (target: 40 GW rooftop solar by 2026).
As of March 2026, the scheme remains active and open for applications nationwide, including in Punjab (under PSPCL or relevant DISCOM). No major changes or closures have been reported in early 2026—the process is fully online via the official national portal. Over 1 crore+ registrations/applications have been processed cumulatively, with installations ongoing.
Key Benefits:
- Up to 300 free units/month (via self-consumption + net metering credits).
- Central subsidy: ₹30,000/kW for systems up to 2 kW + ₹18,000/kW for additional capacity (2–3 kW), capped at ₹78,000 per household (60% for ≤2 kW, 40% for extra).
- In Punjab, additional state/DISCOM incentives may apply (check PSPCL portal for top-ups).
- Loan facilities available (low-interest via banks like Central Bank of India).
- Environmental benefits + potential income from surplus power sale.
Eligibility Criteria (2026)
To qualify for the scheme and subsidy:
- Must be an Indian citizen with a valid residential electricity connection (grid-connected).
- Own or legally occupy a house with a suitable rooftop (adequate space, minimal shading; ~80–100 sq ft per kW needed).
- The rooftop should not have availed any other solar subsidy previously.
- System capacity: Typically 1–3 kW (higher possible but subsidy capped at 3 kW).
- No income cap mentioned (open to all residential consumers).
- Must use an MNRE-approved vendor/installer from the portal’s list.
Subsidy Structure (Central Government, as of 2026)
| System Capacity | Subsidy Amount (₹) | Effective Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 kW | 30,000 | ~60% of cost |
| Up to 2 kW | 60,000 | ~60% of cost |
| 2–3 kW | Up to 78,000 (additional ₹18,000/kW) | ~40% for extra capacity |
| Above 3 kW | Capped at 78,000 | No additional subsidy |
(Note: Actual cost varies by vendor/system quality; subsidy is credited post-installation/commissioning.)
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online (2026)
The process is 100% digital via the official portal. No offline applications accepted.
- Visit the Official Portal
Go to https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in (or consumer portal: https://consumer.pmsuryaghar.gov.in).
Click on “Apply for Rooftop Solar” or “Consumer” section → “Apply Now”. - Register / Consumer Registration
- Enter your mobile number and verify with OTP.
- Provide details: Select State (Punjab), DISCOM (e.g., PSPCL), Electricity Consumer Number (from your bill), Email ID, and address.
- Follow on-screen prompts (may include captcha).
- If a vendor is helping, select “Yes” for vendor-assisted application (optional).
- Submit Application Form
- Log in with registered mobile/consumer number.
- Fill the rooftop solar application: System capacity needed (use rooftop calculator on portal for estimate), preferred vendor from registered list (mandatory for subsidy).
- Upload required documents (if prompted): Electricity bill, Aadhaar/ID proof, roof photo, etc.
- Feasibility Approval
- Submit → Your DISCOM (e.g., PSPCL in Punjab) reviews and issues feasibility approval (technical clearance; usually within days/weeks).
- Track status via portal login (under “Application Status”).
- Select Vendor & Installation
- Choose an MNRE-approved vendor/installer from the portal list.
- Vendor handles procurement, installation, and net metering setup.
- Commissioning & Subsidy Claim
- Post-installation: Vendor/DISCOM commissions the system (net meter activation).
- Submit commissioning report/photos via portal.
- Subsidy credited directly to your bank account (linked during application) within weeks/months.
- Track Progress
- Log in to portal with mobile/consumer number.
- Check stages: Registration → Feasibility → Vendor Selection → Installation → Commissioning → Subsidy Disbursal.
Helpline: Toll-free 15555 (for queries/status).
Mobile App: Available on Google Play (“PM – SURYA GHAR”) for tracking/apply assistance.
Important Links
- Official Portal: https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in
- Consumer Login/Apply: https://consumer.pmsuryaghar.gov.in/consumer
- Rooftop Solar Calculator: https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in/rooftop_calculator
- Guidelines (MNRE): https://mnre.gov.in (search “PM Surya Ghar Guidelines”)
- Punjab DISCOM (PSPCL): Check pspcl.in for state-specific updates/incentives
Q&A Section (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Is the scheme still active in March 2026?
A: Yes, fully operational—no closure reported. Applications ongoing.
Q2: How much can I save on electricity bills?
A: Up to ₹15,000–18,000/year for 300 units/month consumers (free units + surplus sale).
Q3: What documents are typically required?
A: Electricity bill, Aadhaar/PAN/ID proof, roof ownership proof, bank details (for subsidy). Portal guides uploads.
Q4: Punjab-specific details for Ludhiana?
A: Eligible under PSPCL. Good sunlight in Punjab = high generation. Check PSPCL for any extra rebates/net metering rules.
Q5: Can I apply without a vendor?
A: Yes, but using a registered vendor is mandatory for subsidy eligibility.
Q6: How long does the entire process take?
A: 1–3 months (feasibility 1–4 weeks, installation 2–4 weeks, subsidy post-commissioning).
Q7: Is there any cost after subsidy?
A: Yes—remaining cost borne by applicant (or via low-interest loan). Total system cost ~₹45,000–₹60,000/kW before subsidy.
Q8: Where to complain if issues?
A: Helpline 15555 or portal grievance section.
Apply soon via the official portal—it’s free to register!
Related Posts
