India’s rooftop solar programme for homes, the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, has moved from a slow start to one of the fastest household energy roll-outs in the world. This guide explains what the scheme offers in 2026, who is eligible, how much subsidy you can expect and how to apply.
What is PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?
Launched in February 2024 with an outlay of ₹75,021 crore, the scheme aims to put rooftop solar on one crore homes and provide up to 300 units of free electricity a month to the families that install it. The central government pays part of the system cost directly into the homeowner’s bank account, and the household sells any surplus power back to the grid through net metering.
Where the scheme stands in 2026
Progress accelerated sharply this year. According to figures reported in early August 2026:
- More than 50 lakh rooftop systems have been installed under the scheme.
- Around 14.8 GW of rooftop capacity has been commissioned.
- About ₹28,024 crore in subsidy has been released by direct benefit transfer.
- July 2026 alone saw a record 5.06 lakh installations, more than 16,000 a day.
- Roughly 19 lakh households are now receiving zero electricity bills.
In Telangana, about 58,000 installations totalling roughly 214 MW had been completed by mid-2026. The state picture is covered in more detail in Solar Energy in Telangana 2026.
How much subsidy will you get?
The central subsidy depends on system size and is capped at ₹78,000 per home.
| System size | Central subsidy | Typical monthly use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | ₹30,000 | Up to 150 units |
| 2 kW | ₹60,000 | 150 to 300 units |
| 3 kW and above | ₹78,000 (maximum) | Above 300 units |
The subsidy is ₹30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW and ₹18,000 for the third kW. Larger systems are allowed, but the subsidy does not increase beyond ₹78,000. Some states add their own top-up, so check with your DISCOM before you finalise a quote.
Who is eligible?
- You must be an Indian citizen and the household must own a house with a roof suitable for solar panels.
- The home must have a valid electricity connection in the applicant’s name.
- The household must not have received any other subsidy for solar panels.
- The system must be installed by a vendor registered under the scheme, using approved components.
How to apply: step by step
- Register on the national portal, pmsuryaghar.gov.in, with your state, DISCOM, consumer number and mobile number.
- Apply for rooftop solar through the portal and wait for the DISCOM’s feasibility approval.
- Choose a registered vendor from the portal’s list and get the system installed.
- Apply for a net meter once the installation is complete.
- After the DISCOM inspects the system and installs the net meter, a commissioning certificate is generated on the portal.
- Submit your bank details and a cancelled cheque. The subsidy is normally credited within about 30 days.
What about the remaining cost?
Public sector banks offer collateral-free, low-interest loans for systems up to 3 kW, so most families can go solar with a small down payment. A 3 kW system typically generates around 300 to 360 units a month in most parts of India, which is why many households see their bill fall to zero and the system pay for itself in a few years.
Things to check before you sign
- Compare at least two or three quotes from registered vendors.
- Ask for the make and warranty of the panels and inverter in writing. Panels normally carry a 25-year performance warranty.
- Confirm that the vendor will handle net-metering paperwork and five years of maintenance, as the scheme requires.
- Make sure your roof gets clear sun for most of the day; shade from trees and water tanks cuts output more than people expect.
The bigger picture
Rooftop solar is now a major part of India’s energy story. By the end of August 2026 the country had about 168 GW of solar capacity, of which more than 32 GW sits on rooftops. For the national view, read India’s Solar Energy Story in 2026: A Record-Breaking Year. For the rural side of the same transition, see PM-KUSUM: Solar Pumps for India’s Farmers.
Scheme rules and subsidy amounts are set by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and can change, so always confirm the current terms on the official portal before you apply.