PM Surya Ghar: what the scheme actually provides
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana supports eligible grid-connected residential rooftop solar. Central Financial Assistance (CFA) reduces the effective cost after installation, inspection and claim approval. Solar electricity offsets consumption; a zero bill is not guaranteed because usage, generation, fixed charges and net-metering settlement still matter.
Understand central and state assistance
Central Financial Assistance (CFA) applies to eligible households under PM Surya Ghar. Odisha adds State Financial Assistance (SFA); West Bengal provides an additional benefit for eligible SC/ST households. The comparison above separates these amounts and shows the combined support for each eligible category.
View the state-wise subsidy table. Individual household assistance reaches its ceiling at 3 kW; a larger plant does not increase this ceiling.
Who can apply?
- A residential electricity consumer with a suitable roof and the necessary ownership or use permissions.
- An eligible grid-connected installation under the National Portal process, using a registered vendor and compliant equipment.
- Domestically manufactured modules using domestic cells are required for CFA; confirm current DCR and equipment requirements before procurement.
- Previous subsidy, plant expansion and duplicate claims must be checked before application. Ordinary commercial connections do not qualify for household CFA.
From application to subsidy credit
- Register on the National Portal with the state, electricity distribution company and consumer number shown on your bill.
- Complete the application and the applicable DISCOM feasibility or approval process before proceeding.
- Select a registered vendor; approve the equipment, structure, safety protections, price and maintenance scope in writing.
- Install the approved system, complete metering, inspection and commissioning with the electricity supplier.
- Submit the required commissioning and bank details through the prescribed process. The beneficiary and bank details must meet the verification requirements.
- Track the claim through approval and release. Treat subsidy as a later credit, not cash already available on installation day.
Documents to keep ready
Start with a recent electricity bill, consumer number, identity details, bank proof and roof ownership/permission documents. The portal, lender or DISCOM may ask for additional records. Resolve name mismatches early; do not assume an unrelated bank account will qualify.
Choose the right size before choosing the price
Bring 12 months of electricity bills. KGDC reviews monthly units, usable roof area, shading, sanctioned load, daytime consumption and the applicable export settlement. A larger system does not always deliver a better return. Compare the complete installed scope, protections, maintenance and warranty responsibility.
State support and housing societies
Solar for Jharkhand homes
Jamshedpur, Ranchi and surrounding districts: electricity supplier, subsidy and roof planning.
Read guideODISHAMore support for your rooftop
Central assistance plus Odisha SFA, with the correct DISCOM application route.
Read guideWEST BENGALA practical guide for Bengal
Purulia and West Bengal: residential eligibility, supplier checks and category-based support.
Read guideOfficial sources
Questions homeowners ask
Is the subsidy an upfront discount?
The scheme claim follows the prescribed installation, commissioning and approval process. Any vendor or bank bridge arrangement is a separate commercial agreement.
Does on-grid solar work in a power cut?
A standard grid-tied inverter shuts down during grid failure. Backup needs a suitably designed hybrid or battery system and protected backup circuits.