PM Surya Ghar 2026: ₹78,000 Subsidy, Last Date and EPC Rules
Last updated October 19, 2026 (Originally published May 1, 2026)
October 1, 2026: The scheme's implementation period runs until March 31, 2027. The separate November 30, 2026 deadline applies only to eligible legacy Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Phase-II CFA claims.
July 18, 2026: MNRE announced a limited commissioning window for certain net-metering and open-access projects through December 31, 2026. This is not a blanket ALMM List-II exemption.
September 23, 2026: The portal began requiring consumer approval of the Vendor-Consumer Agreement. The workflow table now shows it.
October 2026: Defect-rectification proof rules added to the claim step.
Quick Answer
Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
What is the last date to apply for PM Surya Ghar? | The scheme's implementation period runs to 31 March 2027, and MNRE has not announced what follows. Households can apply on the national portal while the scheme is running. |
How much central subsidy do households get? | ₹30,000 for 1 kW, ₹60,000 for 2 kW and ₹78,000 for 3 kW or more in general-category states. Special-category states get up to ₹85,800. Above 3 kW the subsidy does not rise. |
Is DCR the same as ALMM? | No. DCR is the domestic-content condition for claiming subsidy. ALMM List-I lists approved modules and List-II approved cells. They are separate checks, and List-II relief does not waive DCR. |
Who is eligible for the residential subsidy? | A residential electricity connection, suitable roof space, correct consumer details and a vendor registered on the national portal. Commercial and industrial connections are excluded from this component. |
What does the vendor owe after installation? | Registered vendors owe five years of free repair and maintenance under the scheme guidelines. Get this commitment and the component warranties in writing before installation. |
Is a solar loan available? | SBI's Surya Ghar loan lists amounts up to ₹6 lakh, tenure up to 120 months, floating rates and no prepayment penalty. Check the live lender page before quoting a rate. |
What PM Surya Ghar Is and Why It Matters for EPCs Right Now
Launched on February 13, 2024, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a central government scheme under MNRE that provides Direct Benefit Transfer subsidies to residential households installing grid-connected rooftop solar systems. The Union Budget for FY2026-27, presented February 1, 2026, allocated ₹22,000 crore specifically to the scheme, up from a ₹17,000 crore revised estimate for FY2025-26, roughly 29% growth, out of a total ₹32,914.7 crore Ministry of New and Renewable Energy allocation for the year.
Portal figures change monthly. For the latest numbers and the pace needed to reach the 75 lakh December target, see PM Surya Ghar 50 Lakh: Can It Hit the December Target. PV Magazine, citing Mercom Capital Group data, reported India installed 2.7 GW of rooftop solar in Q1 2026, with residential accounting for 82% of additions driven primarily by PM Surya Ghar. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat accounted for 17%, 16%, and 15% of Q1 2026 installations respectively.
The Subsidy Structure: Exact Amounts for Every System Size
The central government subsidy is structured in slabs based on system capacity, applicable to residential connections only. The subsidy is calculated on the eligible solar-module capacity, not the total price of your quotation or the size of your inverter.
System Capacity | General-category central subsidy | Special-category central subsidy |
|---|---|---|
1 kW | ₹30,000 | ₹33,000 |
2 kW | ₹60,000 | ₹66,000 |
3 kW | ₹78,000 | ₹85,800 |
Above 3 kW | ₹78,000 maximum | ₹85,800 maximum |
The special-category rates apply to Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, the North-Eastern states including Sikkim, and the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
For example, an eligible 5 kW system receives the same central subsidy as a 3 kW system. Choose the larger system for your electricity needs, not because you expect a larger subsidy.
2. Eligibility checks before you quote
The residential CFA component covers grid-connected rooftop solar tagged to a residential electricity connection. The system can sit on a roof, terrace, balcony or elevated structure, or be building-integrated PV. Group and virtual net metering installations qualify if they meet the same placement rule and the DISCOM approves the metering arrangement. Commercial and industrial connections are not covered by this component, and off-grid systems are not eligible.
Subsidised installations must use domestic modules made with domestic cells, and must go through a vendor registered on the national portal and the DISCOM process.
Before you quote, confirm that:
- The consumer account number and connection details on the electricity bill match the applicant.
- The roof has suitable shadow-free space, which you can map on site with Reslink, and the owner's permission.
- The proposed capacity fits the connection's sanctioned load and metering requirements.
- Your vendor registration covers the customer's state and DISCOM.
- The household has not already claimed rooftop-solar subsidy. A system receives CFA only once. A household that enlarges a subsidised system can claim only for the balance up to 3 kW in total, and a relocated system is not eligible.
The official portal gives this starting point when advising on system size:
Average monthly electricity use | Suggested solar capacity |
|---|---|
Up to 150 units | 1-2 kW |
150-300 units | 2-3 kW |
Above 300 units | Above 3 kW |
These are guidance ranges, not a substitute for a roof survey and generation estimate. Assess shading, roof condition, usable area and daytime load, and do not size a system just to reach the maximum subsidy.
How to show cost and subsidy in a proposal
There is no single nationwide installation price under PM Surya Ghar. The customer and vendor agree the price, and the quote should cover the complete installed system, not a panel-only price. The guidelines say MNRE will publish indicative component costs so that customers are not overcharged.
The subsidy is built from a benchmark cost of ₹50,000 per kW for the first 2 kW and ₹45,000 for the third kW (₹55,000 and ₹49,500 in special-category states). CFA is 60% of the benchmark for the first 2 kW and 40% for the third, which gives ₹30,000 per kW and ₹18,000 for the third kW. Nothing is added above 3 kW, and CFA follows the module DC capacity, not the inverter size. MNRE can revise the benchmark.
For a general-category customer, show the effective cost as:
Complete installed price − eligible central subsidy − any separately confirmed state subsidy.
The examples below show the calculation only. They are not market quotations or guaranteed prices.
System Size | Example installed quote | General-category central subsidy | Effective cost after central subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|
1 kW | ₹70,000 | 30,000 | ₹40,000 |
2 kW | ₹1,20,000 | 60,000 | ₹60,000 |
3 kW | ₹1,80,000 | 78,000 | ₹1,02,000 |
Itemise what your quote includes:
- Solar modules, inverter and mounting structure.
- Wiring, protection equipment, earthing and installation.
- Metering work and DISCOM charges.
- Taxes, roof modifications and any extra civil work.
- Warranties, maintenance and after-sales support.
Show the gross price and the expected subsidy separately, which a proposal tool like Reslink can calculate for you. The effective cost after subsidy is not the amount the customer pays upfront, because the subsidy arrives only after commissioning and verification.
The PM Surya Ghar claim workflow: who does what
Customers apply and claim on the official PM Surya Ghar consumer portal. The vendor installs, documents and supports the claim. The DISCOM inspects and approves.
Stage | Customer | Vendor | DISCOM |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Apply | Registers on the national portal with the consumer account number and submits the application | Advises on size and eligibility | Technical feasibility review. Systems up to 10 kW are approved automatically under the Rights of Consumers Rules once a state puts that provision into practice |
2. Choose vendor | Selects a registered vendor, agrees price and terms, and approves the Vendor-Consumer Agreement on their own portal login. The vendor cannot upload installation details until they do | Quotes the full system, enters the total installation cost including taxes (to match the feasibility-stage quotation where applicable) and uploads the agreement (the guidelines include a sample). Any edit after approval needs fresh consumer approval | None |
3. Install | Gives roof access and pays per the agreed schedule | Installs, runs safety checks and educates the customer on maintenance and safety | None |
4. Document | Updates system details on the portal and uploads documents, including geo-tagged photographs. The vendor may assist | Prepares specifications, test reports, serial numbers, warranty cards, the layout, SLD and structure drawings (design software like Reslink generates these) and the project completion report | None |
5. Inspect | Signs the metering agreement | Attends testing and commissioning | Inspects physically, completes the portal checklist, installs the meter, then approves or sends back |
6. Claim | Redeems the e-token on the portal | Rectifies any deficiency that blocks the claim. For defects flagged in third-party inspection, proof is due within 15 days: geo-tagged, time-stamped photographs and a signed undertaking countersigned by the consumer | CFA is processed within 15 days of DISCOM approval |
Registered vendors owe five years of free repair and maintenance from commissioning, and must rectify any quality or component issue that blocks the subsidy. Get the commitment and the component warranties in writing.
If the customer took a loan, the CFA is credited to the loan account first, and any balance goes to the bank account.
Customers hold user rights on the portal and can act without the vendor. For each customer, identify whether the next action sits with the customer, the vendor or the DISCOM before escalating. Installation alone does not complete the claim.
Documents and application-status checks
Build one document set per project:
Stage | Information and records to prepare |
|---|---|
Application | Electricity consumer number and bill, contact details, and any identity or consent documents the portal requests |
Bank verification | Account details and proof that the account is held by the customer, such as a cancelled cheque, e-statement or passbook scan |
Installation | Technical specifications, IEC or BIS test reports, module and inverter serial numbers and warranty cards, layout, electrical SLD, structure design and drawings, cable details, and geo-tagged photographs |
Inspection and redemption | The signed project completion report, DISCOM inspection and commissioning records, the metering agreement, and any open consumer-verification items |
Upload fields can change, so check the current portal and DISCOM workflow.
The portal currently requires additional undertaking and government name-proof uploads for applications with a confidence score below 70%. Follow the instructions shown for your application.
For scheme support, use the official helpline 15555.
DCR and ALMM: what matters for subsidy eligibility?
DCR and ALMM are different checks:
- DCR—Domestic Content Requirement: To claim residential CFA, the installation must use domestically manufactured modules made with domestically manufactured cells.
- ALMM List-I: The approved list for solar modules.
- ALMM List-II: The approved list for solar cells.
MNRE's August 2026 clarification provides a List-II exemption for covered net-metering and open-access projects commissioned by 31 December 2026. Applicable List-I requirements remain in force. Crucially, this does not relax the DCR condition for a subsidised PM Surya Ghar installation.
Consumers who use the Give It Up route forgo central CFA. The separate List-II exemption for eligible residential net-metering applications runs through 31 March 2027, provided they apply through the national portal; applicable List-I requirements remain.
For EPCs, the practical check is simple: confirm the proposed module model, domestic-cell documentation, applicable ALMM status and planned commissioning date before procurement. Do not describe a List-II exemption as permission to use imported cells while claiming CFA.
PM Surya Ghar installation and mounting structure rules for vendors
Annexure 3 of the MNRE guidelines sets the minimum technical specifications for every subsidised system. The vendor is responsible for meeting them, and DISCOMs check them at inspection. Annexure 3 also warns that shortcomings can lead to delisting or blacklisting from MNRE programmes. Customers may install higher specifications and still qualify.
Mounting structure: scheme minimums
Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
Permitted materials | Hot dip galvanised iron, aluminium and hot dip galvanised mild steel, with mild steel preferred for raised structures. MNRE's 19 May 2026 memorandum, as reported, adds ZAM alloy as a fourth option. It must meet IS 18513:2023 and is not mandatory. |
Steel and coating | Steel to IS 2062:2011. Galvanisation to IS 4759. |
Aluminium | AA6063 T6, protected by coating or anodisation. |
Fasteners and clamps | SS 304 or hot dip galvanised fasteners, and aluminium panel clamps. All materials must be electrolytically compatible with the module frame. |
Design basis | The wind zone of the site, with a factor of safety of at least 1.5, and operating conditions for at least 25 years. |
Airflow | A wind shield on the upper edge of the module, with slight clearance at both edges for cooling. |
Elevated structures | A minimum ground clearance of 8 feet at the lowest point to be eligible for CFA. |
Lightning arrester | Not to be installed on the mounting structure. |
Structure by roof type
Type | Key minimums |
|---|---|
Ballast | Non-invasive, with no roof penetration. 70 to 150 mm clearance from the roof. Reinforced concrete blocks of M25 mix. |
Tin shed | Designed to the shed slope. Lowest point more than 100 mm above the sheet. Fixed to the purlin by riveting. All members at least 2 mm thick. |
RCC elevated, up to 1,000 mm | Base plate 5 mm. Columns and rafters at least 2 mm lip section or 3 mm C-channel. Gap between modules at least 30 mm. |
RCC elevated, 1,000 to 2,000 mm | Base plate at least 6 mm, with larger sections than the lower band. |
RCC elevated, 2,000 to 3,000 mm | Base plate at least 8 mm. Columns at least 2.6 mm square hollow section (50 x 50) or 3 mm C-channel. Bracing at least 3 mm. |
Above 3,000 mm | Base plate 10 mm. Columns at least 2.9 mm square hollow section (60 x 60). Cross bracing at least 4 mm L-angle with 10 mm bolts. |
Annexure 3 marks the elevated bands as reference values. For all elevated structures, connections must be fully bolted, with at least 12 mm bolts from leg to rafter and 10 mm bolts from rafter to purlin. Module mounting fasteners must be SS 304 only, and the rest SS 304 or HDG 8.8 grade. Where the roof may be penetrated, foundations use anchors of at least 12 mm diameter and 100 mm length in RCC of at least 400 x 400 x 300 mm and M20 grade. Where it may not, use J-bolts of at least 12 mm diameter and 300 mm length, bonded to the roof.
Other checks an inspector can raise
- Shadow analysis. Provide a report from a professional shadow-analysis software like Reslink for each site. Lower performance caused by shading can attract a penalty.
- Earthing. Ground each array structure to IS 3043-2018, with earth resistance never above 5 ohms. Systems of 10 kW and above need three separate earth pits: DC side, AC side and lightning arrester.
- Performance ratio. The model vendor agreement in Annexure 2 asks for a performance ratio of 75% at commissioning, a returnable radiation sensor with a valid NABL or international calibration certificate, and the same ratio maintained through the 5-year warranty. The actual agreement may vary. Reslink's energy yield report from the design gives you the expected generation to compare against at commissioning.
- Module traceability. Annexure 3 requires an RFID tag laminated inside the module glass. It carries the module and cell manufacturers, manufacturing dates, country of origin for cells and modules separately, serial and model number, and test details.
For structure types, wind-load calculation and material choice beyond these minimums, see Solar Mounting Structure Types: How Indian EPCs Choose the Right One. For module warranty rules, see MNRE Solar Module Warranty SOP 2026. MNRE amends Annexure 3 from time to time, so check the current version on pmsuryaghar.gov.in before ordering.
State subsidy and solar loans
States and Union Territories may provide additional support, but it is separate from central CFA. Check the current state or DISCOM notification for eligibility, availability and whether the benefit can be combined with central support. Do not include an unconfirmed top-up in the customer's promised net price.
If upfront cost is the main obstacle, compare solar-loan products using the rate, fees, down payment, repayment period and prepayment terms; not just the monthly EMI.
For example, SBI's current Surya Ghar product lists loans up to ₹6 lakh, a maximum tenure of 120 months, floating interest rates and no prepayment penalty. It requires national-portal registration followed by application through Jan Samarth. Check the live lender page before quoting a rate.
An EMI is not automatically lower than the electricity bill. Compare loan payments with a site-specific generation and bill-savings estimate.
How Reslink Helps EPCs Build a PM Surya Ghar Sales System
The volume opportunity in PM Surya Ghar depends on proposal speed, subsidy calculation accuracy, and documentation consistency. An EPC handling 5 to 15 PM Surya Ghar installations per month needs a proposal process that generates the correct subsidy figure automatically, flags ALMM compliance on the specified equipment, and produces the documentation set required for DISCOM submission without manual reassembly for each project.
Reslink's solar EPC software generates proposals, system layouts, and DISCOM-ready documentation packages from a single design workflow, with subsidy calculations built into the proposal output. Field teams can complete a preliminary site assessment on their phone and share a proposal before leaving the premises, reducing the conversion gap that typically opens between site visit and signed agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can an EPC receive the PM Surya Ghar subsidy directly?
No. The subsidy goes to the customer by direct benefit transfer after the DISCOM inspects and approves the system. If the customer took a loan, it is credited to the loan account first. The customer pays the EPC the agreed price, so tell customers early that the subsidy will not be deducted from your invoice.
Q2. Does the PM Surya Ghar subsidy apply to a 5 kW system?
Yes, you can install 5 kW, but central CFA stops at the 3 kW amount of ₹78,000 in general-category states. Nothing is added for the 4th or 5th kW. A larger system is justified by generation and bill savings, not by extra subsidy.
Q3. Does the PM Surya Ghar subsidy apply to hybrid solar systems with battery storage?
A system may include battery storage or hybrid inverters, but CFA is calculated only on module capacity, so a battery does not raise the subsidy. Grid-connected systems that do not export, including battery hybrids, can qualify subject to approval by the state regulator. Off-grid systems are not eligible. Confirm any state battery support with the state agency before quoting it.
Q4. Is PM Surya Ghar available for commercial solar installations?
No. The residential component covers residential electricity connections only. Group housing societies and RWAs have a separate provision for common facilities such as lighting and EV charging: ₹18,000 per kW in general-category locations, up to 500 kW and 3 kW per house, using domestic modules and cells. Commercial customers should ask their tax advisor about depreciation benefits, which are separate from this scheme.
Q5. What happens to the subsidy after 31 March 2027?
MNRE has not announced an extension, renewal or successor scheme. Until it does, treat today's subsidy terms as guaranteed only for installations commissioned inside the implementation period, and avoid promising subsidy for later commissioning dates in proposals.
Q6. How long does it take to receive the subsidy after installation?
The guidelines say CFA is processed within 15 days of DISCOM approval. The total time from application to subsidy depends mainly on DISCOM inspection scheduling, net meter installation and document completeness, so avoid promising dates to customers.
Q7. What happens if the equipment is not on the ALMM List?
A module that is not on ALMM List-I, or any non-DCR module in the installation, puts the CFA claim at risk. The guidelines make DCR an essential condition and say that using non-DCR modules in any form makes the installation ineligible. ALMM lists are revised, so check each model at the point of order, not only at quotation, with a tool like Reslink that flags ALMM status.
Q8. What are the required documents for PM Surya Ghar application and subsidy claim?
Applications need the electricity consumer number and bill and proof of the customer's bank-account ownership. The claim file after commissioning includes geo-tagged photographs, technical specifications and IEC or BIS test reports, module and inverter serial numbers and warranty cards, the layout, electrical SLD and structure drawings (design software like Reslink generates these) and a signed project completion report. Check the current portal for exact upload fields.
Q9. Can a customer get additional state subsidy on top of the central Rs 78,000?
In some states, yes. States and Union Territories may add their own subsidy, and the guidelines require it to follow scheme rules and be routed through the national portal. State schemes change, so quote the central subsidy as confirmed and describe any state top-up as subject to current availability and the customer's eligibility.
Q10. Can a customer self-install a solar system under PM Surya Ghar?
No. Under the guidelines the customer must choose a vendor registered on the national portal to receive CFA. Customers can check a vendor's registration on the portal, and it is worth confirming at the first meeting.
Q11. Is the PM Surya Ghar subsidy taxable?
The scheme guidelines do not address income-tax treatment, and treatment can depend on the customer's circumstances. EPCs should not give tax advice in proposals. Refer tax questions to a chartered accountant.
Q12. What can cause a PM Surya Ghar subsidy claim to be rejected?
Claims can be sent back or rejected for any of these reasons:
- The vendor is not registered on the national portal.
- Any module in the installation is non-DCR.
- A module model is not on ALMM List-I.
- The system fails the Annexure 3 technical specifications at inspection.
- An elevated structure has less than 8 feet of clearance.
- The portal documentation is incomplete, such as missing geo-tagged photographs or bank-account proof.
A DISCOM can send an application back for correction or reject it with a justification.
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- PM Surya Ghar Complaint Against Vendor: How to File and What Happens
- DISCOM Feasibility Approval for Rooftop Solar: Steps and Timelines
Sources
- SolarQuarter, May 30, 2026, solarquarter.com, PM Surya Ghar solarises 40 lakh households; Union Minister Pralhad Joshi statement
- Energetica India, March 26, 2026, energetica-india.net, 26.21 lakh systems installed, 9.56 GW capacity, 32.4 lakh households as of March 20, 2026 (Lok Sabha statement)
- PV Magazine / Mercom, May 29, 2026, pv-magazine.com, India installed 2.7 GW rooftop solar in Q1 2026; residential 82% of additions; Maharashtra 17%, UP 16%, Gujarat 15%
- PIB (Primary), December 8, 2025, pib.gov.in, 23.96 lakh households installed, 35 lakh targeted for FY2025-26, scheme progress and implementation steps confirmed
- MNRE (Primary), pmsuryaghar.gov.in, PM Surya Ghar scheme notification, subsidy slabs, vendor empanelment rules, application process
- MNRE ALMM Portal (Primary), mnre.gov.in, ALMM List I (modules) and List II (cells, mandatory from June 1, 2026)
- PV Tech, "MNRE extends ALMM List-II exemption for net-metering and open-access solar projects," July 2026 – confirms the July 18, 2026 extension to December 31, 2026, applicable to standard net-metering projects including PM Surya Ghar.
- Winsight Solutions / ANI / Down To Earth, coverage of the July 22, 2026 Lok Sabha reply – confirms 47.26 lakh households benefited as of July 18, 2026.
- The World Bank, press release, July 9, 2026 – confirms the $890 million package and $4.2 billion private mobilization target.
- IBEF / Angel One / The Statesman, Union Budget 2026-27 coverage — confirms ₹22,000 crore PM Surya Ghar allocation, up from ₹17,000 crore FY2025-26 revised estimate.
- MNRE (Primary), Guidelines for PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, CFA to Residential Consumers, consolidated July 2025, CFA structure and benchmark cost, eligibility, workflow, vendor obligations, Annexure 2 model agreement and Annexure 3 technical specifications
- SolarQuarter, May 25, 2026, solarquarter.com, MNRE memorandum dated May 19, 2026 adding ZAM alloy (IS 18513:2023) to approved module mounting structure materials
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