How to apply for government solar subsidy in India step by step
Getting the government solar subsidy in India means applying through the PM Surya Ghar portal, choosing an MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy) approved vendor, and completing your DISCOM (Distribution Company) inspection before the amount is credited to your bank account. Every year, lakhs of Indian homeowners hear about this subsidy but stall at the same step: where do I start, and what paperwork do I actually need? The gap between knowing a subsidy exists and successfully claiming it stops more families than the actual cost of solar. Arkahub built its approvals process around closing that gap, so here is the complete application path, portal steps included.
TL;DR — Summary
- What is the government solar subsidy? — Under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the central government provides ₹30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW and ₹18,000 for the third kW, capped at ₹78,000 for systems of 3 kW and above. The subsidy is credited directly to the homeowner's bank account after installation and inspection.
- Who is eligible? — Any Indian resident who owns a home with a rooftop, holds a domestic electricity connection in their name, and chooses an MNRE approved vendor can apply. The system must be on grid and net metered.
- How do you apply? — Register on the PM Surya Ghar portal, select a registered vendor, get the system installed, then upload commissioning documents. Your DISCOM inspects the system, approves net metering, and the subsidy is released to your bank account.
- What documents are needed? — Electricity bill in the applicant's name, Aadhaar, bank passbook or cancelled cheque, rooftop photograph, and the vendor's commissioning certificate. Some DISCOMs also ask for property ownership proof.
- How long does it take? — Portal registration takes minutes. Installation can begin within a week of booking. Subsidy disbursement typically happens within 30 to 90 days after DISCOM inspection, depending on the state.
What is the government solar subsidy?
The central government’s PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is the primary residential rooftop solar subsidy scheme in India. It covers on grid systems installed on domestic rooftops by MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy) approved vendors.
The subsidy structure works on a slab basis. Homeowners receive ₹30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW of capacity. For the third kW, the rate drops to ₹18,000. The total cap is ₹78,000 for systems of 3 kW and above.
| System capacity | Subsidy rate | Subsidy amount |
|---|---|---|
| First 2 kW | ₹30,000 per kW | ₹60,000 |
| 3rd kW | ₹18,000 (flat) | ₹18,000 |
| 3 kW and above | Capped | ₹78,000 maximum |
This amount is not deducted from the installer’s invoice upfront. Instead, it is credited directly to the homeowner’s bank account after the system passes DISCOM inspection and net metering is approved.
Who qualifies?
Eligibility is straightforward. You need a domestic (residential) electricity connection in your name. The rooftop must belong to you; tenants without the property owner’s consent typically cannot apply.
The system must be on grid, meaning it feeds surplus power back to the utility through a net meter. Off grid or hybrid setups with battery storage alone do not qualify for this subsidy.
You must choose an MNRE approved vendor. This is non negotiable: the portal only processes applications linked to a vendor registered on the MNRE portal. Arkahub is MNRE approved and handles the vendor linkage as part of its standard process.
Step by step application process
Below is the sequence a homeowner follows to claim the subsidy. The portal steps and the physical installation steps run in parallel, not one after another.
1. Register on the portal
Visit the PM Surya Ghar portal (pmsuryaghar.gov.in). Enter your DISCOM, consumer number, and mobile number. The portal verifies your domestic connection.
2. Select a registered vendor
After registration, the portal shows MNRE approved vendors in your area. Choose your vendor here. Arkahub guides homeowners through this selection step so the portal linkage is correct from day one.
3. Get a site survey done
Your vendor conducts a technical site visit. This confirms rooftop area, shadow analysis, electrical panel readiness, and the right system size for your home. Arkahub completes this visit within two days of booking.
4. Installation and commissioning
Once the system size is confirmed, installation begins. For most residential systems (2 kW to 5 kW), installation takes 24 to 48 hours. The vendor then generates a commissioning report confirming the system is live and feeding power to the grid.
5. Upload documents on the portal
After commissioning, upload the required documents to the PM Surya Ghar portal. These include the commissioning certificate, net metering application, system photographs, and your bank details for subsidy credit.
6. DISCOM inspection
Your local DISCOM sends an inspector to verify the installation. They check panel placement, inverter specs, meter configuration, and safety compliance. Once approved, the net meter is activated.
7. Subsidy disbursement
After DISCOM approval, the subsidy amount is processed and credited to your bank account. This typically takes 30 to 90 days depending on the state and DISCOM processing speed.
Documents you need ready
Gather these before you start the portal registration. Missing documents are the most common reason for delays.
- Latest electricity bill showing a domestic connection in your name
- Aadhaar card for identity verification
- Bank passbook front page or cancelled cheque for subsidy credit
- Clear photograph of your rooftop for the portal upload
- Property ownership proof (sale deed or property tax receipt), if your DISCOM asks for it
- Commissioning certificate and system specifications, provided by your vendor
Where installers fit in
A common confusion is whether the homeowner or the installer drives the process. The answer is both, but a good installer handles the heavy lifting.
Arkahub manages the DISCOM paperwork, net metering application, and commissioning documentation as part of its standard scope. The homeowner’s role is mainly to register on the portal, share identity and bank documents, and be available for the DISCOM inspection visit.
Choosing an MNRE approved vendor is not just a subsidy requirement. It also means the vendor’s installation quality has been vetted, and the system components meet national standards. Arkahub carries an MNRE rating of 4.9 and above, reflecting consistent installation and documentation quality across every city it operates in.
Common delays and how to avoid them
Most subsidy delays happen for predictable reasons.
- Electricity bill name does not match the Aadhaar name
- Bank account belongs to a different family member than the applicant
- Rooftop photo is unclear or missing from the upload
- Vendor is not registered on the MNRE portal, so the application cannot be linked
DISCOM inspection backlogs vary by state. In some cities, inspections happen within two weeks. In others, it can stretch to six weeks. Arkahub tracks inspection status proactively and follows up with the DISCOM on behalf of its customers.
For homeowners in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Nagpur, Arkahub has established DISCOM relationships that help reduce wait times, and is expanding the same approvals support to Chennai and Dehradun. Start by registering on the PM Surya Ghar portal, choose an MNRE approved vendor, keep your documents ready in advance, and stay available for the DISCOM inspection. That is what turns a subsidy you have heard about into money credited to your account.
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FAQs
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