What is PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (also known as PM Surya Ghar or Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2024, under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). It is one of the world's largest residential rooftop solar schemes with a total financial outlay of ₹75,021 crore.
The scheme aims to install solar panels on 1 crore (10 million) residential homes across India by March 2027, providing eligible households with up to 300 units of free electricity every month and a substantial government subsidy directly transferred to their bank accounts.
Total Subsidy Available in UP — Central + State Combined
Uttar Pradesh residents are exceptionally well-positioned as they qualify for two separate subsidies: the Central Government subsidy (PM Surya Ghar CFA) and the UP State subsidy (UPNEDA).
| System Size | Central (PM Surya Ghar) | UP State (UPNEDA) | Total in UP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | ₹30,000 | ₹15,000 | ₹45,000 |
| 2 kW | ₹60,000 | ₹30,000 | ₹90,000 |
| 3 kW | ₹78,000 | ₹30,000 | ₹1,08,000 |
| Above 3 kW | ₹78,000 (Capped) | ₹30,000 (Capped) | ₹1,08,000 Max |
*For residential connections only. Subsidy is transferred directly to bank account (DBT). UPNEDA subsidy released after central CFA is disbursed.
How Many Units of Free Electricity Will You Get?
A 3 kW solar system in Western UP (with 5.4–5.6 sun hours per day) generates approximately 378–420 units of electricity per month. The scheme provides up to 300 units of this as "free electricity" — meaning most homes with bills of ₹2,000–₹3,500/month will see their bills reduce to nearly ₹0 per month after installation.
If you generate more than you consume during the day, the surplus goes to the PVVNL grid via net metering, earning credits on your next electricity bill. Additionally, you can earn ₹17,000–₹18,000 per year by selling surplus electricity back to the grid.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be an Indian citizen
- Must own a house with a suitable rooftop (own or society flat with permission)
- Must have a valid electricity connection (PVVNL/UPPCL consumer number in UP)
- Should not have availed any prior rooftop solar subsidy under any government scheme
- Only residential connections qualify for central subsidy (LT domestic/residential meter)
- No prior criminal conviction or pending dues with electricity department
Step-by-Step Application Process (pmsuryaghar.gov.in)
- Register on National Portal: Visit pmsuryaghar.gov.in and register using your mobile number and electricity consumer number
- Apply for Rooftop Solar: Select Uttar Pradesh as state, choose PVVNL/UPPCL as DISCOM, enter your consumer account number and apply
- Choose an MNRE-Empanelled Vendor: Select a registered installer from the portal's approved vendor list — all SolarBijli partners are registered and MNRE-empanelled
- Site Survey: Vendor conducts a free site survey to assess your roof, shade analysis, and electrical load
- Installation: Solar system is installed as per MNRE specifications (2–3 working days)
- Submit Plant Details: Upload photos, plant details, and net meter application on the portal
- DISCOM Inspection: PVVNL/UPPCL conducts technical inspection and installs the net meter (15–30 days)
- Commissioning Certificate: DISCOM issues commissioning certificate after successful inspection
- Central Subsidy (CFA): PM Surya Ghar subsidy transferred to your bank within 30 days of commissioning certificate
- UPNEDA State Subsidy: Additional ₹30,000 UP state subsidy is automatically released by UPNEDA after central CFA
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card (identity proof, must be mobile-linked)
- Latest Electricity Bill (with consumer number clearly visible)
- Bank Account Details for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Aadhaar-linked Bank Account for subsidy credit
- Property Documents or self-declaration of rooftop ownership
- Mobile Number registered with Aadhaar
- Passport-size photograph (optional, for some vendor applications)
Solar Loan Options Under the Scheme
Multiple public sector banks offer collateral-free solar loans at 7% p.a. for up to ₹2 lakh (for ≤3kW systems) under PM Surya Ghar. The strategy recommended by financial experts:
- Take a bank loan (no collateral required up to ₹2L) for the full amount
- Start paying EMIs (the bank pays the vendor/installer directly)
- When the ₹1,08,000 subsidy is received (30–60 days after commissioning), use it to make a part prepayment on the loan
- This dramatically reduces your outstanding principal and interest burden
After part-prepayment with the subsidy, many homeowners find their remaining EMI is lower than their previous monthly electricity bill — making solar cash-flow positive from month 1.
PM Surya Ghar Helpline & Contact
For queries about the PM Surya Ghar scheme:
- National Helpline: 15555
- Official Portal: pmsuryaghar.gov.in
- Loan Application: jansamarth.in
- UPNEDA (UP State): upneda.org.in
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for both central and UP state subsidy?›
Yes! UP residents can claim both the PM Surya Ghar Central Financial Assistance (CFA) and the UPNEDA UP State subsidy. The UPNEDA subsidy is automatically processed after the central subsidy is credited. No separate application is needed for the state subsidy.
Is PM Surya Ghar only for below poverty line (BPL) families?›
No. PM Surya Ghar is available to all residential homeowners in India regardless of income. There is no income cap or BPL requirement. Any household with a valid residential electricity connection can apply.
Can I get subsidy on a 5kW or 10kW system?›
Yes, but the subsidy is capped at ₹1,08,000 (₹78,000 central + ₹30,000 UP state) regardless of system size for above 3kW. So if you install a 5kW system, you still get ₹1,08,000 in subsidy.
How long does the subsidy take to reach my account?›
The central CFA (₹78,000) is typically credited within 30 days of the commissioning certificate being issued. The UPNEDA state subsidy (₹30,000) follows within 2–4 weeks after the central subsidy.