Question 1

What is PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and who is eligible?

Accepted Answer

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a central government scheme launched in February 2024 with a ₹75,021 crore budget. It targets 1 crore Indian households to install rooftop solar systems. Eligibility: any residential electricity consumer with a valid connection, own/leased property with suitable roof space (~10 sq.m per kW), and structural load capacity. Government employees are eligible; commercial establishments are not under this specific scheme.

Question 2

How is the central subsidy calculated for my system size?

Accepted Answer

The central subsidy uses a slab structure: (1) For systems up to 2 kW: ₹30,000 per kW (max ₹60,000). (2) For the 3rd kW: an additional ₹18,000 (total max ₹78,000 for 3 kW). (3) For systems above 3 kW: the subsidy is capped at ₹78,000 regardless of size. So a 1 kW system gets ₹30,000, a 2 kW gets ₹60,000, a 3 kW and above gets ₹78,000.

Question 3

Is the ₹78,000 subsidy per kW or a total maximum?

Accepted Answer

₹78,000 is the total maximum central subsidy regardless of system size. It is not ₹78,000 per kW. The subsidy is tiered — you get the most value per kW for a system up to 3 kW. Installing a larger system (4–10 kW) is still financially beneficial because you generate and save more electricity, but the government grant stays at ₹78,000.

Question 4

Can I stack central and state subsidies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In states like Uttar Pradesh (₹15,000 via UPNEDA), Uttarakhand (₹15,000 via UREDA), Gujarat (₹10,000 via GEDA), Rajasthan (₹5,000 via RRECL), Maharashtra (₹5,000 via MSEDCL), and Madhya Pradesh (₹5,000 via MPUVNL), you can receive both the central subsidy (up to ₹78,000) and the state top-up subsidy. The calculator above includes both for applicable states.

Question 5

What is the payback period for a 3 kW system?

Accepted Answer

A typical 3 kW system costs ₹1,95,000 gross (at ₹65,000/kW). After the ₹78,000 central subsidy, your net cost is ₹1,17,000. Annual savings depend on your state tariff — at an average of ₹7/kWh, a 3 kW system generating 360 units/month saves ~₹25,200/year. Payback period: approximately 4.6 years. After that, you generate free power for 20+ more years.

Question 6

How does net metering work with rooftop solar?

Accepted Answer

Under net metering, your solar panels generate electricity that first powers your home. Excess units are exported to the grid, and your DISCOM records this on a net meter. At billing time, your export units are deducted from your import units, and you pay only the difference. In months with high solar generation (summer), you can even accumulate credit units to offset lower-generation monsoon months.

Question 7

What system size is optimal for Indian households?

Accepted Answer

Match the system to your annual consumption: Bills of ₹1,000–2,000/month → 1 kW. Bills of ₹2,000–4,000/month → 2–3 kW. Bills of ₹4,000–8,000/month → 3–5 kW. Bills above ₹8,000/month → 5–10 kW. A 3 kW system maximizes the central subsidy (full ₹78,000) while covering most household needs including 1.5 Ton ACs. For homes with 2+ ACs, consider 5 kW.

Question 8

Which solar panels are best — monocrystalline or polycrystalline?

Accepted Answer

Monocrystalline panels (efficiency: 20–23%) are the current standard for PM Surya Ghar installations due to their higher output per sq.m. They cost 5–10% more than polycrystalline but are worth it, especially for space-constrained rooftops. Avoid thin-film panels for residential use — they have lower efficiency and shorter lifespans. Always ensure your vendor installs BIS-certified, ALMM-listed panels to qualify for the subsidy.

Question 9

How long does the application to subsidy credit process take?

Accepted Answer

The end-to-end timeline varies: (1) DISCOM feasibility approval: 15–30 working days. (2) Vendor installation after approval: 7–21 days. (3) DISCOM inspection and commissioning: 7–15 days. (4) Subsidy credit after commissioning: 30 days (central), up to 90 days in some states. Total: 2–4 months from application to subsidy. Delays are common during peak solar season (March–June).

Question 10

Can I get a loan for the remaining cost after subsidy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under PM Surya Ghar, nationalized banks (SBI, Bank of Baroda, PNB, Canara Bank) offer collateral-free solar loans up to ₹2 lakh at 7–9% p.a. for residential systems, with tenure of 5–10 years. Your monthly EMI on a ₹1,20,000 loan at 9% for 10 years is approximately ₹1,520 — less than the monthly savings most 3 kW systems generate.

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