PM Surya Ghar & Rooftop Solar Subsidy Calculator 2026
Calculate exact solar system size (kW), Central Government Subsidy (up to ₹78,000), monthly bill savings, and payback period.
Requires 285 sq. ft. of shadow-free roof. Generates ~357 units/month.
Direct Bank Transfer (DBT) credited straight to your bank account via PM Surya Ghar portal.
Original Cost: ₹1,65,000. Recovers cost in 2.7 Years!
Full Financial & Energy Feasibility Breakdown
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana — Official Subsidy Slabs (2026)
Launched by the Government of India with a total budget outlay of ₹75,021 Crore, the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana aims to provide 1 Crore Indian households with free electricity of up to 300 units per month. The Central Financial Assistance (CFA) is disbursed directly to the beneficiary's authenticated bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
| Rooftop Capacity | Roof Space Required | Estimated Turnkey Cost | Central Subsidy (DBT) | Net Cost to Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kW System | ~95 – 100 sq. ft. | ₹50,000 – ₹55,000 | ₹30,000 | ₹20,000 – ₹25,000 |
| 2 kW System | ~190 – 200 sq. ft. | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,10,000 | ₹60,000 | ₹40,000 – ₹50,000 |
| 3 kW System (🔥 Most Popular) | ~280 – 300 sq. ft. | ₹1,50,000 – ₹1,65,000 | ₹78,000 (Max Cap) | ₹72,000 – ₹87,000 |
| 4 kW to 10 kW | ~400 – 1000 sq. ft. | ₹2,10,000 – ₹4,90,000 | ₹78,000 (Flat Capped) | ₹1,32,000 – ₹4,12,000 |
* Note: Benchmark costs are indicative turnkey rates for Tier-1 ALMM listed DCR solar modules with on-grid string inverters. Actual quotation may vary slightly based on roof structure height and local DISCOM meter charges.
How to Apply for PM Surya Ghar Solar Subsidy (Step-by-Step)
National Portal Registration
Visit pmsuryaghar.gov.in, select your State and Electricity Distribution Company (DISCOM), and enter your Consumer Account Number along with your registered mobile.
DISCOM Feasibility Approval
Apply online for technical feasibility approval. Your local DISCOM verifies whether your sanctioned electrical load and local transformer capacity can accommodate the proposed solar capacity.
Installation by Registered Vendor
Upon feasibility approval, select an MNRE-registered certified solar vendor from the portal directory. The vendor installs domestic content requirement (DCR) compliant ALMM solar panels and grid-tie inverters.
Net Metering & Direct DBT Subsidy
The DISCOM inspects the plant and installs a bi-directional Net Meter. Submit bank account details and cancelled cheque on the portal to receive the central subsidy credited to your bank account within 30 days!
Which Solar System is Best for Your Home?
Understanding the difference between On-Grid, Off-Grid, and Hybrid solar power systems is critical before selecting your setup:
On-Grid (Grid-Tied) Solar
Connected directly to your DISCOM grid via a bi-directional net meter. No expensive batteries required. Lowest cost and qualifies for full PM Surya Ghar subsidies!
- ✅ Lowest upfront investment
- ✅ Full government subsidy (₹78k)
- ✅ Zero battery replacement costs
- ⚠️ Shuts down during power outages
Hybrid Solar System
Combines the benefits of on-grid net metering with lithium-ion or lead-acid battery backup. Provides uninterrupted power during blackouts while still exporting surplus solar power.
- ✅ 24/7 power backup during cuts
- ✅ Net-metering export capability
- ⚠️ 35% - 50% higher cost for batteries
- ⚠️ Subsidy applies only to solar portion
Off-Grid Solar System
Completely independent from the electrical grid. Charges deep-cycle battery banks during daylight to run household appliances at night. Ideal for farmhouses and remote off-grid locations.
- ✅ Complete electrical independence
- ✅ Ideal where grid power is unavailable
- ⚠️ No PM Surya Ghar grid subsidy
- ⚠️ Periodic battery maintenance needed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Solar Subsidy in India
How much government subsidy is given under PM Surya Ghar Yojana in 2026?
Under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, the Central Government provides a direct bank transfer (DBT) subsidy of ₹30,000 for a 1 kW system, ₹60,000 for a 2 kW system, and a maximum of ₹78,000 for residential rooftop systems of 3 kW and above.
How much roof area is required for a 3 kW solar system in India?
A standard 3 kW residential solar setup requires approximately 280 to 300 square feet of shadow-free rooftop space. High-efficiency Mono PERC or Bi-facial solar panels can generate optimal output within 270 sq. ft.
How much can I save on my electricity bill every month with rooftop solar?
A 3 kW solar plant in India generates approximately 360 units (kWh) of electricity per month. If your average DISCOM tariff is ₹7.50 per unit, you will save approximately ₹2,700 every month, or over ₹32,400 per year.
What is the typical payback period for residential rooftop solar in India?
With the ₹78,000 central subsidy and standard net-metering electricity tariffs, the typical capital payback period is between 2.8 and 3.5 years. Since solar panels carry a 25-year performance warranty, the remaining 21+ years provide virtually 100% free electricity.
Can I get a bank loan for installing rooftop solar?
Yes! Leading public sector banks such as State Bank of India (SBI), Canara Bank, and Punjab National Bank offer collateral-free solar loans at a repo-linked concessional interest rate of approximately 7.0% per annum for systems up to 3 kW with minimal paperwork.