India aims to install 40 GW of residential rooftop solar systems to boost a solar transition by 2026. The Central Government of India is providing a home solar system installation subsidy in 2024 of up to Rs. 78,000 under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana to increase residential rooftop solar panel installation. To get the subsidy, you need to apply for a rooftop solar system installation through PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and complete the installation as per MNRE guidelines.

Here is the process to apply for home rooftop solar panel systems followed by the eligibility criteria, documents required and benefits.

How to Apply for Rooftop Solar System Subsidy at PM Surya Ghar Portal?

You can apply for a rooftop solar system online on the National Portal for rooftop solar.

Here is the process to apply for rooftop solar panel systems for you:

Step 1: Complete the registration process if you have not registered on the portal. To register, fill in your state, district, electricity Distribution Company or DISCOM name and consumer number. Enter the captcha displayed on the screen before entering your operational mobile number.

Step 2: Log in to the portal using your registered mobile number to apply for a rooftop solar panel system.

Step 3: Wait for the feasibility approval by MNRE or the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Once you receive the approval, you can proceed with rooftop solar panel installation with a DISCOM-empanelled vendor.

Step 4: On completing the installation process, apply for a net meter online or offline and wait for the commissioning certificate. Representatives from your DISCOM will visit your home to inspect the installed solar system before you get the commissioning certificate. This is the step before you apply for the solar installation subsidy.

Step 5: To get the solar system installation subsidy, you need to apply further on the portal. For this, you need to upload the commissioning certificate and cancelled cheque. The subsidy will significantly reduce the solar system installation cost.

Documents Required for Rooftop Solar System Installation Subsidy

The documents you require for rooftop solar panel installation are as follows:

• Identity proof such as a PAN card, Voter card or Aadhar card
• Address proof such as an Aadhar card or voter card
• Property documents indicating roof ownership
• Past electricity bills

Eligibility Criteria for PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

The eligibility criteria for the solar scheme in 2024 are as follows:

• You need to be a resident of India.
• The home and roof rights need to be in your name.
• You need to install DCR or domestic content requirements and ALMM-listed modules.
• Your DISCOM needs to be registered with the MNRE.
• You need to choose a solar installer empanelled with the MNRE-registered DISCOM.
• Your home solar panel system needs to be an on-grid solar system.

Benefits of Home Rooftop Solar System Installation

Solar system installation ensures multiple benefits for homeowners. Here are the benefits that you can reap by installing home rooftop solar systems.

1) Reduced Electricity Bills

Approximately, a 1 kW solar panel can generate 4-5 units of electricity each day. As a result, it can produce around 120-150 units per month. It helps reduce grid dependence by decreasing the import of electricity. Approximately, each unit of electricity costs Rs. 8 in India. So, you can save (120 units x  Rs 8) = Rs. 960 per month with a solar system installation of 1 kW .

2) Hedge Against Electricity Cost Inflation

The cost of electricity per unit has been increasing over the past years. It increased from approximately Rs. 3.50 in 2010 to Rs. 8 in 2024. It will increase further in the forthcoming years. However, solar installation can help you import fewer units from the grid thereby paying for a lower number of units at an inflated price.

How to Choose A Solar Company in India for Rooftop Solar System Installation?

You can choose a solar company based on your affordability and feasibility with customer vendor connecting platform like Das Energie Private Limited. These platforms provide multiple free solar quotations from different solar installers near you. Here is the process for choosing a suitable solar company near you:

Step 1: Click on ‘get quote’ and fill in the quotation request form with the mandatory details. You need to fill in your name, address, email address, contact details and electricity bill amount. Further, you need to upload your past electricity bills before you submit the request.

Step 2: Compare the quotations you receive from different DISCOM-empanelled solar companies near you and select a solar installation company for your home rooftop solar installation.

Now, that you know the application process for rooftop solar systems, you can contribute to a solar transition aligned with the government’s aims. You can further reduce your monthly electricity bills by installing solar on your home rooftop and increase your annual savings.