How to get subsidy on solar panel?
Installing rooftop solar panels can help households reduce their electricity bills and make greater use of renewable energy. To encourage residential solar adoption, the Government of India offers financial assistance through the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Understanding the application process, eligibility criteria, and subsidy rates can help homeowners plan their solar installations more effectively.
In this blog, Neal Solar, a trusted solar energy company in Kerala, explores how to get a subsidy on solar panels, the steps involved in applying for government assistance, and the key requirements homeowners need to understand before installation. Knowing these details can help households make informed decisions when investing in rooftop solar systems.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Eligible residential consumers can apply for rooftop solar subsidies through the official PM Surya Ghar National Portal. The process involves registration, feasibility approval, installation, inspection, and commissioning.
1. Register on the Portal
Visit the official PM Surya Ghar website. Register by selecting your state and electricity distribution company (DISCOM), entering your electricity consumer account number, and providing your mobile number and other requested details.
2. Apply for Rooftop Solar
Log in to the portal and submit the rooftop solar application with the required information. Select the proposed system capacity based on your household’s electricity consumption, available roof space, and other installation requirements.
3. Wait for Feasibility Approval
After submitting the application, wait for your DISCOM to assess the feasibility of the proposed rooftop solar installation. Obtain the required approval before proceeding with the installation.
4. Install the System Through an Empanelled Vendor
Once the required approval is received, select a vendor registered on the National Portal and arrange for the rooftop solar system to be installed. Ensure that the equipment and installation comply with the applicable scheme requirements.
5. Apply for Net Metering
After installation, submit the system details through the portal and apply for a net meter as required. Net metering records electricity imported from the grid and electricity exported by the solar system, subject to the applicable regulations.
6. Receive the Subsidy
The DISCOM inspects the installed system and completes the commissioning process. Once the system has been verified and the commissioning certificate has been issued, submit your bank account details and any other documents requested through the portal. The subsidy is transferred to the eligible beneficiary’s bank account after the application is verified and approved.
Key Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for a solar panel subsidy, homeowners should check whether their installation meets the requirements of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
- Residential electricity connection: The scheme’s central financial assistance is intended for eligible residential electricity consumers.
- Suitable rooftop: The property must have adequate roof space and structural suitability for the proposed solar installation.
- Grid-connected system: The installation must meet the scheme’s requirements for grid-connected rooftop solar; standalone off-grid systems are not eligible for this central subsidy.
- Registered vendor: The system must be installed through a vendor registered under the applicable scheme and portal.
- Compliance with scheme rules: Applicants must complete the prescribed registration, approval, installation, inspection, and commissioning procedures.
- Previous subsidy and other conditions: Applicants should check the current scheme guidelines and portal requirements, including any restrictions relating to subsidies previously received for the installation, to confirm their eligibility for central financial assistance.
Commercial and industrial electricity connections should not be assumed to qualify for the same residential subsidy. Applicants should verify the applicable benefits and regulations for their connection category before proceeding.
Subsidy Rates
Under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, eligible residential rooftop solar installations in Kerala qualify for central financial assistance at the standard rates applicable to states outside the special-category group.
The applicable central financial assistance is generally calculated as follows:
| Rooftop solar capacity | Central subsidy |
|---|---|
1 kW |
₹30,000 |
2 kW |
₹60,000 |
3 kW |
₹78,000 |
Above 3 kW |
Maximum ₹78,000 |
The subsidy is calculated at ₹30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW and ₹18,000 for the additional 1 kW, subject to the scheme’s capacity limits. Therefore, eligible systems above 3 kW do not receive a higher central subsidy under these standard rates.
These amounts refer to central financial assistance, not the full installation cost. The final amount payable by a homeowner depends on the system capacity, vendor quotation, equipment, installation requirements, and any other applicable charges. Applicants should confirm the latest rates and eligibility conditions on the official portal before making a purchase.
Conclusion
Getting a subsidy on solar panels involves more than simply installing a rooftop system. Homeowners need to register on the official portal, obtain the required feasibility approval, choose a registered vendor, complete the installation and applicable metering procedures, and meet the verification requirements to receive the subsidy.
Neal Solar, a trusted solar energy company in Kerala, can help homeowners understand rooftop solar options and plan their installations according to their electricity needs. By understanding the subsidy process and checking eligibility before installation, households can make more informed decisions about adopting solar energy and reducing their dependence on grid electricity.
