Solar Subsidy Application Process in India: Timeline & What to Expect

The solar subsidy application process has 6 stages: portal registration (1 day), DISCOM feasibility (7–15 days), vendor selection and installation (7–21 days), net metering (15–30 days), DISCOM inspection (7–15 days), and subsidy disbursement (15–45 days). Total timeline: 2–4 months from first click to money in your bank.

Register on the PM Surya Ghar national portal with your electricity consumer number. The portal verifies your DISCOM connection and creates your application profile.

What you do:

• Enter consumer number, state, and DISCOM
• Verify mobile via OTP
• Upload documents: electricity bill, Aadhaar, bank details, photo
• Select preferred system size (1kW–10kW)

Typical issues: Consumer number not found (contact DISCOM), Aadhaar OTP not received (check mobile linkage with UIDAI).

→ Documents you need for registration

Your DISCOM reviews the application to confirm technical feasibility:

• Transformer check: Is the local transformer capable of handling additional solar injection?
• Feeder load: What percentage of the feeder's consumers already have solar? Some feeders are saturated
• Sanctioned load: Your solar system cannot exceed your sanctioned load

Outcome: Approved (proceed to vendor selection) or rejected (usually with reason — transformer capacity, feeder saturation). Rejection can be appealed or resolved by reducing system size.

Timeline: 7–15 working days. Fast DISCOMs like BESCOM process in under 7 days. Slower DISCOMs may take 3–4 weeks.

After feasibility approval, select your installer and proceed with installation:

1. Vendor selection: Choose from MNRE-empanelled vendors on the portal. Compare quotes from 2–3 installers
2. Site survey: Vendor assesses your roof (1 day)
3. Contract and payment: Agree on scope, timeline, and payment terms. Most vendors take 50–70% advance
4. Installation: Physical installation of panels, inverter, mounting, and wiring (1–3 days for residential)
5. Portal update: Vendor uploads equipment details, serial numbers, and installation photos

Solar Vipani makes vendor selection easy — all installers on our platform are MNRE-empanelled and subsidy-authorised. Get quotes →

→ What to expect during installation

Your vendor applies to the DISCOM for net metering after installation:

• Application: Vendor submits net metering request with system details and single-line diagram
• Meter procurement: DISCOM arranges bi-directional meter (or you purchase per local policy)
• Meter installation: DISCOM technician replaces your existing meter. Takes 15–30 days from application
• Grid synchronisation: System is connected to grid and tested for proper export/import

This stage has the most variability in timeline. Some DISCOMs batch meter installations weekly, others process individually. Active follow-up by your installer helps.

→ Complete net metering guide

After net meter installation, the DISCOM conducts a technical inspection:

• Safety check: Earthing, isolators, surge protection, and wiring compliance
• Equipment verification: Panel and inverter serial numbers match portal declaration
• BIS certification check: Equipment carries valid Bureau of Indian Standards marks
• Performance test: System is generating power and exporting to grid correctly
• Commissioning certificate: DISCOM uploads the commissioning report to the PM Surya Ghar portal

If any deficiency is found, you get a correction notice. The installer fixes the issue, and re-inspection is scheduled. This rarely happens with experienced, empanelled vendors.

The final stage — subsidy reaches your bank:

1. DISCOM's commissioning report triggers subsidy processing on the central portal
2. MNRE verifies installation details against approved specifications
3. Subsidy amount is calculated based on actually installed capacity
4. Payment is processed through the government's Public Financial Management System (PFMS)
5. Amount is credited to your Aadhaar-linked bank account via DBT

Timeline: 15–45 days after commissioning report upload. You receive an SMS when the amount is credited.

If DBT fails: Usually due to Aadhaar-bank linkage issues. Resolve the linkage at your bank and raise a ticket on the portal for re-processing.

Monitor your application at every stage:

• PM Surya Ghar portal: Log in to see current status, pending actions, and any deficiency notices
• SMS notifications: You receive automated SMS at each stage transition
• Installer dashboard: Your vendor can also track status and flag delays
• DISCOM helpline: For net metering delays, contact your DISCOM's rooftop solar cell directly

If your application is stuck at any stage for more than the expected timeline, raise a grievance on the portal. Include your application number and consumer number.

The process is straightforward but benefits from an experienced installer's guidance. Solar Vipani's verified installers manage the end-to-end process — from portal registration assistance to subsidy follow-up.

Get free quotes from process-savvy installers →