How to Apply for Solar Subsidy in India: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Apply for solar subsidy through the PM Surya Ghar national portal: register with your electricity consumer number, get DISCOM feasibility approval (7–15 days), select an MNRE-empanelled installer, complete installation, and receive the subsidy via DBT to your bank account within 45–90 days of installation. The entire process from application to subsidy credit takes 2–4 months.

Gather these before starting your application:

• Latest electricity bill — Not older than 3 months. Note your consumer number and tariff category (must be 'domestic')
• Aadhaar card — Must be linked to your mobile number (for OTP verification) and bank account (for DBT)
• Bank account details — Account must match Aadhaar-linked account. IFSC code and account number needed
• Passport-size photo — Digital copy for upload
• Roof ownership proof — Property tax receipt, sale deed, or housing society NOC for apartments

Verify your eligibility before proceeding. The most common application delays come from mismatched Aadhaar-bank details or incorrect consumer numbers.

→ Complete document checklist

Visit the official PM Surya Ghar national portal and create your account:

1. Click 'Apply for Rooftop Solar' on the homepage
2. Select your state and electricity distribution company (DISCOM)
3. Enter your electricity consumer number exactly as printed on your bill
4. Verify with OTP sent to your registered mobile number
5. Fill in personal details: name, Aadhaar number, address, bank account
6. Upload your electricity bill and roof photograph

The portal auto-verifies your consumer number with the DISCOM database. If verification fails, contact your DISCOM to ensure your consumer number is active and updated.

After registration, your DISCOM reviews the application for technical feasibility:

• Timeline: 7–15 working days (varies by DISCOM)
• What they check: Transformer capacity in your area, existing solar load on the feeder, and your sanctioned load
• System size limit: Most DISCOMs allow rooftop solar up to your sanctioned load. A 5 kW sanctioned load means you can install up to 5 kW
• Approval notification: You receive an SMS and email when feasibility is approved

If feasibility is rejected (rare — usually due to transformer overload), you can appeal or reduce your proposed system size. Your DISCOM or installer can advise on the maximum allowable capacity.

After feasibility approval, select an installer from the empanelled vendor list on the portal:

• The portal shows MNRE-registered vendors available in your area
• Compare vendor ratings, past installations, and quoted prices
• Contact 2–3 vendors for detailed quotes and site assessment
• Confirm the vendor on the portal after finalising your choice

Critical: Only vendors registered on the PM Surya Ghar portal can process your subsidy. Using an unregistered installer — even a good one — will void your subsidy eligibility.

Solar Vipani simplifies this step. All installers on our platform are MNRE-empanelled. Get quotes from verified vendors →

Your chosen vendor handles the complete installation:

1. Site survey — Vendor assesses roof structure, orientation, shading, and electrical setup (1 day)
2. System design — Panel layout, inverter sizing, and wiring plan finalised
3. Installation — Panels, inverter, mounting structure, and wiring installed (1–3 days for residential)
4. Testing — System tested for output, safety, and grid compatibility
5. Portal update — Vendor uploads installation photos, equipment details, and serial numbers on the PM Surya Ghar portal

The installation must match the approved system size and use the exact equipment brands declared. Any changes require portal update before DISCOM inspection.

→ Detailed installation process guide

After installation, the final steps before subsidy disbursement:

1. Net metering application — Your vendor applies to the DISCOM for bi-directional meter installation (often done simultaneously with system installation)
2. Meter installation — DISCOM replaces your existing meter with a bi-directional net meter (15–30 days)
3. DISCOM inspection — Technical team inspects the installation for safety and code compliance (7–15 days after meter)
4. Commissioning certificate — DISCOM issues a commissioning report and uploads it to the portal

This is the stage where most delays occur. Active follow-up with your DISCOM through the installer accelerates the process.

→ Net metering process explained

After DISCOM commissioning, the subsidy is processed:

• DISCOM uploads the commissioning report to the PM Surya Ghar portal
• MNRE verifies the installation details against approved specifications
• Subsidy amount is calculated based on installed capacity (not applied-for capacity)
• Amount is credited to your Aadhaar-linked bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
• Timeline: 15–45 days after commissioning report upload

Total time from application to subsidy: 2–4 months typically. Track status on the portal using your application number.

Avoid these pitfalls that cause delays or rejections:

1. Aadhaar-bank mismatch — Ensure your Aadhaar is linked to the bank account you provide. DBT will fail otherwise
2. Wrong consumer number — Copy the number exactly from your bill, including any leading zeros or special characters
3. Non-empanelled vendor — Verify your installer is registered on the portal before signing any contract
4. Applying after installation — Register and get feasibility approval before starting installation, not after
5. Non-BIS equipment — Ensure panels and inverter carry BIS marks. Ask your vendor for certificates
6. Incomplete documents — Upload all required documents in the specified format. Blurry or cropped uploads get rejected

The process is simpler than it looks — especially with an experienced installer managing the paperwork. Solar Vipani's verified installers handle everything from portal registration assistance to DISCOM coordination and subsidy follow-up.

Get free quotes from MNRE-empanelled installers →