PM Surya Ghar Yojana: Imagine having a zero electricity bill—and earning a monthly income on top of that. We are talking about the rooftop solar scheme. A key feature of this scheme is that consumers do not have to spend a single rupee to get the rooftop solar system installed; the Delhi government will install systems of up to 3 kW capacity completely free of cost. The primary requirement is that you must have a rooftop; the rest of the process proceeds based on a survey and eligibility criteria.
The application process for this scheme is set to begin on September 21 via the Delhi government’s solar portal. The government aims to install rooftop solar panels in approximately 230,000 households by March 2027, generating a total of 500 MW of electricity.
Who is eligible?
This scheme benefits eligible domestic electricity consumers. Factors such as technical feasibility, available space, and load capacity determine whether you can install a solar system at your home. A key condition of the government scheme is that there must be adequate rooftop space for the solar installation.
Another condition is that your monthly electricity consumption should not exceed 400 units. According to the Delhi government’s solar portal, a 1–2 kW system is considered suitable for households consuming up to 150 units, while a 2–3 kW system is appropriate for those consuming between 150 and 300 units. Households consuming more than 300 units may request a system larger than 3 kW.
How is electricity consumption eligibility determined?
Delhi’s solar policy includes a model that allows consumers to install rooftop solar systems at zero cost. This is implemented through the RESCO/Hybrid RESCO model, where the solar developer bears the installation costs, and the consumer benefits from net metering. This means that for families who own a home but lack the initial funds to install solar panels, this model could be particularly beneficial.
Zero Electricity Bills with Solar Power
With rooftop solar, the household generates a portion of its electricity right on the roof, thereby reducing grid electricity consumption. According to the Delhi government’s solar portal, rooftop solar can bring a household’s electricity consumption down to below 200 units, allowing consumers to benefit from zero electricity bills.
However, this reduction does not happen automatically; actual savings depend on your electricity usage, the solar system’s capacity, and its actual generation output. For context, electricity consumption up to 200 units is free. Consumption between 200 and 400 units incurs a basic charge, while usage beyond that is billed according to applicable rates.
Earn Money from Electricity
If your solar system generates more electricity than you need, there is a mechanism to feed the surplus power back into the grid. The Delhi government’s solar policy includes provisions for net metering as well as generation-based incentives. According to the Delhi solar portal, the generation-based incentive is ₹3 per unit for solar systems up to 3 kW and ₹2 per unit for systems above 3 kW and up to 10 kW. Thus, the benefits extend beyond merely reducing electricity bills; depending on the system’s capacity and scheme conditions, surplus electricity can also generate income.
Subsidy for Systems Larger than 3 kW
Installing a solar system larger than 3 kW makes you eligible for a subsidy under the PM Surya Ghar scheme. According to the official portal, you can receive financial assistance of ₹30,000 for up to 2 kW and ₹18,000 per kW thereafter. Consequently, there is a provision for a total subsidy of ₹78,000 for a 3 kW system. This subsidy comprises contributions from both the state and central governments.
Learn how to apply for rooftop solar
You can apply for rooftop solar in Delhi through the official portal. The application facility on the portal will be available starting September 21, 2026. After you apply, a technical team will assess whether your roof is suitable for installing a solar system. According to the portal, the roof’s shadow-free area also affects the solar system’s capacity.