📊 State-Specific Solar Subsidy Implementation Differences in India (2026)
India’s solar policy landscape includes both central incentives and state-level top-ups, whose implementation and benefits vary significantly from one state to another. Depending on where you live, you may be eligible for extra capital subsidies, net-metering incentives, or fee waivers in addition to the central rooftop subsidy (e.g., PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana).
🇮🇳 Central Solar Subsidy: PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is the central government’s flagship rooftop solar subsidy programme. It offers direct subsidies credited to the beneficiary’s bank account for residential rooftop systems, aimed at empowering households to generate their own electricity.
Key features of the central subsidy:
- Subsidy up to ₹78,000 for systems up to 3 kW
- Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of ~40% for ≤3 kW; ~20% for 3–10 kW (subject to benchmark costs)
- Available for grid-connected rooftop systems
- Subsidy credited via DBT after installation and DISCOM verification
🗺️ State-Wise Differences (2026)
While the central subsidy provides a baseline benefit, state governments and DISCOMs add additional support or incentives that significantly impact the net cost and payback for residential solar systems.
🔹 Maharashtra
- Some local subsidy initiatives provide additional financial support for low-income households including BPL, SC/ST consumers with significant subsidy (e.g., up to ~90–95% for eligible categories).
- Net-metering policies supported across most regions via MSEDCL.
- Combined with central subsidy, helps reduce upfront cost dramatically for qualified users.
🔹 Gujarat
- One of the leading states in rooftop solar adoption under PM Surya Ghar.
- Strong DISCOM support and streamlined net-metering processes have led to wide installation uptake.
- Historically offers state top-ups (e.g., modeled in subsidy reports).
🔹 Rajasthan
- Offers additional state-level subsidy (e.g., ₹10,000 per kW for residential rooftop solar).
- A state example also includes combined central + state subsidy benefits exceeding ₹1.1 lakh for typical 3 kW systems when state support is added.
- Some DISCOMs may revise export tariffs and net-billing in favour of solar producers.
🔹 Delhi (NCT)
- Delhi Solar Energy Policy (2023/2025 revisions) provides an urban rooftop subsidy of ₹2,000 per kW (max ₹6,000–₹10,000 per household) .
- Some DISCOMs also offer generation-based incentives (e.g., ₹3/kWh for small systems) .
- Net-metering application processes and fee waivers may be administered locally by BSES/Tata Power DISCOMs.
🔹 Uttar Pradesh
- Offers additional state subsidy of ₹15,000 per kW (capped around ₹30,000) on top of central support.
- Administered via UPNEDA; inclusive for residential grid-connected systems.
🔹 Tamil Nadu
- Offers capital subsidy ~₹20,000 per kW under state energy programs, in addition to central rooftop subsidy.
- Net-metering implemented through TEDA guidelines with periodic updates.
🔹 Karnataka
- Additional state support (e.g., ~30% for residential rooftop systems) via KREDL.
- Some policy emphasis on smart city zones and integration with efficient inverters and storage support.
🔹 Kerala
- Provides capital subsidy (e.g., ~₹10,000 per kW; higher incentives for battery-linked systems).
- Focus on solar + storage for continuity of supply.
🔹 Haryana
- Residential subsidies up to ~40% of system cost via HAREDA schemes.
- Common for RWAs/housing societies to leverage state schemes for community solar benefits.
🔹 Assam, Goa, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand (& Northeast)
- Some state programs provide percentage cost subsidies (e.g., ~35–40% of system cost).
- Net-metering availability and list of approved vendors vary by state.
📌 Summary Table – State vs Central Solar Subsidy
| State / Region | Typical Additional Incentive | Combined Benefit (Indicative) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gujarat | ₹10,000–₹20,000/kW top-up | High (highest adoption) | Strong DISCOM net-metering ecosystem |
| Rajasthan | ₹10,000/kW | ~₹1.1L for 3 kW | State + central support |
| Delhi | ₹2,000+/kW | Moderate (~₹84k) | Urban policy focus |
| Maharashtra | Targeted subsidies for disadvantaged groups | Variable | Some ultra-high subsidy schemes for select groups |
| Uttar Pradesh | ₹15,000/kW | ~₹1.08L | State top-up plus central |
| Tamil Nadu | ₹20,000/kW | ~₹90k+ | Additive capital support |
| Karnataka | ~30% support | High | Smart city emphasis |
| Kerala | ₹10,000/kW + storage boost | Moderate | Battery incentives present |
| Haryana | ~40% cost rebate | Moderate to high | Includes housing society support |
📌 Key Things to Know Before Applying
✅ Central and state subsidies are separate but stackable — subject to rules and caps.
✅ State policies change frequently — always check official state energy or DISCOM portals before applying.
✅ Subsidy disbursal is through DISCOM approval after installation — not direct from AOS.
✅ Net-metering rules differ by state — DISCOM timelines, export rates, and metering charges vary.
🧾 How to Apply for Central + State Subsidies
To claim benefits under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and any additional state support:
- Register at the PM Surya Ghar portal (pmsuryaghar.gov.in) with your electricity connection and documents.
- Select the system size and vendor.
- Complete installation by an approved installer.
- DISCOM verifies compliance and issues net-metering approval.
- Subsidy credited directly via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
State schemes may require additional applications via nodal energy agencies or DISCOM portals (e.g., Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Delhi).
📌 Final Tip
The combination of central subsidy + state top-up + favourable net-metering rules can significantly reduce upfront cost and improve ROI for residential solar systems in India. Always compare state-specific benefits alongside central incentives when planning your solar project.