The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a revolutionary government scheme designed to make solar power accessible to every household in India. In 2025, the subsidy amount has been significantly increased, making it the perfect time for homeowners in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to switch to solar.

Lakhs of families across Tamil Nadu, including districts like Cuddalore, Panruti, and Neyveli, are already applying for this scheme to slash their electricity bills and secure their energy future. With the subsidy covering a massive portion of the installation cost, the payback period for a solar system has dropped to an all-time low.

At Surya’s Solar, we don't just install panels; we guide you through the entire process—from application to subsidy release—ensuring a hassle-free experience. This guide explains everything you need to know about eligibility, documents, and the step-by-step application process for 2025.

What Is PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?

In simple terms, this is a central government initiative to promote rooftop solar adoption. It aims to reduce the financial burden on households while promoting green energy.

• Goal: To provide up to 300 units of free electricity per month to 1 crore households across India.
• Benefit: A substantial subsidy (financial assistance) is credited directly to your bank account after the system is installed.
• Scope: Applicable to all residential homes in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
• Portal: Applications are processed through the official portal: pmsuryaghar.gov.in.

For a typical middle-class family in Cuddalore paying ₹2,000–₹3,000 in monthly bills, this scheme effectively makes electricity free for life after the initial investment is recovered.

Subsidy Amount Table (2025)

Here is the breakdown of the subsidy you can receive based on your system capacity. The government has structured it to favor small and medium households.

Note: The subsidy is capped at 3kW. If you install a 5kW system, you will still receive the maximum subsidy of ₹78,000. The remaining cost must be borne by the homeowner.

Calculate Your Solar Cost After Subsidy

Want to know your exact project cost and savings? Use our calculator to see how much subsidy you are eligible for.

Eligibility Criteria for Tamil Nadu & Puducherry

To avail of the subsidy, you must meet specific criteria set by the MNRE.

1. Household Requirements

• Property Type: Must be an individual residential house. Apartments are eligible only under group metering/RWA rules, not individual applications.
• Ownership: The applicant must be the owner of the property. Tenants cannot apply.
• Roof Condition: The rooftop must be shadow-free and structurally sound to hold the panels for 25 years.

2. Electricity Connection

• Consumer Category: Applicable for LT domestic consumers (Tariff 1A in Tamil Nadu). Commercial and industrial connections are NOT eligible.
• Bill Name: The electricity bill must be in the name of the applicant. If the meter is in a deceased parent's name, a name transfer is required first.
• Net Metering: You must be willing to install a Net Meter (bi-directional meter) provided by TANGEDCO or PED.

3. Applicant Requirements

• Aadhaar Card: Mandatory for identity verification.
• Mobile Number: Must be linked with Aadhaar for OTP verification.
• Bank Account: Must have a valid bank account for direct subsidy transfer (DBT).

Documents Required

Keep these documents ready before applying. Surya’s Solar helps you collect and upload these correctly to avoid rejection.

1. Aadhaar Card (Proof of Identity)
2. Electricity Bill (Latest, not older than 3 months)
3. Bank Passbook / Cancelled Cheque (For subsidy transfer)
4. Property Ownership Document (Property tax receipt or sale deed)
5. Passport Size Photo
6. Mobile Number (Linked to Aadhaar)

Pro Tip: Ensure the name on your Electricity Bill matches the name on your Aadhaar Card exactly. Mismatches are the #1 reason for application delays.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for the subsidy can seem complex, but we break it down into simple steps. At Surya’s Solar, we handle steps 1-6 for our customers.

Step 1: Register on the Portal

Visit pmsuryaghar.gov.in and register using your mobile number and Aadhaar OTP.

Step 2: Fill Consumer Details

Enter your Electricity Consumer Number, Distribution Company (TANGEDCO for TN, PED for Puducherry), and address.

Step 3: Choose a Registered Vendor

Select a registered vendor like Surya’s Solar. We are MNRE-compliant and authorized to install subsidy projects in Cuddalore and surrounding districts.

Step 4: Wait for Feasibility Approval

Your DISCOM (TNEB/PED) will review the application and approve the technical feasibility. This usually takes 3-7 days.

Step 5: Installation

Once approved, we proceed with the installation.

• Important: To get the subsidy, we MUST use DCR (Domestic Content Requirement) solar panels. These are "Made in India" panels approved by the government.

Step 6: Submit Plant Details

We upload photos of the installed system, the net meter, and technical documents to the portal.

Step 7: Net Meter Installation

TNEB/PED officials will visit your home to inspect the system and install the bi-directional net meter.

Step 8: Commissioning Certificate

After inspection, a commissioning certificate is generated online. This is the final proof that your system is live.

Step 9: Receive Subsidy

The subsidy amount is transferred directly to your bank account within 30 days of the final approval.

Important Rules for Tamil Nadu & Puducherry

Local regulations play a key role in the process.

Tamil Nadu (TNEB)

• Net Metering: Mandatory for all on-grid systems. TNEB is very strict about safety standards, so professional installation is key.
• Clearance: Specific height clearance rules apply for panel mounting structures. We ensure your structure meets these norms.
• Timeline: TNEB inspections typically happen within 1-2 weeks of installation in districts like Cuddalore and Panruti.
• Potential: With 300+ sunny days, TN homeowners see the fastest ROI in the country.

Puducherry (PED)

• Approvals: Follows a similar process to TN but through the Puducherry Electricity Department.
• Climate: Due to high humidity and salty air, choosing corrosion-resistant panels (like Glass-to-Glass or TOPCon) is crucial, even if they cost slightly more.
• Process: Net metering approvals are generally quicker in Puducherry compared to larger states.

Surya’s Solar Role — How We Help You

We handle the entire headache so you can enjoy the savings.

• Portal Registration: We do the data entry for you.
• Document Prep: We ensure all files are in the correct format.
• Rooftop Assessment: Our engineers design the perfect system for your roof.
• MNRE Compliance: We use only approved, high-quality DCR components.
• Liaisoning: We follow up with TNEB/PED for faster approvals.
• Service Area: We actively serve Cuddalore, Panruti, Neyveli, Chidambaram, and Puducherry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Need Help Applying for PM Surya Ghar Subsidy?

Surya’s Solar assists homeowners in Tamil Nadu & Puducherry with subsidy registration, documentation, rooftop assessment, and installation. Don't miss out on this opportunity!