Rooftop solar subsidies in India 2026: central, Delhi and NCR guide
Rooftop solar subsidy in India is no longer one flat number. The central PM Surya Ghar amount is unchanged at up to ₹78,000, but Delhi has raised its own state subsidy to match it, taking a 3 kW home to as much as ₹1,56,000 in combined subsidy. GST on solar modules has also fallen to 5%, and the central scheme is scheduled to close on 31 March 2027.
This guide puts every 2026 rooftop solar subsidy and incentive in one place: the central subsidy, Delhi's new state subsidy and zero-upfront route, the NCR neighbours (Uttar Pradesh and Haryana), and the tax and GST levers for businesses. It shows how they stack on a typical 3 kW system, which Delhi electricity company your application goes to, and which dates to plan around.
Last updated: 13 October 2026 Subsidy rules, portal steps and vendor empanelment are still evolving, especially in Delhi after the Second Amendment to the Delhi Solar Energy Policy 2023 was notified on 17 September 2026. Confirm current terms on the PM Surya Ghar portal, the Delhi Solar Portal or your state nodal agency before you apply.
Want numbers for your own bill? Try our free Solar ROI Calculator.
Quick answer: rooftop solar subsidy in India, 2026
- Central subsidy (PM Surya Ghar): ₹30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW plus ₹18,000 for the third kW, capped at ₹78,000 for any residential system of 3 kW or more. It is the same in every state, and nothing extra is paid for the 4th kW onwards.
- Delhi state capital subsidy: up to ₹26,000 per kW, capped at ₹78,000. With the central subsidy, a 3 kW Delhi system can receive up to ₹1,56,000.
- Free solar in Delhi: households averaging up to 400 units a month (FY 2025-26) who have not taken a solar subsidy before can get a 2 kW or 3 kW system at zero upfront cost, subject to feasibility, availability and first-come, first-served allocation.
- NCR neighbours: Uttar Pradesh adds ₹15,000 per kW (maximum ₹30,000), so up to ₹1,08,000 on 3 kW. Haryana (Gurgaon, Faridabad) is central subsidy only for most households.
- Deadline: PM Surya Ghar is scheduled to run until 31 March 2027. A short extension has been reported as under consideration, but we could not find an official notification as of 13 October 2026.
- GST: 5% on solar modules since 22 September 2025 (earlier 12%). The effective GST on a turnkey system is about 8.9%, down from 13.8%.
- Businesses: no central subsidy for commercial or industrial rooftops. The levers are 40% depreciation, GST input credit and state net-metering terms.
Rooftop solar subsidies at a glance (2026)
| Incentive | Amount in 2026 | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|
| PM Surya Ghar central subsidy | ₹30,000/kW for the first 2 kW, ₹18,000 for the 3rd kW; maximum ₹78,000 | Residential grid-connected homes, all states |
| Delhi state capital subsidy | Up to ₹26,000/kW, maximum ₹78,000; nothing extra above 3 kW | Delhi residential consumers |
| Delhi zero-upfront route (ULA) | 2 or 3 kW with the remaining cost bridged by the state | Delhi homes averaging up to 400 units/month in FY 2025-26, no earlier solar subsidy |
| Delhi housing societies / RWAs | Central ₹18,000/kW plus Delhi up to ₹11,000/kW for common areas (including EV charging) | Group housing societies, up to 500 kW |
| Uttar Pradesh top-up | ₹15,000/kW, maximum ₹30,000 | UP residential, including Noida and Ghaziabad |
| Haryana | No general state top-up for most households; confirm any income-linked support with HAREDA | Gurgaon, Faridabad and the rest of Haryana |
| GST | Modules at 5% (from 12%); about 8.9% effective on a turnkey system (from 13.8%) | Everyone; input credit only for business use |
| Collateral-free solar loans | Up to ₹2 lakh for systems up to 3 kW; rate varies by bank | Residential, PM Surya Ghar-linked |
| Depreciation | 40% on the written-down value of a solar generating system | Taxpayers with business income |
What changed since our 2025 guide
| Area | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi state subsidy | ₹10,000/kW, capped at ₹30,000 | Up to ₹26,000/kW, capped at ₹78,000 |
| Delhi generation-based incentive (GBI) | ₹3/kWh up to 3 kW and ₹2/kWh above, for five years | Discontinued for new residential installations; its value moves into the upfront subsidy |
| Upfront cost in Delhi | Buyer pays in full and claims later | Zero-upfront route for households up to 400 units; state subsidy paid to the vendor under the new models |
| GST on solar modules | 12% (13.8% effective on a turnkey system) | 5% (about 8.9% effective) |
| Panel sourcing | ALMM List-I modules; Indian-made panels for subsidy | Plus ALMM List-II for cells, with a net-metering exemption to 31 December 2026 |
| Scheme timeline | Ongoing | Scheduled to end 31 March 2027; extension reported under consideration |
Our earlier 2025 subsidy guide is still online for reference, but the 2026 numbers in this article replace it.
Central subsidy: PM Surya Ghar (same in every state)
| System size | Central subsidy |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | ₹30,000 |
| 2 kW | ₹60,000 |
| 3 kW | ₹78,000 |
| 5 kW | ₹78,000 (capped) |
| 10 kW | ₹78,000 (capped) |
The subsidy is calculated only on the first 3 kW, which is why 3 kW is the point where subsidy per rupee spent is highest. A 5 kW system earns the same ₹78,000, with the extra 2 kW at full cost. The "300 free units" headline refers to what a 2 to 3 kW system can offset from your own generation, not a separate payment.
To qualify, you generally need:
- A residential electricity connection from your local DISCOM and a roof you own, or the owner's consent.
- A grid-connected system with a net meter. Battery storage is not subsidised.
- Registration on the national portal and an installer registered under the scheme.
- Domestically manufactured modules (DCR), meaning Indian cells and modules.
By early October 2026, reported MNRE figures put the scheme at more than 50 lakh rooftop systems and over 60 lakh households, so the process is now well-tested. Most delays come from paperwork, not eligibility.
Delhi: state subsidy, the free route and what to check
The Second Amendment to the Delhi Solar Energy Policy 2023 was notified in the Delhi Gazette on 17 September 2026, and the Delhi Solar Portal opened consent for the new routes on 21 September 2026. For a full walkthrough, see our Delhi solar subsidy guide. The essentials are below.
Delhi subsidy by system size
| System size | Central | Delhi state | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | ₹30,000 | ₹26,000 | ₹56,000 |
| 2 kW | ₹60,000 | ₹52,000 | ₹1,12,000 |
| 3 kW | ₹78,000 | ₹78,000 | ₹1,56,000 |
| 5 kW | ₹78,000 | ₹78,000 | ₹1,56,000 |
| 10 kW | ₹78,000 | ₹78,000 | ₹1,56,000 |
Per the Delhi Solar Portal, the state subsidy is the lower of two figures: the discovered project cost minus the PM Surya Ghar subsidy, or ₹26,000 multiplied by plant capacity in kW, subject to the ₹78,000 ceiling.
Which Delhi route fits your consumption?
| Average monthly gross consumption (FY 2025-26) | What the policy offers |
|---|---|
| 0 to 200 units | Free rooftop solar up to 3 kW, 100% electricity subsidy on eligible net consumption, a 50% energy-saving incentive, and payment for surplus units exported at the applicable APPC rate |
| 201 to 400 units | Free rooftop solar up to 3 kW; the existing electricity subsidy (up to ₹800 a month) continues, subject to the rules |
| Above 400 units | Enhanced capital subsidy up to ₹78,000; the electricity subsidy is not available where gross consumption exceeds 400 units |
| Housing societies / RWAs (common areas) | Central ₹18,000/kW plus Delhi up to ₹11,000/kW, subject to limits |
How the free route works
- Consent first. Give consent and your preferred capacity (2 kW or 3 kW) on the Delhi Solar Portal, then apply for a net meter on your DISCOM's portal.
- A selected vendor installs. Vendors are being empanelled through an IPGCL tender under the Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) and DISCOM Trusteeship models. Vendor empanelment was still in progress when we published this article.
- Allocation is limited. The Delhi Power Department says benefits are first-come, first-served, with an initial phase of up to 1.10 lakh installations through 28 February 2027, against an overall target of 2,20,000 installations.
- "Free" is conditional. The official guide itself says free installation depends on eligibility, technical feasibility, availability under the programme and applicable approvals.
⚠️ Gross consumption now decides your electricity subsidy. Delhi assesses electricity subsidy eligibility on gross consumption, which includes your own solar generation, not just your net metered units. A household at 450 gross units can have a low net bill and still lose its electricity subsidy. Read the details in our Delhi solar subsidy guide before you size a system near the 400-unit line.
Do not budget a GBI for a new home installation in Delhi. Older articles still show ₹3 per kWh, but it has been discontinued for new residential installations and folded into the upfront subsidy. Commercial and industrial consumers continue under the existing GBI terms.
Which Delhi electricity company handles your area?
Subsidy amounts are the same across Delhi, but your DISCOM decides which net-metering process your file follows. Applying through the wrong one is a common cause of delays. Find your locality below, then confirm the company name in the header of your electricity bill.
| DISCOM | Areas covered by our locality guides |
|---|---|
| BSES Rajdhani (BRPL): West and South Delhi | Janakpuri, Vikas Puri, Paschim Vihar, Tilak Nagar, Vasant Kunj, Vasant Vihar, Hauz Khas, Greater Kailash, Kailash Colony |
| BSES Yamuna (BYPL): East and Central Delhi | Laxmi Nagar, Preet Vihar, Mayur Vihar, Shahdara, Karol Bagh (mixed coverage, check your bill) |
| Tata Power-DDL (TPDDL): North and North-West Delhi | Rohini, Pitampura, Model Town, Tri Nagar, Shalimar Bagh, Civil Lines, Ashok Vihar |
| NDMC: Lutyens' Delhi, mostly commercial | Barakhamba Road |
Dwarka and Najafgarh are also BRPL areas. You can browse every locality on our rooftop solar installation in Delhi page, and our net metering in Delhi guide explains how each DISCOM's process works.
NCR neighbours: Gurgaon, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad
The state subsidy follows the address of your electricity connection, not where you work. That makes the same 3 kW system noticeably cheaper on one side of the NCR border than the other.
| Area | Electricity company | State top-up | Combined subsidy, 3 kW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gurgaon (Haryana) | DHBVN | No general residential top-up; confirm income-linked support with HAREDA | ₹78,000 |
| Faridabad (Haryana) | DHBVN | No general residential top-up; confirm income-linked support with HAREDA | ₹78,000 |
| Noida, Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) | UP distribution companies | ₹15,000/kW, maximum ₹30,000 | Up to ₹1,08,000 |
| Delhi | BRPL, BYPL, TPDDL, NDMC | Up to ₹26,000/kW, maximum ₹78,000 | Up to ₹1,56,000 |
Other states add limited top-ups of their own, often income-linked or capped by the number of installations. These are re-budgeted regularly, so confirm with your state nodal agency before you plan around one.
What you actually pay: a 3 kW example
The table below uses the ₹1,75,000 cost for a 3 kW system from the Delhi Power Department's own worked example, applied to every row so the scenarios can be compared. Real quotes vary with panel, inverter and roof type; our Delhi installation cost guide shows typical market ranges.
| Scenario | System cost | Central | State | You pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi, up to 400 units, free route (ULA) | ₹1,75,000 | ₹78,000 | ₹78,000 plus ₹19,000 state top-up | ₹0 |
| Delhi, above 400 units | ₹1,75,000 | ₹78,000 | ₹78,000 | ₹19,000 |
| Uttar Pradesh | ₹1,75,000 | ₹78,000 | ₹30,000 | ₹67,000 |
| Haryana (general) | ₹1,75,000 | ₹78,000 | None | ₹97,000 |
If you buy outside the tendered routes, your cost is simply your vendor's quote minus the subsidies you qualify for. For what that means for your own bill, see our Delhi electricity bill breakdown and the real numbers from Mr Narender Bansal's 3.4 kW system.
Subsidy for businesses, factories and housing societies
The central household subsidy does not apply to commercial or industrial rooftops. These are the levers that do.
| Lever | How it works in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Accelerated depreciation | Solar power generating systems fall under renewable energy devices at 40% depreciation on the written-down value, and the rate is halved if the system is used for fewer than 180 days in the year of purchase. Tax rules were re-codified under the Income-tax Act, 2025 from 1 April 2026, so confirm section references with your CA. |
| GST input tax credit | Businesses can claim credit on GST paid for solar used in the business. It is not available for personal residential use. |
| Net metering | Available in Delhi; see our net metering guide. |
| Delhi GBI | Continues for commercial and industrial consumers under the existing terms. |
| Housing societies | Central ₹18,000/kW plus Delhi up to ₹11,000/kW for common areas. Flats can share generation through group or virtual net metering; see our group and virtual net metering guide. |
| ALMM List-II | Net-metering projects commissioned after 31 December 2026 must use ALMM List-I modules with List-II cells. |
Beyond subsidy: GST and loans
- GST. The September 2025 cut on solar modules from 12% to 5% lowers a turnkey system's effective GST from about 13.8% to about 8.9% under the 70:30 valuation rule. Industry estimates put the saving at roughly ₹9,000 to ₹10,500 on a 3 kW system.
- Loans. PM Surya Ghar-linked banks offer collateral-free loans of up to ₹2 lakh for systems up to 3 kW, and up to ₹6 lakh above 3 kW and up to 10 kW. "Collateral-free" generally means no separate property security; the solar equipment itself is usually hypothecated. Publicly listed starting rates range from about 5.75% to above 7% depending on the bank and date, so confirm the live rate before you decide.
How to claim your rooftop solar subsidy
- Check your DISCOM and your units. Note your DISCOM from your bill and your average gross monthly consumption, not only your net bill.
- Register on the PM Surya Ghar portal. Select your state and DISCOM, enter your consumer number and apply for rooftop solar.
- In Delhi, also give consent on the Delhi Solar Portal, then apply for a net meter on your DISCOM's portal.
- Choose an eligible vendor. For central assistance the vendor must be registered under the scheme, and in Delhi's new models you choose from the empanelled list once it is published. Our guides on choosing an installer and getting and comparing quotes help here.
- Install with eligible modules. Get DCR status confirmed in writing.
- Inspection and net meter. The DISCOM inspects the site and installs a bi-directional meter. See the installation process guide.
- Commissioning. Your installer uploads the commissioning report with photos, and you share your bank details.
- Subsidy credit. Central subsidy is commonly reported 30 to 45 days after inspection. State top-ups run on their own process and can take longer.
Documents to keep ready: latest electricity bill with your consumer or CA number, Aadhaar or PAN, bank account details with a cancelled cheque, property ownership proof or the owner's consent letter, and a recent photo of the roof. If your name differs between documents, fix it first; our BRPL name correction guide walks through the process.
⚠️ Mistakes that can cost you the subsidy
| Mistake | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Panels that are not DCR-compliant | Ask for the DCR certificate and module datasheet before you pay |
| Installer not registered on the scheme | Check registration on the national portal before signing |
| Name mismatch across bill, ID and bank | Correct the bill first, then apply |
| Commissioning before approval | Wait for DISCOM feasibility approval |
| Wrong DISCOM portal | Read the company name on your bill header |
| Sizing near the 400-unit line in Delhi | Check gross consumption, not just net units |
| Expecting subsidy beyond 3 kW or on batteries | Budget the extra capacity and any battery at full cost |
| Waiting without a plan | Track the dates below and request a written quote with subsidy assumptions |
Our guide to common pitfalls and the piece on reading a solar proposal cover more of what to look for.
⏳ Install now or wait? The dates that matter
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 17 Sep 2026 | Delhi Second Amendment notified in the Gazette |
| 21 Sep 2026 | Delhi Solar Portal opens consent for the new routes |
| Mid-Nov 2026 (expected) | Delhi vendor empanelment due within 45 days of notification, subject to approvals |
| 31 Dec 2026 | ALMM List-II cell exemption for net-metering projects ends |
| 28 Feb 2027 | End of Delhi's initial ULA phase (up to 1.10 lakh installations) |
| 31 Mar 2027 | PM Surya Ghar scheduled end; a short extension has been reported as under consideration but not notified |
Nobody has said the subsidy vanishes on 1 April 2027, and a successor programme has been discussed. But the terms after the end date are not confirmed, and Delhi's free route is allocated first-come, first-served. If you already know your consumption and your roof is suitable, there is little to gain from waiting. Our article on why going solar now makes financial sense shows a worked cost-of-waiting example.
If you are looking for rooftop solar installation in Delhi, VaySolar can help with system sizing, roof suitability, subsidy paperwork and DISCOM follow-up. Start with the locality page nearest you, such as Janakpuri, Rohini, Laxmi Nagar or Vasant Kunj, or see our overview of the benefits of rooftop solar.
Related guides
- Delhi solar subsidy 2026: amount, eligibility and how to apply
- Net metering in Delhi: process, documents and timeline
- Solar installation cost in Delhi: 3 kW, 5 kW and 10 kW prices
- How to choose the best 5 kW rooftop solar system in Delhi NCR
- Cost of rooftop solar at home
Frequently asked questions
What is the rooftop solar subsidy in India in 2026?
The central PM Surya Ghar subsidy is ₹30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW and ₹18,000 for the third kW, capped at ₹78,000 for any residential system of 3 kW or more. It is the same in every state. Some states, including Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, add their own subsidy on top.
How much solar subsidy can I get in Delhi in 2026?
Up to ₹1,56,000 on a 3 kW home system: ₹78,000 from PM Surya Ghar plus up to ₹78,000 from the Delhi government under the Second Amendment to the Delhi Solar Energy Policy 2023. The Delhi subsidy is up to ₹26,000 per kW, capped at ₹78,000, and there is no extra subsidy above 3 kW.
Is rooftop solar free in Delhi?
It can be, but not for everyone. Households averaging up to 400 units a month in FY 2025-26, with no earlier solar subsidy and a technically feasible roof, can get a 2 kW or 3 kW system at zero upfront cost, subject to availability and first-come, first-served allocation. Households above 400 units get the enhanced capital subsidy and pay the balance.
Can I claim both the central and the state subsidy?
Yes, where your state offers one. Central assistance is claimed through the PM Surya Ghar portal and the state benefit through your state's own process, such as the Delhi Solar Portal. Check your state nodal agency for any extra step.
Do I get more subsidy for a 5 kW or 10 kW system?
No. The central subsidy stops at 3 kW, so a 5 kW or 10 kW system earns the same ₹78,000. Delhi's state subsidy also stops at 3 kW. The extra capacity is paid for at full cost, although it can still lower your bill through net metering.
Is the PM Surya Ghar scheme ending in March 2027?
The scheme is currently scheduled to run until 31 March 2027. A short extension has been reported as under consideration, but we could not find an official notification as of 13 October 2026. Plan around the current date and do not assume the subsidy continues unchanged afterwards.
Which solar panels qualify for the subsidy?
Panels must be domestically manufactured: PM Surya Ghar requires modules made with Indian cells (DCR). Separately, MNRE's ALMM List-II for solar cells now applies, with an exemption for net-metering projects commissioned on or before 31 December 2026. Ask your installer to confirm DCR status in writing.
Is there a state subsidy in Gurgaon, Faridabad or Noida?
Gurgaon and Faridabad (Haryana) get the central subsidy only for most households, and any income-linked state support should be confirmed with HAREDA. Noida and Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) get an extra ₹15,000 per kW, capped at ₹30,000, on top of the central subsidy.
Is there a subsidy for shops, factories or offices?
There is no central subsidy for commercial or industrial rooftops. Businesses use 40% depreciation on the written-down value, GST input tax credit and state net-metering terms. Housing societies can claim central assistance of ₹18,000 per kW for common areas, plus Delhi's ₹11,000 per kW in Delhi.
Is the solar subsidy taxable?
For residential households the subsidy is generally treated as a reduction in the cost of the system rather than income. Tax treatment can depend on your circumstances, so confirm with your chartered accountant.
Last updated: 13 Oct 2026 Sources: PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana portal (pmsuryaghar.gov.in) and MNRE scheme guidelines; Delhi Solar Portal (solar.delhi.gov.in), including its State Subsidy page and the Power Department's consumer guide to the Second Amendment to the Delhi Solar Energy Policy 2023; Delhi Gazette notification of 17 September 2026; MNRE Office Memorandum dated 18 July 2026 on ALMM List-II; GST Council rate changes effective 22 September 2025; October 2026 press coverage of MNRE progress data; state nodal agency pages for Uttar Pradesh (UPNEDA) and Haryana (HAREDA).