The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana offers central government subsidies of up to Rs 78,000 on rooftop solar installations for Indian households. For homeowners in Lucknow, Kanpur, Barabanki, Raebareli, and across Uttar Pradesh, this is one of the most financially significant schemes available in 2026 - yet a large number of eligible families still haven't applied because the process seems confusing. This guide breaks down exactly how to apply, what documents you need, and what to realistically expect at each step.
What the Subsidy Actually Covers in 2026
Before applying, it helps to understand the exact numbers. The central government subsidy under PM Surya Ghar is structured by system size:
- 1 kW system: Rs 30,000 subsidy. Post-subsidy cost typically around Rs 25,000 to Rs 35,000 depending on panel brand and installation charges.
- 2 kW system: Rs 60,000 subsidy. This covers a large portion of the installation cost for most urban homes.
- 3 kW system: Rs 78,000 subsidy - this is the maximum central subsidy, even if you install a larger system.
- Systems above 3 kW: You still get Rs 78,000 central subsidy. A 5 kW system in Lucknow typically costs around Rs 2.5 lakh before subsidy and Rs 1.72 lakh after.
UP State Subsidy via UPNEDA
In addition to the central subsidy, Uttar Pradesh has historically offered additional state-level support through UPNEDA (Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency). As of 2026, the state top-up is primarily available for farmers and certain rural categories under PM KUSUM. Urban homeowners in Lucknow, Kanpur, and Ayodhya typically rely on the central PM Surya Ghar subsidy as their primary benefit. Confirm the latest UPNEDA announcements before applying, as schemes can be updated.
Connection to Net Metering
The subsidy is only available on grid-connected (on-grid) systems with net metering. This means your system must be connected to the UPPCL grid and you must apply for a net metering connection through your local DISCOM - LESCO in Lucknow, KESCO in Kanpur, or the relevant utility for Barabanki and Sitapur. Off-grid systems with battery-only setups do not qualify for PM Surya Ghar subsidy.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The application happens in stages across two platforms: the national PM Surya Ghar portal and your local DISCOM. Here is the complete sequence.
Step 1: Register on the National Portal
Go to the official PM Surya Ghar portal at pmsuryaghar.gov.in. Click "Apply for Rooftop Solar" and register using your mobile number linked to Aadhaar. You will need your electricity consumer number (from your UPPCL bill) and your DISCOM name. Homeowners in Lucknow should select LESCO; those in Kanpur should select KESCO. Complete your basic profile and submit the registration.
Step 2: Get Feasibility Approval from DISCOM
After registration, your local DISCOM reviews your application for technical feasibility - they check whether your connection and meter type can support net metering. This approval typically takes 7 to 15 working days. You will receive an SMS and email notification when it is processed. Do not hire an installer or purchase panels before you have this approval, as the installation must be done by a DISCOM-empanelled vendor to qualify for subsidy.
Step 3: Choose an Empanelled Installer
Once approved, you can select a solar installer from the list of DISCOM-empanelled vendors available on the portal. This is important: only installations done by vendors on this approved list qualify for the subsidy. At Sunwize, we are empanelled with UPPCL and handle the entire application and installation process for homeowners in Lucknow and surrounding areas including Unnao, Raebareli, and Hardoi. Get quotes from at least two or three empanelled vendors before deciding.
Step 4: Installation and Net Meter Application
Your chosen installer completes the rooftop solar installation. Once the system is up, the installer applies on your behalf for a net metering connection through the DISCOM portal. The DISCOM then sends a JE (Junior Engineer) to inspect the installation. After passing inspection, a bidirectional net meter is installed at your premises, typically within 30 days of the inspection application.
Step 5: Commissioning Certificate and Subsidy Claim
After net meter installation and system commissioning, you receive a commissioning certificate from the DISCOM. Submit this certificate on the PM Surya Ghar portal along with your bank account details (linked to Aadhaar). The central subsidy amount is then transferred directly to your bank account via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer). In most cases, this transfer happens within 30 to 60 days of commissioning certificate submission.
Documents You Need to Keep Ready
Having your paperwork organised before you start saves significant time. The core documents required are:
- Aadhaar card (your mobile number must be linked to it)
- Recent electricity bill (showing your consumer number, sanctioned load, and DISCOM name)
- Proof of ownership of the building (property tax receipt, sale deed, or registry document)
- Bank account details - account number and IFSC code
- Passport-size photograph for portal registration
- Roof photographs (some DISCOMs ask for these during the feasibility check)
For Rented Properties and Joint Ownership
If you live in a rented property, the subsidy can only be claimed by the building owner, not the tenant. For jointly owned properties, one owner applies and the subsidy goes to that person's bank account. Housing societies in Lucknow and Kanpur applying for common-area solar installations should check the group net metering guidelines separately, as the subsidy structure differs.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Installing Before Getting Feasibility Approval
This is the most frequent and costly mistake. Some homeowners in Barabanki and Sitapur have paid for full installations before receiving DISCOM feasibility approval, only to find their sanctioned load is too low or the area has grid constraints. Always wait for written feasibility approval before purchasing panels or signing an installation contract.
Using a Non-Empanelled Installer
Hiring a cheaper non-empanelled installer to save upfront costs means you will not receive the subsidy - and the subsidy is often worth more than the discount you get from the unregistered vendor. Always verify vendor empanelment status on the PM Surya Ghar portal before signing any agreement.
Bank Account Not Linked to Aadhaar
Subsidy transfer happens via DBT, which requires your bank account to be Aadhaar-seeded. If your account is not linked, visit your bank branch before starting the application to avoid delays at the final disbursement stage.
Realistic Timeline for Lucknow and UP Homeowners
End to end, the subsidy process in Uttar Pradesh typically takes 60 to 90 days from initial registration to money in your bank account:
- Registration and feasibility approval: 1 to 3 weeks
- Getting quotes and finalising installer: 1 week
- Installation: 1 to 3 days for most residential systems
- Net meter application and inspection: 2 to 4 weeks
- Commissioning certificate and subsidy disbursement: 3 to 6 weeks
Processing times vary across DISCOMs. Lucknow (LESCO) and Kanpur (KESCO) tend to have more streamlined processes than some smaller district offices. Your installer should follow up with the DISCOM on your behalf at each stage.
The subsidy is substantial and the application process, while multi-step, is manageable when you know what to expect at each stage. With UP electricity tariffs running at Rs 7 to Rs 9 per unit in 2026, the combination of subsidy and long-term bill savings makes rooftop solar one of the most financially sound home investments available to UP households today.
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