PM Surya Ghar Subsidy in Tamil Nadu: Get Up to ₹78,000 + ₹22,000
A step-by-step guide to claiming up to ₹78,000 + ₹22,000 on rooftop solar in Tamil Nadu: who qualifies, which documents you need, how TNPDCL approval works and when the money reaches your account.
Rainbow Solar Energy Team
9 min read
Updated
In this article
Key takeaways
- Homes in Tamil Nadu get ₹30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW and ₹18,000 for the 3rd kW, up to ₹78,000 + ₹22,000.
- Housing societies (RWAs) get ₹18,000 per kW for common facilities.
- You must use a registered vendor and DCR (Made-in-India cell) panels, and connect through a TNPDCL net meter.
- The subsidy is paid directly into your bank account, usually within about 30 days of commissioning.
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is the Government of India's rooftop solar scheme for homes. In Tamil Nadu it is one of the biggest reasons rooftop solar now pays for itself in just a few years. Here is everything you need to know to claim it without delays.
How much subsidy can you get?
The central financial assistance (CFA) is calculated on the size of your system, not its price:
| Average monthly use | Suitable system | Subsidy amount |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 150 units | 1 – 2 kW | ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 |
| 150 – 300 units | 2 – 3 kW | ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000 (₹78,000 + ₹22,000) |
| Above 300 units | Above 3 kW | ₹78,000 + ₹22,000 (maximum) |
| Housing society / RWA (common areas) | Per kW, as per scheme limits | ₹18,000 per kW |
Tamil Nadu homes are billed every two months, so divide the units on your TNPDCL bill by two.
Because the subsidy is capped at 3 kW, it covers a bigger share of the price on smaller systems: almost half of a 3 kW system's cost, but only around a quarter to a third of a 5 kW system. See the full solar price list for Tamil Nadu for net costs by size.
Use the solar savings calculator to see the exact subsidy, net cost and payback for your bill and PIN code.
Who is eligible in Tamil Nadu?
- You are an Indian citizen with a house that has a roof suitable for solar.
- The house has a valid domestic electricity connection with TNPDCL (formerly TANGEDCO) in the applicant's name.
- The household has not already received a rooftop solar subsidy.
- The system is grid-connected with a net meter, and installed by a vendor registered on the national portal.
- Panels must be DCR (made with Indian solar cells) and ALMM-listed.
Renting? The connection must be in the applicant's name and you will need the owner's consent, so talk to your landlord first.
Documents you need
| Document | Why it's needed |
|---|---|
| Latest TNPDCL electricity bill | Consumer number, connected load and name on the connection |
| Aadhaar card | Identity verification on the national portal |
| Bank passbook or cancelled cheque | The subsidy is paid directly into this account |
| Proof of ownership / property tax receipt | Confirms the roof belongs to the applicant |
| Mobile number and email | For OTP login and status updates |
| Roof and site photos | Uploaded after installation along with system details |
How to apply: step by step
- Register on the national portalSelect Tamil Nadu and TNPDCL, enter your consumer number, mobile number and email.
- Apply for rooftop solarLog in with your consumer number and fill in the application. Choose a registered vendor such as Rainbow Solar.
- Get feasibility approvalTNPDCL checks your connection and approves the application, usually in 1–2 weeks.
- Install the systemYour vendor installs DCR panels, the inverter and safety equipment, typically in 1–3 days.
- Net meter and inspectionSubmit installation details. TNPDCL installs the net meter and inspects the system.
- Commissioning certificateOnce approved, the commissioning report is generated on the portal.
- Submit bank detailsUpload your bank details and cancelled cheque. The subsidy is credited, usually within about 30 days.
Let us handle the subsidy paperwork
Rainbow Solar files your application, net meter and subsidy claim from start to finish.
How long does it take?
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Application and TNPDCL feasibility | 1 – 2 weeks |
| Installation | 1 – 3 days |
| Net meter and inspection | 1 – 3 weeks |
| Subsidy credited after commissioning | ~30 days |
Timelines vary by area and season. Your Rainbow Solar coordinator tracks every stage for you.
Low-cost loans under PM Surya Ghar
The scheme also gives access to concessional, collateral-free loans from public-sector banks for home systems up to 3 kW. Because the subsidy arrives later, many families use a loan to pay upfront and then use the subsidy to reduce the loan. Ask us about EMI options during your consultation on the home solar page.
Common mistakes that delay the subsidy
- Name on the electricity bill doesn't match the applicant or bank account.
- Buying non-DCR panels, which are not eligible.
- Using an installer who is not registered on the portal.
- Starting installation before TNPDCL feasibility approval.
- Uploading blurry photos or wrong system details after installation.
Our full PM Surya Ghar subsidy guide covers societies and businesses too. If you also want backup power, read how batteries fit with the subsidy in solar + battery for Tamil Nadu power cuts.
Written by our solar engineers and subsidy specialists, who design and install rooftop systems for homes, societies and businesses across Tamil Nadu. Figures are indicative and reviewed regularly; your free site survey gives exact numbers for your roof.
