You may have seen ads for a "Government Free Solar Panel Scheme". The truth is simpler: the government does not give rooftop solar panels away for free. Instead, it pays a subsidy that covers a large part of the cost of a home rooftop system. In Tamil Nadu, the central PM Surya Ghar subsidy can now be combined with the announced state top-up, taking total support up to ₹1,00,000 for an eligible 3 kW or larger residential system. This guide explains the MNRE guidelines, the exact amounts, who is eligible, the documents you need and how to apply step by step.
MNRE Guidelines for Solar Subsidy 2026
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) sets the national rules for rooftop solar subsidies. Under its guidelines, the subsidy applies to grid-connected residential rooftop systems, the solar modules must appear in MNRE's ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers), and the system must be installed by a vendor registered for your DISCOM on the national portal. Applications, approvals, inspection reports and subsidy release are all handled online through the official portal, pmsuryaghar.gov.in.
These rules protect homeowners from substandard equipment: if the panels are not ALMM-listed, or the installer is not registered, the subsidy can be rejected — so always confirm both before signing a quote.
Central PM Surya Ghar Subsidy Amounts
| System size | Central subsidy | TN state top-up | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | ₹30,000 | ₹5,000 | ₹35,000 |
| 2 kW | ₹60,000 | ₹10,000 | ₹70,000 |
| 3 kW and above | ₹78,000 | ₹22,000 | ₹1,00,000 |
The central subsidy is capped at the 3 kW level, so a 5 kW or 10 kW home system receives the same maximum central amount as a 3 kW system.
Tamil Nadu State Subsidy — Additional ₹5,000 to ₹22,000
On top of the central amount, Tamil Nadu has announced a state top-up for residential rooftop solar: ₹5,000 for 1 kW, ₹10,000 for 2 kW and ₹22,000 for 3 kW and above. Added to the central subsidy, that makes the combined support ₹35,000, ₹70,000 and ₹1,00,000 respectively. The Tamil Nadu state top-up is an announced scheme; final amounts, eligibility and release timing are set by the government portals and are confirmed at application time.
How to Apply for Solar Subsidy in Tamil Nadu — Step-by-Step
Register at pmsuryaghar.gov.in with your state, DISCOM (TNPDCL / TANGEDCO) and electricity consumer number, then log in with your mobile number.
Fill the rooftop solar application with your sanctioned load and the capacity you want to install.
TNPDCL checks technical feasibility for your connection and approves the application online.
A registered vendor installs an ALMM-listed system on your roof. GenSolar designs and installs it after a free site survey.
Submit installation details, apply for the net meter; the DISCOM inspects the plant and issues the commissioning certificate.
Submit your bank account details and cancelled cheque on the portal. The subsidy is credited directly to your account.
Who is Eligible for the Government Solar Subsidy?
- You are a residential electricity consumer in Tamil Nadu with a valid TNPDCL (TANGEDCO / TNEB) connection in your name.
- You own the house, or have the right to install on the roof, with enough shade-free roof area for the system.
- The system is grid-connected (on-grid or hybrid with net metering) and uses ALMM-listed panels.
- The installation is done by a vendor registered on the national portal.
- The household has not already received a rooftop solar subsidy for the same connection.
Commercial, industrial and institutional buildings are not covered by the residential subsidy, although they still benefit from net metering and accelerated payback.
Required Documents
- Aadhaar card of the applicant
- Latest electricity (EB) bill with consumer number
- Property proof — tax receipt, sale deed or patta
- Bank account details and a cancelled cheque or passbook copy
- Recent photograph and mobile number linked to Aadhaar
- Roof photos (we take these during the site survey)
How GenSolar Handles the Entire Subsidy Process for You
GenSolar Energy is an authorised Tata Solar dealer and installs ALMM-listed systems that meet MNRE requirements. We run a free site survey, size the system to your bill, register and file your application on pmsuryaghar.gov.in, coordinate TNPDCL feasibility, net metering and inspection, upload the commissioning documents and track the subsidy until it reaches your bank account. You sign, we follow up.
Related reading: PM Surya Ghar Yojana · Tamil Nadu ₹1 lakh subsidy explained · Solar calculator
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