Bihar Solar Subsidy 2026: Eligibility, Subsidy Amount, Application Process & PM Surya Ghar Benefits
Installing a rooftop solar system in Bihar has become more attractive for residential electricity consumers in 2026.
Under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, eligible residential consumers can receive Central Financial Assistance of up to ₹78,000 for a rooftop solar system of 3 kW or more. In August 2026, the Bihar government also approved an additional state subsidy of ₹10,000 per kW, capped at ₹20,000 per consumer, for eligible residential rooftop solar installations under the scheme. The state assistance is planned for one year and is in addition to the Central subsidy.
This means an eligible Bihar household installing a qualifying 3 kW or larger rooftop solar system could receive up to ₹98,000 in combined Central and Bihar government assistance.
Important: The ₹98,000 figure is the maximum potential combined subsidy for eligible consumers. Actual subsidy depends on system capacity, eligibility, scheme rules, installation/commissioning requirements and the applicable implementation process.
In this guide, we explain the Bihar Solar Subsidy 2026 amount, eligibility, PM Surya Ghar benefits, application process, documents, subsidy calculation and key points homeowners should know before installing solar.
What Is the Bihar Solar Subsidy in 2026?
Bihar's 2026 rooftop solar incentive consists of two potential components:
- Central Financial Assistance under PM Surya Ghar
- Additional financial assistance from the Bihar government
The Central government subsidy is available under the national PM Surya Ghar scheme. The Bihar government has now approved additional assistance for eligible residential consumers installing rooftop solar under the same programme.
The Bihar state assistance is:
- ₹10,000 per kW
- Maximum ₹20,000 per consumer
- In addition to the Central PM Surya Ghar subsidy
- Intended for eligible residential consumers
- Proposed to be transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
The state programme has an approved estimated expenditure of ₹1,000 crore and is intended to operate for one year.
How Much Solar Subsidy Can You Get in Bihar?
The easiest way to understand the benefit is to separate the Central and Bihar components.
1 kW Solar System
Under PM Surya Ghar:
Central subsidy:
₹30,000
Potential Bihar state assistance:
₹10,000
Potential combined benefit:
₹40,000
2 kW Solar System
Central subsidy:
₹30,000 × 2 = ₹60,000
Potential Bihar state assistance:
₹10,000 × 2 = ₹20,000
Potential combined benefit:
₹80,000
3 kW Solar System
For 3 kW, the Central subsidy is:
- First 2 kW = ₹60,000
- Additional 1 kW = ₹18,000
- Total Central subsidy = ₹78,000
Bihar state assistance can reach its maximum of:
₹20,000
Therefore:
₹78,000 + ₹20,000 = ₹98,000
So, an eligible Bihar household with a qualifying 3 kW rooftop solar system may receive up to ₹98,000 in combined Central and state assistance.
Subsidy Calculation Table
|
Solar System |
Central Subsidy |
Bihar State Assistance* |
Potential Total |
|
1 kW |
₹30,000 |
₹10,000 |
₹40,000 |
|
2 kW |
₹60,000 |
₹20,000 |
₹80,000 |
|
3 kW |
₹78,000 |
₹20,000 |
₹98,000 |
|
Above 3 kW |
₹78,000 maximum Central CFA |
Subject to applicable state rules/cap |
Up to ₹98,000 under stated caps |
*State assistance is subject to the final implementation rules and eligibility conditions.
What Is PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is the Government of India's flagship residential rooftop solar programme.
The scheme was launched in February 2024 with the objective of supporting rooftop solar installations across one crore households. The approved programme has a total financial outlay of ₹75,021 crore, including ₹65,700 crore for Central Financial Assistance to residential consumers.
For residential consumers, the current Central subsidy structure provides:
- ₹30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW
- ₹18,000 for the additional 1 kW
- Maximum Central subsidy of ₹78,000
The official PM Surya Ghar portal currently displays the same ₹78,000 maximum subsidy for eligible larger residential systems.
Who Is Eligible for Bihar Solar Subsidy 2026?
The Bihar additional subsidy is intended for eligible residential consumers installing rooftop solar under PM Surya Ghar.
In practical terms, homeowners should generally ensure that:
1. You are a residential electricity consumer
The PM Surya Ghar Central subsidy is designed for the residential sector. Commercial and industrial consumers should not assume that they qualify for the residential CFA.
2. You have an eligible electricity connection
The rooftop solar installation needs to be associated with the applicable electricity consumer account and DISCOM process.
3. You install an eligible rooftop solar system
The system should comply with the technical and programme requirements applicable under PM Surya Ghar and the concerned DISCOM.
4. You follow the official application process
Applying through the appropriate government portal and completing the required DISCOM/vendor steps is important for subsidy eligibility.
5. The system meets applicable technical requirements
Installation, inspection, metering and commissioning requirements must be completed according to the applicable rules.
Bihar's power utility portal also provides dedicated rooftop solar information, including vendor details, net-metering guidelines, rate charts and solar installation documentation.
How to Apply for Bihar Solar Subsidy 2026?
The application process involves the PM Surya Ghar National Portal and the relevant electricity distribution process in Bihar.
A simplified process is:
Step 1: Register on the PM Surya Ghar Portal
Visit the official PM Surya Ghar portal and register using your electricity consumer details.
Step 2: Select Bihar and Your DISCOM
Enter the required state and electricity distribution information.
Bihar consumers should ensure that the consumer/account details match their electricity connection records.
Step 3: Submit the Rooftop Solar Application
Enter the requested information and submit the application for rooftop solar installation.
Step 4: Choose an Eligible Vendor
Select a vendor from the applicable approved/registered vendor ecosystem and obtain the system proposal.
Step 5: Install the Solar System
After the required approvals and process steps, the rooftop solar system is installed according to the applicable technical standards.
Step 6: Complete Inspection and Metering
The DISCOM process may include inspection, documentation, net-metering and commissioning requirements.
Bihar's rooftop solar portal provides dedicated resources for net metering, vendor details, installation documentation and project completion procedures.
Step 7: Subsidy Processing
Once the required installation and commissioning conditions are fulfilled, the applicable Central subsidy can be processed through the PM Surya Ghar mechanism. The Bihar state assistance is also intended to be transferred through DBT under the approved state programme.
Documents Required for Bihar Solar Subsidy
Applicants should keep the following information/documents ready:
- Electricity consumer number/account number
- Registered mobile number
- Aadhaar or other applicable identity details
- Bank account details for subsidy/DBT
- Property/rooftop-related details where required
- Solar installation documents
- Vendor quotation/invoice
- System commissioning documents
- Net-metering-related documents, where applicable
- Any additional documents requested by the portal or DISCOM
The exact documentation can vary according to the application stage and the latest implementation requirements.
What Does ₹98,000 Subsidy Mean for a 3 kW Solar System?
Suppose a homeowner chooses a 3 kW rooftop solar system.
The Central subsidy can be:
₹78,000
The maximum Bihar state assistance can be:
₹20,000
Therefore, the potential combined assistance is:
₹98,000
If the quoted project cost were ₹X, the simplified calculation would be:
Effective upfront cost = Eligible project cost − applicable subsidy
However, homeowners should not assume that ₹98,000 will automatically be deducted from every vendor quotation.
Subsidy is governed by the applicable benchmark costs, eligibility, scheme rules, installation requirements and payment process. Therefore, consumers should compare the gross system price, eligible subsidy, balance payable and inclusions before selecting a vendor.
Is a 3 kW Solar System the Best Choice for Bihar Homes?
For many households, 3 kW is an important capacity because the PM Surya Ghar Central subsidy reaches its maximum at 3 kW.
But the right system size should not be decided only on the basis of subsidy.
Consider:
- Monthly electricity consumption
- Available rooftop area
- Sanctioned load
- Daytime electricity usage
- Appliances and connected loads
- Future electricity requirements
- Budget
- Roof orientation and shading
For example, a household with relatively low electricity consumption may not need a large system simply because the maximum subsidy is available at 3 kW.
The goal should be to choose a solar capacity that matches actual electricity consumption and available rooftop space.
Benefits of Installing Rooftop Solar in Bihar
The Bihar solar subsidy is only one part of the overall value proposition.
1. Lower Electricity Bills
Solar generation can reduce the amount of electricity a household needs to purchase from the grid.
2. Protection Against Rising Electricity Costs
Once installed, solar panels can generate electricity for many years, helping households reduce their exposure to future tariff increases.
3. Government Financial Support
The combination of Central and Bihar assistance can substantially reduce the initial investment for eligible residential consumers.
4. Clean Energy Generation
Solar power reduces dependence on conventional grid electricity and supports cleaner electricity generation.
5. Long-Term Energy Savings
A properly designed rooftop solar system can continue generating electricity for decades, although components such as inverters may have different service lives.
6. Potential Net-Metering Benefits
Where applicable and approved, excess electricity generated by the rooftop system can be exported to the grid under the relevant net-metering mechanism.
Bihar's power utility service charter specifically lists Solar Rooftop Net-Metering Request as a service.
What Should You Check Before Installing Solar in Bihar?
A subsidy should not be the only factor in your purchasing decision.
Before placing an order, check:
Solar Panels
Ask about:
- Module technology
- Manufacturer
- Warranty
- Efficiency
- Applicable certification/standards
- Product specifications
Solar Inverter
Check:
- Capacity
- Efficiency
- Grid compatibility
- Protection features
- Warranty
- Monitoring capability
Mounting Structure
Confirm:
- Material
- Corrosion resistance
- Roof compatibility
- Structural strength
Net Metering
Ask the vendor who will handle:
- Application
- Documentation
- DISCOM coordination
- Inspection
- Metering
- Commissioning
After-Sales Service
A lower upfront price is not necessarily the best deal if installation quality and after-sales support are poor.
Bihar Solar Subsidy 2026: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Assuming Every Solar Installation Gets ₹98,000
The ₹98,000 figure represents the potential maximum combined benefit under the announced Central and Bihar subsidy structure for eligible consumers. It is not an unconditional cash discount available for every solar installation.
Mistake 2: Installing Before Understanding the Official Process
Consumers should understand the application and approval requirements before proceeding with installation.
Mistake 3: Choosing a Vendor Only on Price
A cheaper quotation can sometimes exclude important components such as mounting structure, wiring, installation, protection devices or net-metering assistance.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Electricity Consumption
The biggest system is not always the best system. Solar capacity should be matched with household consumption and rooftop conditions.
Mistake 5: Confusing Residential and Commercial Subsidies
The PM Surya Ghar Central Financial Assistance discussed in this article is for eligible residential consumers. Businesses should not assume that the same subsidy applies to commercial rooftop installations.
Final Takeaway: Is 2026 a Good Time to Install Solar in Bihar?
For eligible residential electricity consumers, 2026 presents a particularly attractive opportunity to consider rooftop solar in Bihar.
The Central PM Surya Ghar programme already offers up to ₹78,000 in Central Financial Assistance, while Bihar's newly approved additional support can provide up to ₹20,000 more. This creates a potential combined subsidy of up to ₹98,000 for eligible residential consumers.
However, the right approach is not simply to chase the highest subsidy. Homeowners should first determine the appropriate solar capacity based on electricity consumption, rooftop space and future requirements, then select a qualified vendor and follow the official application, installation, inspection and metering process.
For homeowners considering a 1 kW, 2 kW or 3 kW rooftop solar system in Bihar, understanding the subsidy structure before purchasing can make a significant difference to the overall project economics.
SunGarner recommends comparing system quality, generation potential, warranty, installation standards, after-sales service and total project cost—not just the advertised subsidy—before making a rooftop solar investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the solar subsidy in Bihar in 2026?
Under PM Surya Ghar, eligible residential consumers can receive up to ₹78,000 Central subsidy. Bihar has additionally approved ₹10,000 per kW, capped at ₹20,000 per consumer, potentially taking the combined benefit to ₹98,000.
Is Bihar giving an additional ₹20,000 solar subsidy?
Yes. Bihar has approved additional state assistance of ₹10,000 per kW, subject to a maximum of ₹20,000 per consumer, over and above the Central PM Surya Ghar assistance.
What is the maximum PM Surya Ghar subsidy?
The maximum Central Financial Assistance for an eligible residential rooftop solar system is ₹78,000 under the current structure.
Can I get ₹98,000 subsidy for a 3 kW solar system in Bihar?
An eligible residential consumer installing a qualifying 3 kW system may receive up to ₹78,000 Central assistance plus up to ₹20,000 Bihar state assistance, making the potential combined benefit ₹98,000. Actual payment remains subject to applicable scheme and implementation requirements.
Is the Bihar subsidy available for commercial solar systems?
The additional assistance discussed here is for eligible residential consumers under PM Surya Ghar. Commercial and industrial consumers should check the applicable state and national policies separately.
Does Bihar have a rooftop solar portal?
Yes. Bihar's power utility operates a rooftop solar transaction portal with resources covering registration, vendors, rate charts, net-metering guidelines and other solar installation procedures.
Does solar subsidy mean solar installation is completely free?
No. Subsidy reduces the eligible cost burden; it does not necessarily make every rooftop solar project free. The final amount payable depends on the system cost, applicable subsidy, benchmark/eligibility rules and other project costs




