Installing rooftop solar has become much more attractive for Indian households because the government provides financial support for eligible residential systems. The biggest national programme is PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which supports grid-connected rooftop solar installations for residential electricity consumers.
For homeowners, the obvious question is simple: How much is the government subsidy for solar panels? Under the current central subsidy structure, eligible residential consumers can receive up to ₹78,000 in Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for a rooftop solar system of 3 kW or larger. The actual amount credited depends on the system capacity and the applicable government rules.
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Solar capacity also matters when you want to operate heavy appliances such as air conditioners. A homeowner may reasonably ask, “Can I run 1.5 ton AC on a 5kW solar system?” Or perhaps, “How many 1 ton AC can run in a 3kW solar system?” The answer depends not only on panel capacity but also on the AC’s actual electrical consumption, sunlight, other household loads, inverter capacity and whether batteries are involved.
This guide explains the residential solar subsidy structure, eligibility, application process, PM-KUSUM, and practical AC-load calculations without treating solar capacity as a magic number that automatically powers every appliance.
Important: Subsidy rules, installation requirements and programme details can change. Always verify the latest information on the official government portals before making a purchase or paying an installer.
What Is PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana?
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a Government of India programme designed to encourage rooftop solar installations in residential households.
The programme focuses on grid-connected rooftop solar and aims to increase household access to renewable electricity while reducing dependence on conventional grid power.
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The scheme provides Central Financial Assistance to eligible residential consumers. The subsidy is generally linked to the installed rooftop solar capacity, subject to the programme’s prescribed limits and technical requirements.
The official national portal is:
Information about the scheme is also available through the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE):
For homeowners, this is important because the subsidy is not simply a discount that every solar seller can offer. The installation, equipment, vendor and application must comply with the applicable programme requirements.
How Much Is the Government Subsidy for Solar Panels?
For eligible residential rooftop solar installations under PM Surya Ghar, the central subsidy structure provides:
| Rooftop solar capacity | Central Financial Assistance |
|---|---|
| First 1 kW | ₹30,000 |
| Additional 1 kW, up to 2 kW | ₹30,000 |
| Additional 1 kW, from 2–3 kW | ₹18,000 |
| Maximum central subsidy for residential systems | ₹78,000 |
In practical terms, the central subsidy works like this:
- 1 kW system: up to ₹30,000
- 2 kW system: up to ₹60,000
- 3 kW system: up to ₹78,000
- Above 3 kW: the central subsidy remains capped at ₹78,000
The calculation does not mean that a 5 kW system receives five times the subsidy. Once the eligible residential subsidy reaches the programme’s maximum, additional capacity does not increase the central subsidy.
State-level incentives may exist separately in some circumstances, but you should verify them with your electricity distribution company and state authorities rather than assuming that every state provides an additional payment.
Who Is Eligible for Residential Solar Subsidy?
PM Surya Ghar is primarily intended for residential electricity consumers installing eligible grid-connected rooftop solar systems.
Typical requirements include having a valid electricity connection and installing the rooftop system through the applicable programme process.
The subsidy is not designed as a universal cash benefit for anyone purchasing solar panels from any seller.
The installation generally needs to meet programme requirements regarding equipment, vendor selection, commissioning and documentation.
A homeowner should therefore begin with the official portal rather than paying a salesperson who claims that a subsidy is guaranteed.
How to Apply for the Solar Panel Subsidy
The application process is designed to take place through the national rooftop solar platform.
A simplified version of the process is:
- Visit the official PM Surya Ghar portal.
- Register using the relevant electricity consumer information.
- Submit the rooftop solar application.
- Select an appropriate registered vendor.
- Finalise the system and installation arrangements.
- The vendor installs the rooftop system according to applicable requirements.
- Complete the required inspection and commissioning process.
- Submit the necessary details through the portal.
- The subsidy is processed according to the applicable programme procedure.
Your electricity distribution company, or DISCOM, plays an important role in grid connection and related procedures.
The exact screens, documents and process can change, so applicants should follow the instructions shown on the official portal at the time of application.
What Documents Are Generally Required?
The exact documentation can vary, but homeowners should expect the process to involve information such as:
- Electricity consumer number
- Registered mobile number
- Identity details
- Bank account information
- Rooftop installation information
- Vendor and system details
- Required commissioning documents
The bank account information deserves attention. If the subsidy is being transferred electronically, incorrect account details can create unnecessary delays.
It is also sensible to keep copies of invoices, installation records and approval documents. Solar panels may spend decades on your roof; paperwork has a surprisingly long memory too.
How Does the Solar Subsidy Actually Help?
Suppose an eligible household chooses a 3 kW rooftop solar system.
The central subsidy can reach ₹78,000, subject to meeting the scheme’s requirements.
The homeowner pays the applicable project cost after accounting for the subsidy and any other eligible incentives. The exact final price depends on the vendor, panel technology, inverter, mounting structure, installation complexity and local market conditions.
You should compare quotations carefully instead of choosing a company solely because it advertises the biggest discount.
A cheaper quotation may have a different equipment specification, warranty structure or installation scope.
Can I Run 1.5 Ton AC on a 5kW Solar System?
Yes, a 5 kW solar system can generally support a 1.5-ton AC, provided the inverter and overall household electrical setup are appropriately sized.
But there is an important distinction between solar panel capacity and available household power at a particular moment.
A 5 kW rooftop system does not continuously produce 5 kW throughout the day. Solar generation changes with:
- Sunlight intensity
- Time of day
- Weather
- Panel orientation
- Panel temperature
- Shading
- System losses
- Inverter performance
A modern 1.5-ton inverter AC may consume considerably less electricity than its maximum rated input under some operating conditions. However, the exact consumption depends on the model, temperature, thermostat setting and efficiency rating.
A Simple Example
Imagine a 1.5-ton AC drawing around 1.2–1.8 kW while operating under a particular condition.
A 5 kW rooftop system may produce enough power during strong sunlight to supply that AC while also supporting other household loads.
However, if the home simultaneously operates:
- Refrigerator
- Water pump
- Television
- Computers
- Fans
- Lighting
- Microwave
- Washing machine
the combined load can become significantly higher.
Therefore, 5 kW solar does not mean “one 5 kW appliance plus unlimited household appliances.”
The inverter’s output rating and the home’s instantaneous load matter just as much.
Can a 5kW Solar System Run AC at Night?
This is where the difference between on-grid and battery-backed solar becomes critical.
A conventional grid-connected rooftop solar system generally works alongside the electricity grid. During the day, solar generation can offset household consumption, and surplus electricity may be exported according to the applicable net-metering or related arrangement.
At night, the panels do not generate electricity.
Therefore, an ordinary grid-connected 5 kW rooftop system does not independently power your AC at midnight. Your home normally draws electricity from the grid unless you have an appropriate battery or hybrid configuration.
A battery system changes the calculation, but batteries add cost and introduce additional efficiency losses.
How Many 1 Ton AC Can Run in a 3kW Solar System?
This question needs a little caution because “1 ton” describes the cooling capacity of an AC, not its exact electrical consumption.
A modern 1-ton inverter AC might consume roughly around 0.7–1.2 kW under some operating conditions, but actual consumption varies by model and conditions.
In theory, a 3 kW solar system could therefore support one 1-ton AC comfortably during suitable sunlight, assuming the rest of the household load remains manageable.
Two 1-ton AC units may also be possible under favourable conditions if their combined electrical consumption remains within the inverter’s available output and there are few other loads.
But that does not mean every 3 kW system can reliably operate two ACs simultaneously.
Why the Number Is Not Fixed
Consider two different households.
House A has:
- One 1-ton inverter AC
- Refrigerator
- Three fans
- LED lights
House B has:
- Two 1-ton ACs
- Refrigerator
- Water pump
- Washing machine
- Television
- Multiple computers
Both homes have a 3 kW solar installation, but their electricity requirements are completely different.
For this reason, sizing should begin with an appliance load calculation, not with a generic “one AC equals X kW solar” rule.
Solar Panel Capacity vs Inverter Capacity
This distinction is often overlooked.
A rooftop solar system can have a certain DC panel capacity and a different AC inverter rating. The inverter determines how much AC electricity the system can deliver to the household at a given time.
For example, a system may use a higher DC panel capacity with an appropriately sized inverter to improve energy generation during lower-light conditions.
Therefore, when planning multiple air conditioners, check:
- Solar panel capacity
- Inverter rated output
- AC rated input
- Maximum AC input
- Starting characteristics
- Other household loads
- Grid connection
- Battery capacity, if applicable
A qualified installer should calculate the system rather than simply multiplying the AC tonnage by a standard number.
What Size Solar System Is Suitable for a Home?
There is no single answer because households have different electricity consumption patterns.
A useful starting point is to examine several months of electricity bills and identify monthly energy consumption in kWh, commonly called units.
For example, a household that uses significantly more electricity during summer because of air conditioning will need a different solar design from a home with modest year-round consumption.
The installer should also consider roof area, shading, orientation and local solar conditions.
A larger system is not automatically better if the roof cannot accommodate it properly or the household cannot make good use of the generated electricity.
What Is PM-KUSUM Yojana?
PM-KUSUM, or the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan, is a separate government programme focused on solar energy in the agricultural sector.
This distinction matters because homeowners sometimes confuse PM-KUSUM with PM Surya Ghar.
PM-KUSUM includes components related to solar power generation and solarisation of agricultural pumps. Its target beneficiaries and implementation structure differ from the residential rooftop solar programme.
Official information is available through MNRE:
Who Is Eligible for PM Kusum Yojana?
The answer depends on the specific PM-KUSUM component involved.
The programme has different components addressing areas such as:
- Renewable energy plants
- Standalone solar agricultural pumps
- Solarisation of existing grid-connected agricultural pumps
Eligible beneficiaries can include farmers and other entities covered under the relevant component and state implementation rules.
Because eligibility differs by component, land ownership, agricultural activity, pump connection, capacity and state-level procedures can matter.
Therefore, someone looking for a residential rooftop subsidy should generally investigate PM Surya Ghar, while farmers looking to solarise agricultural pumping or participate in related projects should examine PM-KUSUM.
PM Surya Ghar vs PM-KUSUM
| Feature | PM Surya Ghar | PM-KUSUM |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Residential rooftop solar | Agriculture and solar energy |
| Typical beneficiary | Residential electricity consumer | Eligible farmers/agricultural beneficiaries and other specified entities |
| Common application area | Rooftop electricity generation | Agricultural solar pumps and related projects |
| Central authority | MNRE | MNRE |
| Official source | pmsuryaghar.gov.in | mnre.gov.in |
They are both government renewable-energy programmes, but they should not be treated as interchangeable.
Benefits of Installing Solar Panels at Home
The financial benefit goes beyond the initial subsidy.
A properly designed rooftop solar system can reduce electricity purchases from the grid during the system’s operating life.
Other potential benefits include:
Lower daytime electricity costs: Homes that use ACs, pumps or other appliances during daylight hours can directly consume solar generation.
Reduced exposure to electricity-price increases: Producing part of your own electricity can reduce dependence on future tariff changes.
Long operating life: Quality photovoltaic panels are designed for long-term operation, although inverters and other components may require replacement or maintenance earlier than the panels.
Lower emissions: Solar generation produces electricity without direct combustion at the point of generation.
Things to Check Before Buying Solar Panels
The subsidy should not be your only purchasing criterion.
Before signing a contract, check the panel manufacturer, inverter specifications, warranties, installation scope and after-sales service.
Also ask the vendor:
- Is the vendor registered under the applicable programme?
- What exact panel and inverter models will be installed?
- What is the system’s DC capacity?
- What is the inverter’s AC output?
- What warranties apply?
- Who handles DISCOM-related procedures?
- What happens if the installation fails inspection?
- Is net metering or the applicable grid arrangement included?
- What maintenance is required?
Get the complete quotation in writing.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
One frequent mistake is assuming that the subsidy makes solar installation almost free.
The subsidy reduces eligible project cost, but the homeowner may still have to finance a substantial portion of the system.
Another mistake is buying a system based solely on panel capacity.
A 5 kW system can generate substantial energy, but its performance depends on the installation and local conditions.
A third mistake is ignoring daytime consumption. If your biggest electricity load occurs at night, battery storage or grid interaction becomes more important.
Finally, do not trust advertisements promising a guaranteed electricity bill of zero. Your actual bill depends on consumption, solar generation, tariffs, fixed charges and your DISCOM’s applicable billing arrangement.
How to Verify Solar Subsidy Information
For the most reliable information, use government sources.
PM Surya Ghar:
https://www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in/
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy:
https://mnre.gov.in/
PM-KUSUM:
https://mnre.gov.in/en/pm-kusum/
Your local electricity distribution company is also important because grid connection, inspection, metering and related procedures operate through the applicable DISCOM.
Avoid relying on social-media posts that quote an old subsidy amount. Renewable-energy programmes can change, and an article published several years ago may no longer describe the current rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the government subsidy for solar panels?
Under the current PM Surya Ghar central subsidy structure for eligible residential rooftop systems, the assistance is up to ₹30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW, followed by ₹18,000 for the third kW, with a maximum central subsidy of ₹78,000 for residential installations.
Can I run 1.5 ton AC on a 5kW solar system?
Yes, a properly designed 5 kW system can generally support a 1.5-ton AC during suitable solar-generation periods. The exact result depends on the AC’s electrical consumption, inverter capacity and other appliances operating simultaneously.
How many 1 ton AC can run in a 3kW solar system?
One 1-ton AC is generally much easier for a 3 kW system to support. Two may be possible under favourable conditions if their combined electrical demand and the rest of the household load stay within the inverter’s usable output. Check the actual AC specifications rather than relying on tonnage alone.
Who is eligible for PM Kusum Yojana?
Eligibility depends on the specific PM-KUSUM component. The programme primarily addresses agricultural and solar-energy applications, including eligible farmers and agricultural pump users under the applicable state and central rules. It is different from the residential PM Surya Ghar programme.
Does a 5 kW solar system produce 5 kW all day?
No. 5 kW refers to the rated capacity of the solar array, not constant output. Generation varies throughout the day because sunlight changes with weather, time, shading, panel temperature and other conditions.
Final Takeaway
Government support has made rooftop solar more accessible to many Indian households, but understanding the subsidy is only the first step.
For eligible residential consumers, PM Surya Ghar can provide central financial assistance of up to ₹78,000 for qualifying rooftop systems of 3 kW or above. The final project economics still depend on installation cost, electricity consumption, local tariffs, solar generation and the applicable grid arrangement.
When it comes to air conditioning, capacity planning matters even more. A 5 kW solar system can generally support a 1.5-ton AC during suitable daytime conditions, while a 3 kW system may support one 1-ton AC comfortably depending on other loads. Two ACs on 3 kW can become a much tighter proposition.
And if you are a farmer researching PM-KUSUM, remember that it serves a different purpose from the residential rooftop programme.
The smartest approach is straightforward: check the latest government rules, review your electricity consumption, calculate the actual appliance load, compare qualified vendors and confirm the subsidy through official channels before paying for an installation.