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Is the PM Surya Ghar Subsidy Actually Free?
Ravi (Solar Expert)
Feb 1, 20265 min readYou've seen the YouTube ads: "Get Solar for FREE!" "Zero Cost Installation!" Let's be real—if it sounds too good to be true, it is.
The "Free" Myth vs Reality
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a subsidy scheme, not a charity handout. This means you still have to buy the system first.
- Step 1: You pay the vendor full price (approx ₹1.5L for 3kW).
- Step 2: System is installed and net-metered by UPCL.
- Step 3: Govt deposits ₹78,000 into your bank account 30 days later.
So, the net cost is low (₹72k), but the "upfront investment" is real. Don't fall for vendors asking for an "advance for free solar". That's not how it works.