Uttar Pradesh is among the highest-priority states under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, given its massive residential electricity consumer base and the government’s push to bring reliable solar power to households across the state. Whether you are in Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Varanasi, or a smaller town in UP, the subsidy framework is the same, and the process is now largely online.
This guide explains the subsidies available, how the multiple DISCOMs in UP handle net metering, and how to navigate the application process correctly.
What subsidies are available for solar in UP in 2026?
UP homeowners have access to the central government subsidy and potentially state-level support through UPNEDA.
Central government subsidy under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
| System size | Central subsidy |
|---|---|
| Up to 2 kW | Rs 30,000 per kW (up to Rs 60,000) |
| 2 kW to 3 kW | Rs 78,000 total |
| Above 3 kW | Capped at Rs 78,000 |
UPNEDA and state-level support
UPNEDA (Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency) is the state nodal agency for solar in UP. UPNEDA periodically runs state-level incentive schemes and maintains a list of empanelled solar vendors in the state. For any state-level subsidy active in 2026, check upneda.org.in for current scheme details and eligibility.
UP has also been a significant beneficiary state under PM Surya Ghar’s national rollout targets, meaning DISCOM infrastructure for processing applications is more developed than in earlier years.
Understanding UP’s five DISCOMs
Uttar Pradesh has five electricity distribution companies, and knowing which one serves your area is essential before you start any application.
PVVNL (Paschimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited): Covers western UP including Meerut, Ghaziabad, Noida, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur, and surrounding districts.
DVVNL (Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited): Covers Agra, Mathura, Aligarh, Firozabad, Etah, Mainpuri, and surrounding districts.
MVVNL (Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited): Covers Lucknow, Sitapur, Hardoi, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Barabanki, and surrounding districts.
PVVNL (Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited): Covers Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Azamgarh, Allahabad (Prayagraj), Jaunpur, Mirzapur, and surrounding districts.
KESCo (Kanpur Electricity Supply Company): Covers the city of Kanpur under a separate distribution company.
Your electricity bill states which company issues it. This determines which DISCOM you select on the PM Surya Ghar portal.
Who is eligible for solar subsidy in UP?
To qualify for the central PM Surya Ghar subsidy in Uttar Pradesh:
- You must own a residential property with an active domestic electricity connection from one of the five UP DISCOMs
- Installation must be carried out by a vendor registered on the PM Surya Ghar national portal
- Feasibility approval must be obtained before any installation begins
- The property must not have previously received a central rooftop solar subsidy
For net metering through your DISCOM:
– The connection must be in the domestic or residential tariff category
– System capacity must not exceed your sanctioned load
– The installation must meet technical standards specified under UP’s net metering regulations
Net metering in Uttar Pradesh
Net metering in UP is regulated by the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC). All five DISCOMs follow the same regulatory framework, though implementation speed and efficiency varies across them.
Under net metering, electricity you generate but do not consume is exported to the grid. Your net meter measures both import and export. At billing time, you pay only for net units consumed. Surplus monthly export credits are carried forward, and any annual surplus is settled at a rate determined by UPERC.
One important practical point for UP consumers: net meter installation timelines in UP have historically been slower than in states like Rajasthan or Gujarat. Urban areas of Lucknow, Noida, and Agra tend to be faster, while rural and semi-urban divisions can see longer waits. Budget for 4 to 10 weeks for net meter installation and follow up proactively.
How to apply for solar subsidy in UP: step-by-step
Step 1: Register on the PM Surya Ghar portal
Visit pmsuryaghar.gov.in and register with your mobile number and electricity consumer number. Select Uttar Pradesh and your specific DISCOM from the dropdown. Your consumer number is printed on your electricity bill.
Step 2: Apply for feasibility approval
Submit your rooftop solar application on the portal. Your DISCOM will review it and confirm technical suitability for net-metered grid-connected solar. This takes 7 to 15 working days in urban areas and sometimes longer in rural divisions.
Do not start installation until this approval is in hand.
Step 3: Select a registered installer
Filter the portal’s installer list for Uttar Pradesh. In major cities like Lucknow, Noida, Kanpur, and Agra, there are good options with competitive pricing. In smaller towns, the registered vendor list may be shorter. UPNEDA also maintains its own empanelled vendor list at upneda.org.in, which is worth cross-referencing.
Always get two or three quotes. Installation of a 3 kW system takes 1 to 2 days.
Step 4: Net meter installation
After installation, apply for net meter replacement with your DISCOM. This is typically facilitated by your installer. Given that UP DISCOMs vary in speed, actively follow up with your local DISCOM office or the PM Surya Ghar helpline if you do not see progress within 4 weeks.
Step 5: Upload commissioning certificate and receive subsidy
Once the net meter is installed, your DISCOM issues a commissioning certificate. Upload this to the PM Surya Ghar portal along with your bank account details. The central subsidy is credited to your bank account within 30 to 60 days of a successful upload.
What does solar cost in UP after subsidy?
Installation costs in UP vary considerably between urban and rural areas. A fully installed 3 kW system costs approximately Rs 1.4 lakh to Rs 1.9 lakh before subsidy. After the Rs 78,000 central subsidy, net cost is roughly Rs 65,000 to Rs 1.1 lakh.
UP’s electricity tariffs are moderate compared to states like Maharashtra or Tamil Nadu, which means the monthly savings per unit are somewhat lower. However, strong summer sunlight across most of the state ensures good generation.
A 3 kW system in Lucknow or Agra typically generates 360 to 420 units per month in summer, with lower generation in monsoon months. Monthly bill savings of Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 are typical for a household in the mid consumption slab. Payback period after subsidy is usually 4 to 6 years in UP.
System sizing for UP households
| Monthly consumption | Recommended size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Below 200 units | 1 to 2 kW | Covers most load in UP’s sun |
| 200 to 400 units | 2 to 3 kW | 3 kW maximises the subsidy at Rs 78,000 |
| 400 to 600 units | 3 to 5 kW | Central subsidy stays at Rs 78,000 cap |
| Above 600 units | 5 kW and above | Size to roof space and available load |
Common questions from UP homeowners
Does PM Surya Ghar apply in areas with frequent power cuts?
The scheme supports grid-connected solar with net metering, which means it works alongside the grid. During power outages, a standard grid-tied system shuts down automatically for safety reasons. If you experience frequent outages and want power during cuts, you need a hybrid system with battery backup, which costs more and changes the economics. The subsidy still applies to the solar component.
Can I apply in a property where the electricity connection is in a family member’s name?
The application must be in the name of the electricity consumer. If the connection is in a parent’s or spouse’s name, they must be the applicant. The subsidy is linked to the consumer number, not to the person physically living in the property.
What if I am under a prepaid meter connection?
UP has been rolling out prepaid smart meters in many areas. Net metering compatibility with prepaid meters is an area where DISCOM policies are evolving. Check with your specific DISCOM whether your prepaid meter can be replaced with a net meter under the current policy.
Is there a difference between applying in Noida and in a smaller UP town?
The portal process is the same everywhere. Practical differences exist in installer availability, DISCOM response times, and net meter installation speed. Noida and Ghaziabad (under PVVNL) tend to have better infrastructure and faster processing than smaller towns.
Timeline for UP homeowners
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Portal registration and application | 1 to 2 days |
| DISCOM feasibility approval | 7 to 15 working days |
| Getting quotes and selecting installer | 3 to 7 days |
| Installation | 1 to 2 days |
| Net meter installation | 4 to 10 weeks |
| Commissioning certificate issued | Within 1 week of net meter |
| Subsidy credited to bank | 30 to 60 days after upload |
| Total estimated time | 3 to 6 months |
Summing up
Uttar Pradesh’s scale means the PM Surya Ghar programme is well-resourced here, with active UPNEDA support and a large registered installer base in major cities. The main challenge is navigating five different DISCOMs and managing the sometimes slow net meter installation process. Knowing your correct DISCOM upfront and following up persistently at each stage reduces delays significantly.
Start at pmsuryaghar.gov.in, identify your DISCOM from your electricity bill, and submit the feasibility application before approaching any installer.