Rajasthan is arguably the best state in India to go solar. It receives more sunlight than almost any other state in the country, electricity tariffs are meaningful enough to make savings real, and both central and state government schemes are active. For homeowners in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kota, or anywhere across the state, 2026 is a particularly good time to move on rooftop solar.
This guide covers the subsidies available, how Rajasthan’s DISCOMs handle net metering, and the exact application process.
What subsidies are available in Rajasthan in 2026?
Rajasthan homeowners can access two tiers of subsidy.
Central government subsidy under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
This is available to all residential consumers in Rajasthan. The structure is the same as across India:
| 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 |
Rajasthan state government support
Rajasthan has historically been one of the more proactive states on solar promotion. The state government, through the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation (RRECL), has run additional schemes for residential solar at various points. For 2026, verify the current state-level incentive at rrecl.in, as scheme amounts and availability are subject to annual revision.
In addition, Rajasthan DISCOMs have maintained comparatively efficient net metering processes, which reduces the wait time between installation and bill benefits compared to many other states.
Rajasthan’s DISCOMs and who to apply through
Rajasthan has three distribution companies serving different regions of the state. Knowing which DISCOM covers your area is the first step.
JVVNL (Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited): Covers Jaipur, Dausa, Alwar, Bharatpur, Sawai Madhopur, Tonk, and surrounding districts.
AVVNL (Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited): Covers Ajmer, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Nagaur, Pali, Rajsamand, Sikar, Udaipur, and surrounding districts.
JdVVNL (Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited): Covers Jodhpur, Barmer, Bikaner, Churu, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Jhunjhunu, Sirohi, Sri Ganganagar, and surrounding districts.
Your electricity bill clearly states which DISCOM issues it. When you register on the PM Surya Ghar portal, select the correct DISCOM for your area.
Why Rajasthan is especially well-suited for solar
Rajasthan’s solar advantage over other Indian states is significant and worth understanding before sizing your system.
The state receives average solar irradiance of 5.5 to 6.5 kWh per square metre per day, among the highest in India. For comparison, Delhi receives around 5.0 to 5.5, and Mumbai around 4.5 to 5.0. This means a solar panel in Jodhpur or Jaisalmer generates materially more electricity per kW of installed capacity than the same panel would in a coastal or high-humidity location.
A 3 kW system in Jaipur or Jodhpur typically generates 420 to 480 units per month in peak summer. Even in winter, generation stays strong because Rajasthan winters have clear skies and high sunshine hours. The monsoon period from July to September sees some reduction, but it is less severe than in coastal states.
In practical terms, this means payback periods in Rajasthan are among the shortest in India, often 3 to 4 years after subsidy. After that, 20 or more years of free generation follow.
Who is eligible for solar subsidy in Rajasthan?
To claim the central PM Surya Ghar subsidy:
- You must own a residential property with an active domestic electricity connection from JVVNL, AVVNL, or JdVVNL
- Installation must be done by a vendor registered on the PM Surya Ghar national portal
- Feasibility approval must be obtained before installation begins
- The property must not have previously received a central rooftop solar subsidy
For DISCOM net metering:
– Your connection must be under the domestic tariff category
– System capacity should not exceed your sanctioned load
– Installation must meet the technical standards specified by the respective DISCOM
How net metering works in Rajasthan
All three Rajasthan DISCOMs follow the state’s net metering regulations governed by the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC). Key points for homeowners:
Net metering allows you to export surplus solar generation to the grid during the day and draw from the grid at night or during low-production periods. Your meter runs forward when you draw from the grid and backward (or records export separately on a net meter) when you export.
At billing time, you pay only for net consumption. If you export more than you consume in a month, the surplus credits are carried forward. At the annual settlement date, any remaining export balance is compensated at a rate determined by RERC.
Rajasthan DISCOMs have been among the more consistent in installing net meters within reasonable timelines compared to the national average. Urban areas like Jaipur and Jodhpur typically see net meter installation within 3 to 5 weeks of application.
How to apply for solar subsidy in Rajasthan: step-by-step
Step 1: Register on the PM Surya Ghar portal
Visit pmsuryaghar.gov.in and register with your mobile number and the consumer number from your electricity bill. Select Rajasthan as your state and choose your specific DISCOM (JVVNL, AVVNL, or JdVVNL) from the dropdown.
Step 2: Submit your feasibility application
Apply for rooftop solar through the portal. Your DISCOM will assess whether your connection and rooftop are suitable for grid-connected net-metered solar. Approval typically takes 7 to 15 working days.
Do not allow installation to begin before this approval is received.
Step 3: Choose a registered installer
Select a vendor from the portal’s Rajasthan installer list. In Rajasthan’s major cities, there are numerous registered installers, which gives you good competition on pricing. Get at least three quotes. In smaller towns and rural areas, the registered installer list may be shorter, so plan accordingly.
Installation of a 3 kW system typically takes 1 to 2 days.
Step 4: Net meter application and installation
After installation, your installer files for net meter replacement with your DISCOM. Rajasthan DISCOMs generally handle this reasonably efficiently. Follow up after 3 weeks if you have not had a technician visit.
Step 5: Upload commissioning certificate and receive subsidy
Once the net meter is installed and operational, your DISCOM issues a commissioning certificate. Upload this to the PM Surya Ghar portal with your bank details. The central subsidy reaches your account within 30 to 60 days.
What does solar cost in Rajasthan after subsidy?
Installation costs in Rajasthan are generally competitive due to a strong local installer market. A fully installed 3 kW system costs roughly Rs 1.4 lakh to Rs 1.8 lakh before subsidy.
After the Rs 78,000 central subsidy, effective cost is Rs 60,000 to Rs 1 lakh, depending on panel brand and installer.
With generation of 420 to 480 units per month in Jaipur, monthly bill savings for a household on a mid tariff slab are typically Rs 2,500 to Rs 4,000. This gives a payback period of 2 to 4 years, which is among the best in India.
System size guide for Rajasthan households
Because of Rajasthan’s high solar irradiance, you may be able to meet your consumption needs with a slightly smaller system than you would need in a less sunny state. However, the subsidy cap at 3 kW means most households benefit from installing exactly 3 kW to maximise the Rs 78,000 subsidy.
| Monthly consumption | Recommended size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Below 200 units | 1 to 2 kW | Covers most of your load in Rajasthan’s sun |
| 200 to 400 units | 2 to 3 kW | 3 kW maximises your subsidy |
| 400 to 600 units | 3 to 5 kW | Central subsidy capped at Rs 78,000 regardless |
| Above 600 units | 5 kW and above | Right-size to your roof space and load |
Common questions from Rajasthan homeowners
Can I install solar in a rural property under a agricultural connection?
No. Agricultural electricity connections are on a separate tariff and are not eligible under PM Surya Ghar, which is for domestic residential connections. If your rural property has a separate residential connection, that connection is eligible.
Is there a difference in the process across JVVNL, AVVNL, and JdVVNL?
The core process is the same for all three, as it runs through the central portal. Minor differences exist in the speed of feasibility approval and net meter installation. JVVNL in Jaipur tends to have more volume and can sometimes be slower during peak application periods.
What happens if I move house after installing solar?
The solar system is attached to the property, not to you. If you sell the house, the system and any remaining net metering credits transfer with the property. The subsidy, once received, is yours regardless of whether you later sell.
Can I add more panels later if I install 3 kW now?
Yes. You can expand the system later, but the additional capacity beyond what was originally approved will require a fresh net metering amendment application with your DISCOM. The central subsidy is a one-time benefit per property.
Summing up
Rajasthan offers one of the most compelling cases for rooftop solar in India. The combination of excellent sunlight, active central subsidy, and reasonably efficient DISCOM processes makes the financial case stronger here than in most states. Payback periods of 3 to 4 years are realistic for a well-sized system in Jaipur, Jodhpur, or Udaipur.
Start at pmsuryaghar.gov.in, identify your DISCOM from your electricity bill, and submit your feasibility application before speaking to any installer.