PM Surya Ghar Savings Calculator 2026
Estimate net project cost, direct-use value, export credit, annual benefit and simple payback with your actual project and DISCOM inputs.
Last Updated: July 24, 2026
Savings Questions Covered Here
- Interactive savings calculator
- How to enter each input
- Savings and payback formulas
- Direct self-consumption
- Export-credit value
- Why the bill may not become zero
- Annual generation input
- Avoided import tariff
- Correct CFA input
- Correct project cost
- Loan and finance cost
- Maintenance allowance
- Three-scenario analysis
- 1kW, 2kW and 3kW examples
- Simple-payback limitations
- Checking vendor claims
- Updating actual savings
- Frequently asked questions
Interactive PM Surya Ghar Savings Calculator
The defaults are an illustrative 3kW example. Replace every field with your actual quotation, official-calculator generation and DISCOM values.
This simple model excludes degradation, inflation, tariff escalation, fixed charges, replacement timing and future rule changes.
How to Enter Each Calculator Input
| Input | Best source | Common error |
|---|---|---|
| System size | Final module DC capacity | Using inverter size only |
| Project cost | GST-inclusive itemised quotation | Using a marketing price after subsidy |
| CFA | Actual eligible capacity and current rate | Entering ₹78,000 for every system |
| Annual generation | Official calculator plus site adjustment | Using one fixed units-per-kW claim |
| Self-consumption | Daytime-load estimate or monitoring | Valuing all output at retail tariff |
| Import value | Likely avoided energy charge | Including fixed charges and arrears |
| Export value | Current State and DISCOM rule | Copying another State’s value |
| Maintenance | Service plan plus prudent allowance | Assuming zero lifetime operating cost |
| Finance cost | Sanction and repayment schedule | Ignoring interest and fees |
Core Savings and Payback Formulas
Why Direct Self-Consumption Matters
Solar electricity used while the system is generating can avoid a grid purchase. Surplus is exported and settled separately.
Higher Direct Use
Daytime refrigeration, pumps, cooling and home-office loads can improve the value of generation.
Mostly Night Use
The result becomes more dependent on export settlement and evening grid import.
Load Shifting
Move flexible washing, pumping or charging into solar hours where practical.
False 100% Assumption
Do not value every generated unit at the full import tariff without evidence.
How to Enter Export-Credit Value
Net metering, net billing and other approved arrangements can value export differently. Review the PM Surya Ghar net-meter and billing guide.
- Confirm the metering mechanism on the agreement or solar bill.
- Check the current State regulation and tariff order.
- Identify unit adjustment, separate export value and settlement period.
- Use a conservative value when treatment is uncertain.
Why the Electricity Bill May Not Become Zero
- Fixed, meter, demand or minimum charges can remain.
- Grid import continues at night or during weak generation.
- Duty, tax or cess may apply.
- Past arrears and late fees remain payable.
- Export can be carried forward or valued differently.
- Weather, shade, dust and outages reduce output.
Choosing the Annual Generation Input
The National Portal Knowledge Centre describes the rooftop calculator as a financial feasibility tool. Use its location-specific result, then adjust for real shade and layout.
- Use the actual installation location.
- Use the shortlisted capacity, not maximum roof capacity.
- Account for orientation, tilt and shade.
- Use a conservative value for the purchase decision.
- Save the official-calculator result and vendor estimate.
Choosing the Avoided Import Tariff
| Bill component | Include in avoided energy value? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Energy charge | Usually yes | Solar can reduce imported units |
| Fuel or power adjustment | Check local tariff | May change with imported energy |
| Fixed charge | Usually no | Often remains for the connection |
| Meter charge | Usually no | Can remain after commissioning |
| Arrears and late fees | No | Not current energy consumption |
| Duty or tax | Check local rule | Treatment can vary |
Choosing the Correct CFA Input
| Eligible standard household size | Standard CFA | Calculator entry |
|---|---|---|
| 1kW | ₹30,000 | Use only when the full 1kW is eligible |
| 2kW | ₹60,000 | Use only when the full 2kW is eligible |
| 3kW | ₹78,000 | Maximum standard household CFA |
| Above 3kW | ₹78,000 maximum | Do not add more standard CFA |
Use the complete subsidy calculation guide for fractional capacity, special-category, RWA and expansion cases.
Choosing the Correct Project Cost
Enter the complete consumer cost before CFA, including confirmed site-specific work.
- Modules, inverter and mounting structure
- AC/DC cable, protection and earthing
- Transport, lifting and installation
- GST and applicable taxes
- Meter or utility cost where payable
- Necessary roof or civil work
- Documented monitoring and service
Compare equal-scope offers with the registered-vendor guide.
Including Solar Loan and Finance Cost
Enter expected total interest and mandatory fees when comparing a financed system with a cash purchase.
- Total interest from the repayment schedule
- Processing and documentation fees
- Compulsory insurance
- Expected floating-rate effect
- Prepayment cost where applicable
Review the solar-loan guide and track CFA adjustment with the subsidy-payment guide.
Maintenance and Replacement Allowance
The official model agreement includes five years of comprehensive operation and maintenance, but a long-term model should still reserve for later costs.
- Cleaning water or labour where paid
- Post-CMC service and inspection
- Monitoring or communication expense
- Minor cable, connector or protection repair
- Possible inverter repair or replacement
- Roof work requiring module removal
Run Conservative, Realistic and Optimistic Scenarios
| Input | Conservative | Realistic | Optimistic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation | Below vendor estimate | Official calculator/site estimate | High-output year |
| Self-use | Lower daytime use | Normal load pattern | Successful load shifting |
| Import value | Lower avoided slab | Likely marginal energy value | Higher future tariff |
| Export value | Lower allowed value | Current official rule | Favourable settlement |
| Maintenance | Higher allowance | Normal allowance | Low included-service cost |
| Finance cost | Full expected cost | Sanction schedule | Early prepayment |
Using the Calculator for Different Capacities
Above 3kW
₹78,000 maxEnter the full project cost and justify extra unsubsidised capacity.
What Simple Payback Does Not Show
- Annual module degradation
- Inflation and time value of money
- Future tariff and export-rule changes
- Year-by-year loan balance
- Component-replacement timing
- Opportunity cost of invested cash
- Major roof repair or prolonged downtime
For a large financed project, a discounted cash-flow model can be more informative than simple payback.
Checking a Vendor’s Savings Claim
- Ask for annual, not only monthly, generation.
- Demand location, shade and loss assumptions.
- Separate direct use and export.
- Check import tariff and export value.
- Remove fixed charges unless avoidable.
- Use GST-inclusive cost before CFA.
- Add loan and maintenance cost.
- Require conservative and realistic cases in writing.
Update the Calculation With Actual Results
- Record the final invoice and CFA actually credited.
- Record commissioning date and first solar bill.
- Download monthly inverter generation.
- Record grid import and export.
- Record maintenance and repair expenses.
- Update tariffs and settlement annually.
- Compare actual benefit with the conservative forecast.
Preserve records using the documents checklist and track open stages with the application-status guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate PM Surya Ghar savings?
Add direct-use value and export credit, subtract maintenance, then compare the result with project cost after CFA and finance cost.
Should project cost be before or after subsidy?
Enter the full GST-inclusive project cost and enter CFA separately.
What CFA should I enter for 1kW?
₹30,000 for a fully eligible standard-category 1kW household system.
What CFA should I enter for 2kW?
₹60,000 for a fully eligible standard-category 2kW household system.
What CFA should I enter for 3kW?
₹78,000 for a fully eligible standard-category 3kW household system.
What CFA should I enter above 3kW?
Standard household CFA remains capped at ₹78,000.
How many annual units should I enter?
Use the official location-specific rooftop calculator and adjust conservatively for shade.
What self-use percentage should I enter?
Use a measured or realistic daytime-load estimate and test multiple scenarios.
Should export equal the retail tariff?
Not automatically. Use the current State-approved settlement rule.
Why are fixed charges excluded?
They often remain after solar and should not be counted as avoided energy cost.
How do I include a loan?
Enter total expected interest and mandatory bank cost from the sanction schedule.
Does CFA reduce vendor payment immediately?
Under the standard process, CFA follows installation, DISCOM approval, token redemption and bank validation.
Can the calculator guarantee payback?
No. It is a simple estimate based on user-entered assumptions.
Should inverter replacement be included?
A prudent long-term model should include a repair or replacement allowance.
Can 3kW guarantee a zero bill?
No. Import, fixed charges, weather, consumption timing and State rules matter.
Which scenario should guide the purchase?
Use the conservative case for affordability and the realistic case for the central estimate.
Calculate With Verified Scheme and Project Data
Before relying on the result, review the complete scheme guide, confirm eligibility, follow the online application process, check load and approval, and complete the metering process.
The selected capacity should come from the home system-size guide and the rooftop-area guide. A calculator cannot correct an oversized system, unsuitable roof or ineligible installation.
Official Sources
Disclaimer
Wikisia is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with MNRE, PM Surya Ghar, any DISCOM, bank or vendor.
The calculator is an educational simple-payback tool. Default values are illustrative and not quotations, tariff advice, generation guarantees or investment recommendations. Verify the official calculator, current DISCOM tariff, State rule, lender documents and vendor quotation before relying on estimated savings.