One of the most common questions people in Tricity ask is: When does the subsidy actually come?
The simple answer is: the subsidy usually comes after the solar system is installed, checked, and approved through the proper process. It is not normally paid in advance to the customer before installation. Under the National Portal mechanism, the subsidy is transferred only after successful installation by an empanelled vendor and verification by the concerned DISCOM. (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy)
This is why customers should understand that subsidy is not just about buying solar panels. It is about following the correct procedure laid down under the government system. If the process is not followed properly, the customer may face delay or may not be eligible under the subsidy route. Official FAQs also state that, for subsidy, the rooftop solar system must be installed through a registered vendor of the concerned DISCOM, and systems installed through DIY mode or non-registered vendors are not eligible for subsidy.
What Is the Basic Subsidy Process for a Residential Customer?
For a normal residential consumer, the process is broadly like this:
1. Register on the official rooftop solar portal
The customer first registers on the official consumer portal with mobile number, name, state, DISCOM, electricity consumer number, and other required details. The official consumer portal itself shows the registration and application flow for rooftop solar. (consumer.pmsuryaghar.gov.in)
2. Apply for rooftop solar
After registration, the customer submits the application for rooftop solar under the relevant scheme and waits for the initial approval process from the DISCOM side. Public scheme summaries and official material describe this as the start of the formal application journey. (Press Information Bureau)
3. Choose an empanelled / registered vendor
For subsidy-related installation, the system should be installed through a registered vendor linked to the concerned DISCOM or recognised under the official process. This is one of the most important parts. If a customer installs the system from an unregistered source, subsidy eligibility can be affected.
4. Install the rooftop solar system
Once approval is in place, the solar system is installed on the property. At this stage, proper documentation, technical details, and scheme compliance become important.
5. Submit installation details and apply for net meter
After installation, plant details are submitted and the consumer applies for net metering / grid connection formalities. Official summaries of the PM Surya Ghar process list this as a key step after installation.
6. DISCOM inspection and verification
The concerned DISCOM verifies the installation, checks compliance, and processes the next stage. This verification step is important because subsidy release is tied to successful installation and DISCOM verification.
7. Subsidy is released
After successful verification, the subsidy is released as per the applicable mechanism. Under the National Portal mechanism, the subsidy is transferred directly to the consumer’s bank account. Under certain State DISCOM portal mechanisms, the subsidy may be adjusted differently, and the consumer may pay only the balance amount after subsidy adjustment.
So, Does the Customer Get Subsidy Before or After Installation?
In simple words: usually after installation and verification, not before.
This is a very important point for homeowners in Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula to understand. Many people think subsidy means the government first gives money and then the solar system is installed. In practice, the official mechanism is process-based. The system must go through the proper route, installation must be completed correctly, and verification must happen before subsidy is released under the National Portal method.
Why Customers Should Be Careful
Customers should not choose a solar company only on the basis of hearing the word “subsidy.” They should also check:
- whether the installer is following the official process
- whether the vendor is properly registered / empanelled for the concerned route
- whether the documents are being submitted correctly
- whether the customer’s bank and electricity details are correct
- whether the system being installed matches the approved process
These steps matter because subsidy is connected not only to installation, but also to compliance and documentation. Official FAQs clearly note that subsidy is tied to installation through the registered vendor route and that grievance support exists on the National Portal for issues like non-receipt of subsidy.
Final Practical Understanding
For a Tricity customer, the easiest way to understand this is:
Apply properly → get approval → install through the correct vendor → complete net meter / verification process → then subsidy is released.
That is why clear guidance matters. A customer should always understand both the technical side and the process side before investing in rooftop solar.
