Rooftop solar panels — distributed renewable energy under India’s PM Surya Ghar programme

Solar Energy Grants India

Solar is India’s highest-visibility clean-energy lane, and the grant money has moved hard toward rooftop and distributed renewable energy (DRE). PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana funds household rooftop solar, and its startup challenge under MNRE now carries a ₹2.3 crore prize pool across four themes: affordability, resilience, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability.

No solar applications are open right now. Below are past cycles so you can see the cadence and catch the next window. Non-dilutive only: no equity, no debt, no repayment.

Renewable Energy Grants Clean Energy Grants Government Grants Non-Dilutive Funding All Grants

Open Now

No applications open right now. The programs below run on cycles — check back, or subscribe to the weekly digest for reopening alerts.

Recently Closed & Past Cycles

Past programs that show the shape of this funding space. Most run again — watch the funder page or our digest for the next window.

PM Surya Ghar — Muft Bijli Yojana Startup Challenge

MNRE

The rooftop solar and DRE challenge runs in windows. The last window closed 8 Sep 2026; the same call reopens, and the funder page and our digest track it.

Funder page →

MNRE Startup Grand Challenge (2019)

MNRE

Early MNRE startup challenge across solar, wind, and biomass. Shows the ministry has run open startup calls before — expect new ones as 500GW-by-2030 targets ramp.

Funder page →

MNRE Startup Incubation in Renewable Energy (earlier windows)

MNRE

Need-based incubation support for renewable startups, including solar. Runs in windows; apply through the funder page.

Funder page →

How to Apply

1.Watch the past-cycle cards above for the recurring PM Surya Ghar challenge. Eligibility is DPIIT-recognised startups; confirm the current window on the portal before applying.
2.Align your pitch to one of the four themes: affordability, resilience, inclusivity, or environmental sustainability.
3.Submit through the Startup India AMS portal when a window opens; the funder link is on the relevant card above.
4.If the window is closed, set a reminder for the next one; MNRE reopens these solar challenges periodically under PM Surya Ghar.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a solar startup grant in India?

Yes. MNRE runs startup challenges under PM Surya Ghar, including the rooftop solar and DRE challenge with a ₹2.3 crore prize pool. The renewable energy incubation scheme also supports solar startups. Challenge windows open periodically — the weekly digest tracks them.

Does the PM Surya Ghar startup challenge take equity?

No. The challenge prize money is non-dilutive — 1st place gets ₹1 crore, 2nd ₹50 lakh, 3rd ₹30 lakh, plus 10 consolation prizes of ₹5 lakh each. Winners also get incubation support via MNRE/NISE.

What stage should a solar startup be at to apply?

The current challenge targets DPIIT-recognised startups at ideation-to-early stage across the four themes. Government solar calls generally want demonstration-scale projects at TRL 5-7 with a credible execution plan.