Quick Facts
What SRIS is
SRIS (Solar Rooftop and Independent Systems) refers to MNRE’s framework for distributed rooftop and off-grid solar deployment over various periods. The acronym appears in some MNRE notifications and state schemes targeting:
Residential rooftop solar.
Commercial and industrial rooftop solar.
Institutional building solar.
Government office and building solar.
Off-grid or standalone independent systems.
The framework has evolved over India’s solar policy history, with the current flagship being PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana for residential rooftop. For commercial and institutional segments, the original Phase-II Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar Programme continues with various sub-schemes.
For current rooftop solar customers, PM Surya Ghar is the primary framework; SRIS-style provisions are reference material but largely absorbed into newer schemes.
SRIS evolution
The historical trajectory of Indian rooftop solar programmes:
Phase-I (2010-2015): Initial pilot programmes through state nodal agencies. Limited scale.
Phase-II Grid-Connected Rooftop Programme (2015-2024): Expanded scope and budget. Targeted 40 GW by 2022 (timeline extended).
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (2024-present): Current flagship for residential. Targets 1 crore installations.
For commercial, industrial, and institutional rooftop: continues under Phase-II programme with various sub-categories.
The SRIS terminology spans these phases. Specific provisions and schemes have changed names but the underlying objective (distributed rooftop solar) has remained consistent.
Current rooftop solar schemes
For Indian rooftop solar customers in 2026:
Residential:
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Up to Rs 78,000 CFA for systems up to 10 kW. Through national portal.
Commercial and Industrial:
Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar Programme (Phase-II continuation). Varying subsidy by category and state.
Net metering through state SERC framework.
Institutional and Government:
Specific provisions under MNRE schemes.
CPSE (Central Public Sector Enterprise) targets.
Smart Cities Mission rooftop components.
Off-grid and Independent:
PM KUSUM Component B for agricultural pumps.
Specific off-grid scheme provisions for remote areas.
Solar lights and home systems for unelectrified areas.
The framework is multi-faceted, with different schemes targeting different customer segments.
Subsidy evolution
Residential rooftop subsidies have evolved:
Phase-I (2010-2015): Up to 30% of system cost. Limited scale.
Phase-II early (2015-2019): Up to 30% to 40% subsidy depending on consumer category and state.
PM Surya Ghar (2024-): Fixed subsidy amounts (Rs 30,000 to Rs 78,000 based on system size).
The shift from percentage-based to fixed-amount subsidy provides clearer cost certainty for customers and easier administration.
Commercial and institutional rooftop subsidies vary by scheme version. For institutional and government buildings, MNRE periodically offers higher subsidy for specific categories.
Application process today
For residential rooftop solar with subsidy:
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Register at the PM Surya Ghar national portal (pmsuryagrh.gov.in).
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Provide electricity bill, Aadhaar, and contact details.
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Choose an MNRE-empanelled installation vendor.
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Vendor submits feasibility application to DISCOM.
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DISCOM verifies and approves.
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Installation proceeds.
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DISCOM installs bidirectional meter.
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Subsidy is credited to consumer’s bank account.
For commercial rooftop solar:
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Engage with the state Nodal Agency for applicable schemes.
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Apply through state-specific portal or process.
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Vendor selection from state empanelled list.
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DISCOM net-metering application.
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Installation and commissioning.
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Subsidy disbursement (if applicable).
The unification under PM Surya Ghar has simplified residential applications. Commercial applications remain state-specific.
Technology requirements
All MNRE-supported rooftop solar installations (under SRIS legacy, Phase-II, or PM Surya Ghar) require:
ALMM-listed solar modules. The MNRE Approved List of Models and Manufacturers ensures quality and supports domestic manufacturing.
MNRE-empanelled inverters. Specific approved inverter products from established manufacturers.
BIS-certified BOS (Balance of System). Cables, structures, switchgear, and other components meeting BIS standards.
CEA Connectivity Regulations 2019 compliance for grid interconnection.
IEC 61215, IEC 61730, and IEC 62804 certification for modules.
These requirements have been consistent across scheme evolutions and remain in place under PM Surya Ghar.
SRIS legacy in state schemes
Some state schemes still reference SRIS or use SRIS-style terminology:
State-specific rooftop subsidy programmes.
Particular bidding categories for state DISCOM tenders.
Documentation references to SRIS provisions.
Reference to historical RRP (Rooftop Renewable Programme) frameworks.
For applicants encountering SRIS references in state documents, the current applicable scheme is typically:
PM Surya Ghar for residential.
Phase-II Grid-Connected Rooftop for commercial.
State-specific add-on schemes (GEDA, MEDA, etc. each have local frameworks).
For specific projects, checking with the State Nodal Agency confirms which scheme provisions apply.
Common SRIS questions
Is SRIS the same as PM Surya Ghar? SRIS is a broader framework concept. PM Surya Ghar is the specific current residential scheme that absorbed SRIS-style programmes.
Do I need a special application for SRIS? No. Use PM Surya Ghar for residential or state-specific schemes for commercial.
Can SRIS subsidy be combined with other state schemes? Generally yes. Many states offer add-on subsidies on top of central PM Surya Ghar.
Is SRIS still expanding? PM Surya Ghar is actively expanding. The 1 crore target by FY 2027 represents the current ambition.
Best practices for rooftop solar applicants
For residential: Use PM Surya Ghar national portal as the primary application channel.
Verify the vendor’s empanelment with MNRE and the relevant State Nodal Agency.
Ensure ALMM-listed modules are used; this is required for subsidy eligibility.
Combine central PM Surya Ghar subsidy with any available state add-on subsidies.
Engage with the DISCOM early for net-metering feasibility verification.
Document all application records, vendor invoices, and commissioning certificates for subsidy disbursement.
Standards and references
Rooftop solar schemes are governed by MNRE notifications. PM Surya Ghar specific guidelines, Phase-II Rooftop Programme guidelines, and SRIS legacy provisions all apply under the broader MNRE framework. State Nodal Agencies have local implementation procedures.
Related glossary terms
Key takeaways
SRIS (Solar Rooftop and Independent Systems) refers to MNRE’s framework for distributed rooftop and off-grid solar deployment. The framework has evolved through several phases. Currently, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is the flagship residential scheme; Phase-II Grid-Connected Rooftop Programme continues for commercial and institutional segments. All MNRE-supported rooftop installations require ALMM-listed modules and MNRE-empanelled vendors. For Indian rooftop solar customers in 2026, PM Surya Ghar is the primary application channel for residential; State Nodal Agencies and DISCOMs handle commercial and institutional applications.