DISCOM Approval Process in Bihar: A Step-by-Step Guide
What BSPHCL actually requires on the ground â and how to clear every gate to get your solar subsidy released
Learn exactly how Bihar's DISCOM approval process works for residential solar installations, from verifying empanelled installers to securing your commissioning certificate. This guide bridges the gap between the PM Surya Ghar portal and what BSPHCL requires on the ground.
TL;DR
DISCOM approval is the real gatekeeper - Your subsidy is released only after BSPHCL inspects your system, installs a net meter, and issues a commissioning certificate. No commissioning, no subsidy.
Always verify empanelment on the portal - Check the PM Surya Ghar portal's vendor list for your district before hiring any installer. Verbal claims and business cards are not proof.
Never install before feasibility approval - If DISCOM hasn't approved your system's technical feasibility, starting installation risks costly corrections and application rejection.
Structure payments in milestones - Pay in stages (agreement, post-installation, post-commissioning) to maintain leverage and ensure your installer follows through on DISCOM coordination and portal submissions.
Monitor your portal status yourself - Do not rely solely on your installer for updates. Log in regularly to confirm that completion details are uploaded, bank information is correct, and your application is progressing through each stage.
Guide Orientation: What This Covers and Who It's For
This guide walks you through the DISCOM approval process in Bihar, step by step, so you can choose a genuinely empanelled installer and avoid losing your subsidy money to scams or delays. It is written specifically for homeowners in Bihar who are considering a residential solar installation under the PM Surya Ghar Yojna.
By the end, you'll understand exactly what BSPHCL (Bihar's electricity distribution company) requires on the ground, how to verify whether an installer is truly empanelled, and what the realistic subsidy disbursement timeline looks like when everything goes right (and when it doesn't).
This guide does not cover commercial or industrial installations, off-grid systems, or the process in states other than Bihar. It focuses on the gap between what the national PM Surya Ghar portal shows you and what actually happens at your local DISCOM office.
Why the DISCOM Approval Process Matters More Than You Think
Most homeowners in Bihar assume the hard part of going solar is choosing panels and paying the installer. In reality, the hard part is what happens after: getting BSPHCL to approve your system, inspect it, install a net meter, and issue a commissioning certificate. Without that certificate, your subsidy simply does not get released.
The national PM Surya Ghar portal makes the process look clean and linear. Register, apply, get approval, install, receive subsidy. But on the ground in Bihar, homeowners routinely face weeks of silence after submitting applications, confusing requests for additional documents, and installers who vanish once the panels are on the roof because they have no real relationship with BSPHCL.
The cost of choosing the wrong installer is not just a bad installation. It's a stalled subsidy application, months of follow-up, and in some cases, a system that BSPHCL refuses to commission because it doesn't meet their technical specifications. Incomplete applications are the single most common cause of delays in the net metering approval process. When your installer doesn't know the local paperwork requirements, you pay the price in time and frustration.
Understanding this process protects your investment. It turns you from a passive customer into someone who can hold their installer accountable at every stage.
Core Concepts: What You Need to Know Before Choosing an Installer
Empanelled vs. Non-Empanelled Installers
An empanelled installer (also called an empanelled vendor) is a company that has been officially registered and approved by the government or DISCOM to carry out residential solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar Yojna. Only installations done by empanelled vendors qualify for the central subsidy. If your installer is not empanelled, your subsidy application will be rejected, regardless of how good the installation is.
BSPHCL, NBPDCL, and SBPDCL
BSPHCL is the parent electricity company for Bihar. Under it, two distribution companies handle different regions: NBPDCL (North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited) covers north Bihar, and SBPDCL (South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited) covers the south. Your DISCOM approval comes from whichever of these two serves your area. This matters because processing times and documentation requirements can differ slightly between the two.
Technical Feasibility vs. Net Metering Approval
These are two separate approvals, and many homeowners confuse them. Technical feasibility is DISCOM's check on whether your local grid and transformer can safely handle your solar system feeding power back. Net metering approval comes later, after installation, when DISCOM inspects your system and installs a bidirectional meter. Both must happen before your subsidy is released.
The Commissioning Certificate
This is the document that unlocks your subsidy. It is issued by DISCOM after they inspect your installed system, verify it matches the approved specifications, and install the net meter. The central subsidy is released directly to your bank account only after the commissioning certificate is generated and your bank details are uploaded on the portal.
The DISCOM Approval Process: A Framework for Bihar Homeowners
The process from application to subsidy in your bank account follows a specific sequence. Understanding this sequence is your best protection against installers who overpromise or cut corners. Here is the high-level flow:
Stage 1: Portal registration and application on the PM Surya Ghar portal
Stage 2: DISCOM technical feasibility approval (BSPHCL/NBPDCL/SBPDCL)
Stage 3: Installer selection and installation
Stage 4: Project completion submission and net metering application
Stage 5: DISCOM inspection, net meter installation, and commissioning
Stage 6: Subsidy disbursement to your bank account
Each stage depends on the previous one. Skipping or rushing any stage creates problems downstream. The rest of this guide breaks down each stage with specific guidance on what to do, what to watch out for, and how to verify progress.
Step-by-Step Breakdown: Navigating Each Stage Without Getting Scammed
Step 1: Register on the PM Surya Ghar Portal and Apply
Objective: Get your application into the system correctly the first time, with all required documents, so DISCOM has no reason to send it back.
Start by registering on the PM Surya Ghar portal using your electricity bill details. You'll need your consumer number (printed on your BSPHCL bill), your Aadhaar number, bank account details, and a recent electricity bill. The portal will ask you to select a system size based on your electricity consumption.
Here is where the first scam risk appears. Some installers offer to "handle everything" and register on your behalf. While legitimate installers do assist with paperwork, you should always have your own portal login credentials. If an installer registers using their email and phone number instead of yours, you lose visibility into your application status and, in some cases, control over the subsidy disbursement process.
Anti-patterns to avoid: Do not let anyone register with their contact details instead of yours. Do not submit blurry or outdated documents. Do not guess your sanctioned load; check your electricity bill or call your local BSPHCL office.
Success indicator: You receive an application number on the portal, and you can log in with your own credentials to track status at any time.
Step 2: Wait for (and Understand) DISCOM Technical Feasibility Approval
Objective: Receive DISCOM's confirmation that your local grid can support your proposed solar system before any installation work begins.
After you apply, BSPHCL (through NBPDCL or SBPDCL) reviews your application to determine whether the transformer serving your area can handle the additional solar generation. This is not a formality. DISCOM approval delays can stretch to 30 to 45 days, and if your local transformer is already overloaded, upgrades may be required before approval is granted.
This is the stage where the national portal and Bihar's ground reality diverge most sharply. The portal shows a clean status update. On the ground, NBPDCL or SBPDCL offices may require a site visit, additional load documentation, or clarification on your roof structure. A good installer knows this and prepares for it. A bad one tells you "approval will come in a few days" and goes silent.
Anti-patterns to avoid: Do not begin installation before receiving technical feasibility approval. Some installers push for early installation to lock in payment, but if DISCOM later rejects or modifies the approved system size, you'll have panels on your roof that don't match the approved configuration, and your subsidy application stalls.
Success indicator: Your portal status changes to "feasibility approved," and you have a document or screenshot confirming the approved system capacity in kilowatts.
Step 3: Choose a Genuinely Empanelled Installer (This Is Where Most Scams Happen)
Objective: Verify that your installer is officially empanelled and capable of handling the full BSPHCL process, not just the physical installation.
Once feasibility is approved, the portal will show you a list of empanelled vendors for your area. This is your primary verification tool. If an installer claims to be empanelled but does not appear on the portal's vendor list for your district, do not proceed with them. Some fraudulent operators use the names or registration numbers of legitimate empanelled companies, so cross-check the company name, registration number, and contact details directly on the portal.
Beyond empanelment verification, ask these questions before signing anything:
How many installations have you completed in my DISCOM area (NBPDCL or SBPDCL)?
What is your average time from installation to commissioning certificate?
Will you handle the net metering application and be present during the DISCOM inspection?
What happens if DISCOM rejects the system during inspection?
A company like Ghar Ghar Solar, which operates specifically in Bihar, handles the entire BSPHCL approval chain as part of the installation service, from feasibility follow-up through commissioning. This local presence matters because national-level installers often subcontract the DISCOM coordination to local agents, creating gaps in accountability.
Anti-patterns to avoid: Do not pay the full amount upfront. Structure payments in milestones: a portion at agreement, a portion after installation, and the final portion after commissioning. Do not accept verbal assurances of empanelment; verify on the portal. Do not choose an installer based solely on the lowest solar panel cost per watt without understanding what post-installation support is included.
Success indicator: You can see your chosen installer on the PM Surya Ghar portal's vendor list for your district, and you have a written agreement that specifies their responsibilities through commissioning.
Step 4: Installation and Project Completion Submission
Objective: Get the system installed to DISCOM-approved specifications and submit accurate completion details on the portal.
Your installer should install the system exactly as approved in the feasibility report: same capacity, same type of panels and inverter, same mounting configuration. Any deviation, even a "better" panel than what was listed, can cause problems during DISCOM inspection if the specifications don't match the approved application.
After installation, the installer (or you, depending on the arrangement) must upload project completion details on the PM Surya Ghar portal. This includes photographs of the installed system, serial numbers of panels and inverters, and the installation report. After installation, the applicant must submit project completion details and apply for net metering; DISCOM then schedules an inspection.
This is a critical handoff point. Many homeowners report that their installer completed the physical installation but never submitted the completion details on the portal, leaving the application stuck for weeks. Before making your post-installation payment, verify that the completion details are visible on your portal dashboard.
Anti-patterns to avoid: Do not accept an installation that deviates from the approved specifications without getting a revised approval from DISCOM first. Do not assume your installer has submitted completion details; log in and check yourself.
Success indicator: The portal shows your project status as "installation complete" or equivalent, and you can see the uploaded photographs and system details.
Step 5: DISCOM Inspection, Net Meter Installation, and Commissioning
Objective: Pass DISCOM's physical inspection, get the net meter installed, and receive your commissioning certificate.
This is the stage that determines whether your subsidy gets released. BSPHCL (through NBPDCL or SBPDCL) sends an inspector to verify that the installed system matches the approved specifications. They check panel placement, inverter configuration, wiring safety, earthing, and the connection point to the grid. If everything checks out, they install a bidirectional (net) meter and issue a commissioning certificate.
Net metering approvals take 15 to 45 days in most states when documentation is complete. In Bihar, the timeline tends toward the longer end, especially in districts where DISCOM offices are understaffed or where there's a backlog of inspection requests. Your installer's relationship with the local DISCOM office can make a real difference here.
If the inspector finds discrepancies, you'll receive a rejection or a request for corrections. This is where having a responsive, locally present installer is essential. Corrections might involve rewiring, repositioning panels, or replacing components that don't match the approved specifications. Each correction cycle adds weeks to your timeline.
Anti-patterns to avoid: Do not be absent during the DISCOM inspection. Be present (or have a family member present) to understand what the inspector checks and to get a direct update. Do not rely solely on your installer's verbal report of the inspection outcome.
Success indicator: You receive a commissioning certificate, and the portal status updates to reflect successful commissioning. A net meter is physically installed at your premises.
Step 6: Subsidy Disbursement to Your Bank Account
Objective: Ensure your bank details are correctly uploaded so the subsidy amount is transferred without further delays.
Once the commissioning certificate is generated, you need to upload (or verify) your bank account details and a cancelled cheque on the PM Surya Ghar portal. The subsidy is transferred directly to the beneficiary's bank account. It does not go through the installer.
This is an important distinction because some scam installers tell homeowners that the subsidy will be "adjusted" against the installation cost and that the installer will receive the subsidy directly. Under the current PM Surya Ghar Yojna structure, the subsidy goes to the homeowner's bank account. If an installer asks you to route the subsidy through them, that is a red flag.
The subsidy disbursement timeline after commissioning varies. Some homeowners in Bihar report receiving the amount within 30 days of commissioning; others have waited 60 to 90 days. Delays at this stage are usually caused by mismatched bank details (name on the bank account doesn't match the name on the application), incomplete uploads, or processing backlogs at the central level. For a deeper walkthrough of the full solar subsidy approval process, including document checklists and common pitfalls, see our detailed guide.
Anti-patterns to avoid: Do not use a bank account that has a different name than your Aadhaar or electricity bill. Do not skip uploading the cancelled cheque. Do not assume the subsidy will arrive automatically without verifying your uploads.
Success indicator: The subsidy amount appears in your bank account, and the portal shows "subsidy disbursed" status.
Practical Example: Two Bihar Homeowners, Two Very Different Experiences
Homeowner A: Chose Based on Price Alone
A homeowner in Patna found an installer offering the lowest per-watt price in the market. The installer claimed to be empanelled but was actually using another company's registration number. Installation happened quickly, but the installer never submitted project completion details on the portal. When the homeowner followed up, the installer was unresponsive. The homeowner had to hire a second (actually empanelled) installer to redo parts of the wiring to meet DISCOM specifications, resubmit completion details, and coordinate the inspection independently. Total delay: over four months. Additional cost: nearly â¹25,000 in corrections.
Homeowner B: Verified Empanelment and Structured Payments
A homeowner in Muzaffarpur checked the PM Surya Ghar portal's vendor list before selecting an installer. She verified the company's registration number, asked for references from other installations in her SBPDCL area, and structured payments in three milestones. The installer handled the full process, including being present during the DISCOM inspection. The net meter was installed within 35 days of project completion submission, and the subsidy arrived in her bank account six weeks after commissioning. Total timeline from application to subsidy: approximately four months, with no surprises.
The difference between these two experiences was not luck. It was preparation and verification.
Common Mistakes and Pitfalls
Trusting verbal claims of empanelment. Always verify on the portal. Registration numbers can be faked on business cards and websites.
Starting installation before feasibility approval. This is the most expensive mistake. If DISCOM changes the approved capacity, you may need to remove or replace equipment.
Paying 100% upfront. You lose all leverage for post-installation support, portal submissions, and DISCOM coordination.
Ignoring the portal after installation. Your application can stall silently if completion details aren't uploaded or if bank details have errors. Check your portal status at least weekly.
Assuming all installers handle DISCOM coordination. Many installers consider their job done once panels are on the roof. Clarify in writing what "full service" includes before signing.
These mistakes are common, and making one doesn't mean your solar journey is over. But each one adds weeks or months to your subsidy timeline. Knowing them in advance is the simplest way to avoid them.
What to Do Next
If you're at the beginning of this process, start with one action: log in to the PM Surya Ghar portal and check the list of empanelled vendors for your district. Save that list. When an installer approaches you (or you approach one), cross-reference their name and registration number against that list before any conversation about pricing or timelines.
If you've already installed and are stuck at some stage, identify exactly where your application is on the portal. Is it waiting for feasibility approval? Has the completion report been submitted? Is the inspection pending? Knowing your exact stage tells you whether the bottleneck is with DISCOM, your installer, or your own documentation.
This guide is meant to be a reference you return to as you move through each stage. Bookmark it, share it with family members involved in the decision, and use it to ask your installer specific, informed questions. The process is navigable. It just requires knowing what to expect at each turn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the steps involved in applying for solar subsidies under PM Surya Ghar Yojna?
The process follows a specific sequence: register on the PM Surya Ghar portal, receive DISCOM technical feasibility approval, select an empanelled installer, complete installation, submit project completion details, undergo DISCOM inspection and net meter installation, receive a commissioning certificate, and finally get the subsidy transferred to your bank account. Each step must be completed before the next one begins.
Why is it important to get DISCOM approval before installing solar panels?
DISCOM technical feasibility approval confirms that your local grid and transformer can safely handle your solar system's output. Installing before this approval is risky because DISCOM may change the approved system size or reject the configuration entirely. If your installed system doesn't match the approved specifications, you'll face costly corrections and significant delays in getting your subsidy.
Which documents are required for the solar subsidy application process?
You'll need your BSPHCL electricity bill (with consumer number), Aadhaar card, bank account details, and a cancelled cheque. After installation, you'll need to upload photographs of the installed system, serial numbers of panels and inverters, and the installation report. Ensure the name on your bank account matches the name on your Aadhaar and electricity bill to avoid disbursement delays.
When can I expect to receive the subsidy amount after installing solar panels?
The subsidy is not released at the time of installation. It is transferred to your bank account only after DISCOM inspects the system, installs the net meter, and issues a commissioning certificate. In Bihar, the net metering process alone can take 15 to 45 days after completion submission. After commissioning, subsidy disbursement typically takes an additional 30 to 90 days depending on processing backlogs.
How do I verify if a solar installer is genuinely empanelled?
Log in to the PM Surya Ghar portal and check the list of empanelled vendors for your specific district. Cross-reference the installer's company name and registration number against this list. Do not rely on business cards, websites, or verbal claims. Some fraudulent operators use the registration numbers of legitimate companies, so verify all details directly on the official portal.
How do I ensure my solar installation qualifies for government subsidies?
Three things must be true: your installer must be officially empanelled on the PM Surya Ghar portal, the installed system must match the DISCOM-approved specifications exactly, and all required documents (including project completion details, photographs, and bank information) must be correctly uploaded on the portal. Any deviation in these areas can disqualify your installation or delay your subsidy indefinitely.
Sources
https://www.reslink.org/blogs/net-metering-approvals-in-india-a-step-by-step-state-guide-for-epcs/
https://api.solarrooftop.gov.in/pdf/np_application_process.pdf
https://ghargharsolar.in/blog/the-real-solar-panel-cost-breakdown-nobody-shows-you
https://ghargharsolar.in/blog/how-to-navigate-solar-subsidy-approvals-in-india