- A system bigger than the sanctioned load can trigger feasibility issues or partial subsidy.
- Path A: raise the sanctioned load with the DISCOM, then install the full system.
- Path B: split the quote into a subsidised part (up to ₹78,000 at 3 kW+) and a non-subsidised part.
- Subsidy is fixed on the MNRE benchmark cost and paid to the customer by DBT.
- Systems ≤10 kW have deemed feasibility — but verify capacity-vs-load and split acceptance per state.
A customer wants an 8 kW system, but the sanctioned load is only 3 kW. A PM Surya Ghar system bigger than the sanctioned load can stall on feasibility or lose subsidy on the extra capacity. Two clean paths fix it: raise the load, or split the quote.
What is the capacity-versus-load problem?
The capacity-versus-load problem is a mismatch between the solar size the customer wants and the sanctioned load on their connection. A homeowner with a 3 kW sanctioned load may want an 8 kW array for an EV and air conditioning. That gap is where subsidy and feasibility issues start.
Sanctioned load is the maximum power the DISCOM has approved for that connection. Solar capacity is how much the array can produce. When the array is much bigger than the sanctioned load, the DISCOM and the subsidy rules treat the extra capacity carefully — and you must plan for it.
Why does the mismatch cause subsidy or feasibility issues?
The mismatch causes issues because the DISCOM may grant feasibility only up to the sanctioned load, and the subsidy is tied to the eligible capacity. So a system far above the sanctioned load can hit a feasibility hold, or earn subsidy only on the eligible part.
Feasibility is judged against the connection
The DISCOM checks whether the local network and the connection can take the system. If the sanctioned load is low, the DISCOM may want the load raised before it approves the full capacity. Ignoring this is a common subsidy rejection reason.
States behave differently
How strictly a DISCOM links solar capacity to sanctioned load varies by state. Some are flexible; others are strict. Always verify the current capacity-versus-load behaviour with your target state before you size and quote a large system.
The two clean paths
There are two clean ways to handle a system bigger than the sanctioned load: enhance the load, or split the quote. Both keep the subsidy claim honest; they differ on timing, cost and who pays for the extra capacity.
Path A: enhance the sanctioned load
Path A raises the sanctioned load with the DISCOM, then installs the full system. Once the sanctioned load matches the system, more capacity becomes eligible and feasibility is cleaner. This suits customers who want the full subsidy on more capacity or plan to add big loads.
The trade-offs are time and tariff. Load enhancement takes a DISCOM application and may raise fixed charges or move the customer to a different tariff slab. Walk the customer through that before you choose this path — our sizing and load-enhancement guide covers the steps.
Path B: split the quote
Path B splits the system into a subsidised portion, up to the eligible capacity, and a non-subsidised portion the customer pays for in full. The customer gets the maximum subsidy on the eligible part and buys the extra capacity outright, so the job can start now.
How to present a split quote correctly
Show two clear lines. The first is the subsidised solar up to the eligible capacity, with the subsidy (up to ₹78,000 at 3 kW or more) called out as going to the customer by DBT. The second is the non-subsidised solar for the extra capacity, paid in full by the customer. Never blur the two, or the subsidy claim looks wrong.
Confirm split-quote acceptance
Not every state treats a split quote the same way. Confirm that your target state accepts a subsidised-plus-non-subsidised split on one connection before you promise it. Keep the documentation clean so the net-metering and subsidy steps line up.
The split-quote table: 8 kW on a 3 kW connection
This worked example splits an 8 kW system on a 3 kW connection. Each line shows the capacity, whether subsidy applies, who pays, and the note to watch.
Source: SuryaHub quoting notes based on MNRE subsidy slabs. The eligible capacity, the ₹78,000 cap and split-quote acceptance are estimates — verify the current rules with MNRE and your target DISCOM.
Which path should you use?
Use this decision table to pick between load enhancement and a split quote. The trigger is the left column; the recommended path and the reason follow.
How does deemed feasibility ≤10 kW help?
Systems up to 10 kW have deemed feasibility for net metering under the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules 2020, which smooths the grid connection. That helps most home systems get connected, but it does not by itself erase every capacity-versus-sanctioned-load issue.
Treat deemed feasibility as help with the connection, not a free pass on sizing. The DISCOM may still want the sanctioned load raised for a system far above it. Verify how your target DISCOM applies deemed feasibility before you finalise the design.
How does the net-metering export cap interact?
The net-metering export cap can limit how much a larger system feeds back to the grid, because some DISCOMs cap export against the sanctioned load or connection. Generation above the cap is used on-site or limited, so a big array does not always export everything it makes.
This matters for the customer's payback story. If export is capped, the extra capacity earns its value from self-use, not export credits. Check the net-metering export cap with your target DISCOM, and read the full net-metering process guide before you quote a system above the sanctioned load.
How do you present the split quote to the customer?
Present the split quote as two clear lines on one page, so the customer sees the subsidised part and the non-subsidised part at a glance. Put the eligible capacity, the MNRE benchmark and the subsidy amount on the first line. Put the extra capacity and its full price on the second line.
Show the subsidy as a customer benefit, not your discount
The subsidy goes to the customer by direct bank transfer after commissioning and the net meter, not to you. Make that clear on the quote. The customer pays the full system price first, then receives the subsidy in their own bank account. This stops a common dispute where customers think the EPC already deducted the subsidy.
Spell out what the subsidy covers and what it does not
State on the quote that the subsidy applies only to the eligible capacity, capped at ₹78,000 for a 3 kW or larger system. The extra kW above that, and any battery, carry no subsidy. A plain note like "subsidy applies to the first 3 kW only" prevents the customer expecting a payout on the whole system. The ₹78,000 cap is a scheme figure — verify it on the National Portal before you quote.
Keep the two lines auditable
Keep the subsidised line matched to the capacity you register on the National Portal. If you register 3 kW for subsidy and install 8 kW total, your records should show the 3 kW subsidised and 5 kW non-subsidised split clearly. A clean paper trail protects the subsidy claim if the DISCOM or an auditor asks how the system was sized and priced.
What mistakes cause above-load quotes to fail?
Most above-load quotes fail because the EPC registers the wrong capacity, mismatches the load, or hides the split from the customer. Each mistake either delays the subsidy or starts a dispute. Avoid these and the larger system goes through cleanly.
- Registering the full capacity for subsidy — you cannot claim subsidy on capacity above the eligible cap, so register only the eligible kW for the subsidised claim.
- Ignoring the sanctioned load — a system far above the sanctioned load can stall at feasibility or net metering; raise the load or document why it is acceptable.
- Hiding the non-subsidised cost — burying the extra kW in a single price invites a dispute when the customer sees a smaller subsidy land in their bank.
- Assuming every state accepts the split — some DISCOMs prefer load enhancement first; confirm the split-quote approach is accepted in your target state before you commit.
- Forgetting the export cap — if export is capped against the sanctioned load, the extra capacity earns from self-use, which changes the payback you promised.
When the customer wants far more capacity than their load supports, walk them through both paths before you quote. Some customers will choose to enhance the load and keep one clean system; others will take the split to start sooner. Either way, the subsidy rejection guide shows the capacity and registration errors to avoid.
How SuryaHub helps you quote the split correctly
SuryaHub builds the split quote for you — a subsidised line up to the eligible capacity and a clear non-subsidised line for the extra kW — so the subsidy claim stays clean and the customer sees exactly what the government pays. Our solar quotation software applies the ₹78,000 cap correctly and keeps load-enhancement and split-quote options side by side. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; real pilots are Suryantra Energy and RGESPL, and the subsidy and capacity figures here are scheme facts to verify, not guarantees.
Build clean split quotes
See how SuryaHub splits the subsidised and non-subsidised lines automatically.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Can the PM Surya Ghar system be bigger than the sanctioned load?+
A PM Surya Ghar system can be bigger than the sanctioned load, but capacity above the sanctioned load can trigger feasibility issues or partial subsidy. The clean fixes are load enhancement with the DISCOM, or a split quote with a subsidised and a non-subsidised part. Confirm the current rule with your target state.
Why does capacity above the sanctioned load cause subsidy problems?+
Capacity above the sanctioned load causes subsidy problems because the DISCOM may only grant feasibility up to the sanctioned load, and the subsidy is tied to eligible capacity. A mismatch can lead to a feasibility rejection or subsidy only on the eligible part. Some states handle this differently, so verify locally.
What is a split quote under PM Surya Ghar?+
A split quote divides the system into a subsidised portion, up to the eligible capacity with subsidy up to ₹78,000 at 3 kW or more, and a non-subsidised portion the customer pays for in full. Showing the two parts as clear separate lines keeps the subsidy claim clean. Confirm split-quote acceptance with your target state.
Should I enhance the sanctioned load or split the quote?+
Choose load enhancement when the customer wants the full subsidy on more capacity or plans to add big loads. Choose a split quote when load enhancement is slow or costly, or when the customer accepts paying for the extra kW. The best path depends on the DISCOM's timeline and the load tariff.
Do systems up to 10 kW get deemed feasibility?+
Systems up to 10 kW have deemed feasibility for net metering under the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules 2020, which smooths the connection. Deemed feasibility helps the grid connection, but it does not by itself remove every capacity-versus-sanctioned-load issue. Verify how your target DISCOM applies it before you size the system.
How does the net-metering export cap affect a larger system?+
A larger system can generate more than the DISCOM allows you to export, because some DISCOMs cap export against the sanctioned load or connection. The extra generation is then used on-site or limited. Always check the net-metering export cap with your target DISCOM before quoting a system above the sanctioned load.
Sources & references
Subsidy slabs, eligible capacity and deemed feasibility come from primary government sources. Capacity-versus-load behaviour, split-quote acceptance and export caps vary by state and change — always confirm the current rules with MNRE and your target DISCOM before you quote.
- Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) ↗
Subsidy slabs, benchmark cost and eligible capacity.
- National Portal for PM Surya Ghar ↗
Application, feasibility and the subsidy process.
- Central Electricity Authority (CEA) ↗
Grid-connection, metering and the Rights of Consumers Rules.
Written by the SuryaHub team · reviewed against MNRE, National Portal & CEA sources · updated 19 June 2026.
Method: Subsidy slabs and feasibility rules are taken from the government sources above and re-checked every 30 days. Capacity-vs-load behaviour, split-quote acceptance and export caps are estimates — verify with MNRE and your DISCOM. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; only Suryantra Energy and RGESPL are real pilots.
Change log: 19 Jun 2026 — first published.