For most homeowners, rooftop solar begins as a doubt.
“Will it really reduce my bill?”
“Is the subsidy real?”
“Can my roof even support solar panels?”
These are practical concerns and the right place to start. But before deciding whether solar is right for your home or residential community (RWA/GHS), it helps to understand the idea easily:
Why does rooftop solar work, what makes it affordable today, and how do you choose the right system for your real electricity needs?
This guide simplifies everything: technology, sizing, cost, subsidy, savings, installation, and decisions.
By the end, you will know exactly what to do next.
1. Understanding Solar Energy
At its core, solar energy is simple:
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Sunlight hits a solar panel.
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The panel converts photons into electricity through photovoltaic (PV) cells.
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That electricity powers your home or flows back to the grid.
This “direct conversion of sunlight to electricity” is what makes solar uniquely powerful for Indian households sunshine is abundant, roofs are unused, and energy demand keeps rising.
What Makes Rooftop Solar Work for Homes?
A rooftop solar system consists of:
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Solar PV Panels – the core electricity generator
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Inverter – converts DC power to usable AC power
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Mounting structure – holds panels firmly on the roof
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Wiring & earthing – ensures efficiency and safety
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Net meter – tracks power imported AND exported
This simple setup lets you generate electricity on your rooftop just like a mini power generation plant reducing your electricity bill and sometimes even earning extra electricity credits.
2. How to Know the Right Solar System Size for Your Home
The single best indicator of your required solar size is your monthly electricity consumption, not your roof size.
A simple rule of thumb:
| Monthly Units | Recommended Solar Size |
|---|---|
| 0–150 units | 1–2 kW |
| 150–300 units | 2–3 kW |
| Above 300 units | >3 kW |
This aligns perfectly with India’s subsidy slabs and typical household usage patterns.
How Much Roof Space Do You Need?
A practical range:
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1 kW → 80–100 sq.ft
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2 kW → ~180–200 sq.ft
- 3 kW → ~260–300 sq.ft
South-facing open areas work best. Shading reduces output, so evaluating sunshine availability is critical for mounting & panel installation.
Can You Install Solar on Any Roof Type?
Yes! almost.
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RCC cement roofs → best performance
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Metal/tin roofs → allowed with special clamps
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Apartment/shared roofs → allowed only with permission or RWA/GHS project
Tenants can install solar only if the electricity connection is in their name and the owner approves.
3. The True Cost of Solar: Breaking It Down
Solar pricing varies, solar panel & inverter brands, mouting structure, BOS, wiring, other components quality, and solar panel efficiency matters. But there is a predictable cost pattern.
Typical Market Cost Before Subsidy (Approx.)
₹40,000–₹80,000 per kW (varies by vendor)
Post-Subsidy Cost for Homeowners (Approx.)
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1 kW → ₹35,000–₹45,000
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2 kW → ₹65,000–₹85,000
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3 kW → ₹95,000–₹1,25,000
This is where PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana becomes a game changer.
4. PM Surya Ghar: The Scheme That Has Transformed Rooftop Solar Economics
The Indian government launched PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana to bring rooftop solar within reach of common families.
What the Scheme Offers
1. Guaranteed Monthly Savings
Up to 300 units/month free for homes installing rooftop solar.
2. Attractive Subsidy
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Up to 2 kW → ₹30,000 per kW
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2–3 kW → extra ₹18,000 per kW
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Max subsidy → ₹78,000
3. Low-interest collateral-free loans
Available for systems up to 3 kW, and collateral loan above 3 kW systems.
4. Eligibility Is Simple
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Indian citizen
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Owns a house with suitable rooftop
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Valid electricity connection
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Has not availed any other solar subsidy
Tenants can apply if the connection is in their name and the owner gives written consent.
5. RWA/GHS Subsidy
Group housing societies can install solar for common areas + EV charging, with subsidy of ₹18,000 per kW, up to 500 kW limit (3 kW per flat).
5. Understanding Solar Performance & Lifetime Value
Solar panels are long-life assets (typically 25 -30 years). Their value comes from slow, predictable degradation.
Panel Efficiency Over Time
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Annual loss: 0.5–0.8%
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After 25 years: 80–90% performance retained
That means even after two decades, your panels still generate substantial power.
Daily & Monthly Output
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1 kW → ~4 units/day (120 units/month)
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3 kW → ~12 units/day (360 units/month)
This aligns perfectly with the 300 free units under PM Surya Ghar.
Does Solar Work At Night?
No.
But net metering balances it, daytime excess covers nighttime usage.
What About Cloudy/Rainy Days?
Output drops by 50–80%, but the system continues working.
6. Your Complete Installation Journey (Simplified)
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Register on pmsuryaghar.gov.in
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Submit consumer number, state, DISCOM, mobile, email
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DISCOM feasibility check
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Install system via approved vendor only
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Apply for net meter
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DISCOM inspection
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Commissioning certificate issued
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Upload bank details
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Subsidy credited within 30 days
The process is standardised across India.
7. Financial Insight: Why Solar Is Now a “No-Brainer”
Let’s look at the real economics.
Your Monthly Savings
A 3 kW system can almost eliminate bills for homes using up to 300 units, that’s ‘0’ bill every month.
Annual Savings
~₹15,000 per year
Payback Period
2.3–7 years, depending on state tariff rates, unit slabs and consumption.
After payback, solar produces nearly free electricity for 20+ years.
Additional Benefits
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Net-metering credits for extra power
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Increased property value
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Lower carbon footprint, Clean energy
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Energy independence, Self -reliant
8. What About Maintenance & Repairs?
Solar requires minimal care:
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Periodic cleaning (every 3 months or when too much dust settles and you can even install automated sprinkler systems)
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Occasional inspection (once a year)
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Inverter replacement after 5–10 years
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No moving parts → extremely low failure rate
Panels are built for harsh monsoons and high temperatures.
9. Special Considerations for GHS/RWA (Group Housing Societies)
Societies benefit massively from rooftop solar because:
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Common area loads (lifts, pumps, corridor lights) are high
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Rooftop area is usually large
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Centralized systems reduce per-flat cost
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EV charging can be powered by solar
Subsidy of ₹18,000 per kW applies, enabling sustainable community energy at low cost.
10. When Should You Say “No” to Solar?
Although rare, rooftop solar is not suitable when:
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Roof has heavy permanent shade
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Roof structure is weak
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No permissions for installation
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Already availed older subsidy
A quick feasibility check solves this.
Conclusion: Rooftop Solar Is No Longer Optional, It’s the Smart Home Upgrade for India
Solar has moved from being a futuristic idea to a practical, financially rewarding home upgrade.
With:
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Lower Capex & market costs
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High energy output
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Strong government subsidy
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300 free units/month
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Minimal maintenance
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20–25 years of lifecycle value
it is one of the smartest investments a household or residential society can make.
Whether you are a homeowner exploring your first system or an RWA planning a large community installation, the path is now simple and cost-effective.
Go contact your local solar installation vendors for feasibility study, project pricing, proposals & install solar rooftop system for you home/society soon.