Rooftop solar: questions and answers

Rs 30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW and Rs 18,000 for the 3rd kW: Rs 30,000 for 1 kW, Rs 60,000 for 2 kW and Rs 78,000 for 3 kW or more. It is paid by the central government directly into your bank account after the net meter is installed.

A rough rule: every 120 units you use in a month needs about 1 kW. A Rs 1,000 bill usually needs 1-1.5 kW, Rs 2,500 needs 3 kW and Rs 5,000 needs 5 kW. The system cannot be bigger than your sanctioned load; we help with a load extension if needed.

The price depends on the size, panel brand and roof structure. A typical 3 kW home system including panels, inverter, structure, earthing, wiring, MSEDCL and subsidy paperwork is quoted after a free site visit. After the Rs 78,000 subsidy most families pay back the cost in 3 to 4 years.

About 80 to 100 square feet of shade-free roof per kW. A 3 kW system needs about 250 to 300 square feet. Panels can also go on an elevated steel structure if the roof is used for other things.

The energy part of the bill can become zero or even a credit when the system is sized right. MSEDCL still charges a small fixed monthly charge (around Rs 100-150) for the connection.

An on-grid system stops during a power cut for safety (so no current goes to the lines while linemen work). If you need backup, ask us for a hybrid system with batteries.

Latest light bill, Aadhaar, PAN, bank passbook or cancelled cheque, property proof (7/12, Index-2 or tax receipt) and the mobile number linked to Aadhaar. For a loan, the bank asks for income proof as well.

Yes. A group housing society or RWA gets Rs 18,000 per kW for the common-area connection (lifts, water pumps, lights), up to 500 kW, under PM Surya Ghar.

We read the common-area bills of the last 12 months, check the terrace and load, and propose a size. The society passes a resolution; we handle MSEDCL and the subsidy application.

Yes, each flat with its own MSEDCL connection can install its own system on its allotted roof space and get the home subsidy, with the society NOC.

No, PM Surya Ghar covers homes and housing societies only. But commercial tariffs are high, so a commercial rooftop system usually pays back in 3 to 4 years and businesses can claim accelerated depreciation.

From your last 12 months of bills, sanctioned load and roof area we size the plant, show the yearly generation and savings, and quote per kW with GST. Bigger plants get a lower rate per kW.

A rooftop solar system (supply and installation) is billed with a combined GST of about 8.9% as per the current rules for solar power plants. Your GST invoice shows the details.

Yes, from 10 kW to large three-phase plants, on RCC, sheet or ground-mounted structures, with net metering as allowed by MSEDCL for your category.

Usually 3 to 4 years, depending on tariff and daytime use. After that the power is almost free for the rest of the 25-year panel life.

Yes. Banks like SBI and Bank of Maharashtra give rooftop solar loans at low interest under PM Surya Ghar. We prepare the complete loan file and coordinate with the branch.

Usually the bank releases about 70% before installation and the balance 30% after MSEDCL issues the release order, against the documents we submit for you.

An advance on order, the main part when the material reaches the site, and the balance after installation. Every payment gets a receipt and the final GST tax invoice.

MSEDCL fits a two-way meter. Extra power your system makes goes to the grid and is set off against the power you take at night. You pay only the difference.

Usually a few weeks after installation, depending on the MSEDCL office. We submit the documents, follow up and inform you at every step.

The MSEDCL connection should be in the name of the applicant and the sanctioned load should match the system size. If not, we file the name change or load change for you before the solar application.

DCR (made in India) panels and approved on-grid inverters from leading brands such as Fujiyama, UTL, Waaree and others, as listed on our products page. DCR panels are required for the subsidy.

Solar panels: usually 10-12 years product warranty and 25-30 years performance warranty. Inverter: 5-10 years. Our installation workmanship is covered too. Warranty claims are handled with the manufacturer.

Good panels work for 25 years and more, losing a little output each year (as stated in the performance warranty).

Usually 1-2 days on site once material arrives. The whole process including MSEDCL approvals and net metering normally takes a few weeks.

Wash the panels with plain water every 2-4 weeks (more often in dusty months) and check the inverter display. We provide service support whenever you need it.

Yes. We use galvanised structures, proper earthing and a lightning arrester. Panels are tested for rain, wind and hail.