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Solar Savings Calculator

Find out how much you save with rooftop solar - payback period, annual savings, and 25-year net return with PM Surya Ghar subsidy.

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Monthly generation ≈ 495 kWh at avg 5.5 peak sun hours

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Rooftop Solar in India: Costs, Subsidies, and Savings

Installing rooftop solar is one of the most effective ways to permanently reduce or even eliminate your residential electricity bill in India. With the government's renewed push under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, solar systems have become highly affordable with attractive subsidies.

PM Surya Ghar Subsidy Structure

  • 1 kW System: ₹30,000 subsidy
  • 2 kW System: ₹60,000 subsidy
  • 3 kW to 10 kW System: ₹78,000 fixed subsidy

Note: Subsidy is applicable only for residential grid-connected solar systems using domestic content panels.

What is Net Metering?

Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits you for the excess electricity your solar panels export back to the grid. When your solar system generates more power than you consume (e.g., during sunny afternoons), the meter runs backward, reducing your net monthly consumption.

Rooftop Requirements & Payback Period

On average, a 1 kW solar system requires about 100 square feet of shadow-free rooftop space and generates roughly 4 units (kWh) of electricity per day (approx. 120 units per month).

Depending on your state's electricity tariff and the total capital cost after subsidy, the payback period for a residential rooftop solar system in India is typically between 3 to 4 years. Given that modern solar panels have a lifespan of over 25 years, you enjoy free electricity for more than two decades after the payback period.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much subsidy do I get under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana?
The PM Surya Ghar subsidy is structured to support residential installations: ₹30,000 for a 1 kW system, ₹60,000 for a 2 kW system, and a maximum cap of ₹78,000 for systems of 3 kW or higher. No subsidy is available for commercial or industrial connections.
What size solar system do I need for my house?
This depends on your average monthly electricity consumption. A 1 kW system generates about 120 units per month. If your monthly consumption is around 300 units, a 2 kW or 3 kW solar system is recommended to offset most of your electricity bill.
What is net metering in solar?
Net metering is a system where your solar setup is connected to the DISCOM's grid via a bidirectional meter. It records both the electricity you import from the grid and the excess solar electricity you export to the grid. You are only billed for the net consumption at the end of the billing cycle.
What is the typical lifespan of solar panels?
Standard monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panels are highly durable and have a typical lifespan of 25 to 30 years. Most tier-1 manufacturers offer a 25-year performance warranty, guaranteeing that the panels will still produce at least 80% of their rated power after 25 years.