Question 1

How much subsidy do I get for rooftop solar in India?

Accepted Answer

Under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, you get ₹30,000/kWp for the first 2 kWp and ₹18,000/kWp for the next 1 kWp, capped at ₹78,000 centrally. In Odisha, an additional state subsidy of up to ₹60,000 is available, making the combined maximum ₹1,38,000.

Question 2

How many solar panels do I need for my home in India?

Accepted Answer

A typical Indian home spending ₹2,000/month on electricity needs approximately 1.5–2 kWp, which is 4–5 panels of 400W each. Use the Naba solar calculator to get a precise estimate based on your bill, state, and roof area.

Question 3

What is the payback period for rooftop solar in India?

Accepted Answer

After government subsidies, a typical on-grid rooftop solar system in India has a payback period of 4–7 years. After that, you enjoy essentially free electricity for 20+ years, with the panel lifespan typically being 25 years.

Question 4

What is the difference between on-grid, hybrid, and off-grid solar?

Accepted Answer

On-grid solar exports excess power via net metering and qualifies for PM Surya Ghar subsidy, but shuts off during power cuts. Hybrid adds a Li-ion battery for backup while still qualifying for the full subsidy. Off-grid runs entirely on battery — no grid needed, but no government subsidy.

Question 5

How do I apply for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana subsidy?

Accepted Answer

Apply online at pmsuryaghar.gov.in. You register, select an empanelled installer, get the system installed, and the subsidy is directly credited to your bank account after inspection. The process typically takes 2–4 months.

Question 6

How much roof area do I need for a rooftop solar system in India?

Accepted Answer

You need approximately 100 square feet per kWp of solar capacity. A 2 kWp system (enough for a typical home) requires about 200 sq ft of shade-free, south-facing roof space. Even 100 sq ft is enough to start with a 1 kWp system.

Question 7

What is the cost of a rooftop solar system in India?

Accepted Answer

An on-grid rooftop solar system costs approximately ₹50,000–₹60,000 per kWp installed (including panels, inverter, and mounting). Before subsidies, a typical 2 kWp system costs around ₹1,10,000. After the PM Surya Ghar central subsidy of up to ₹78,000, the net cost can be as low as ₹30,000–₹50,000.

Question 8

What is the Odisha state solar subsidy under Mukhyamantri Solar Scheme?

Accepted Answer

Odisha offers an additional state subsidy of ₹30,000 per kWp (up to 3 kWp), capped at ₹60,000 under the Mukhyamantri Solar Scheme. Combined with the central PM Surya Ghar subsidy, Odisha homeowners can receive up to ₹1,38,000 total subsidy.

Question 9

Can I run an AC on solar power in India?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A 1.5-ton AC consumes about 1,500W. To comfortably run an AC plus other appliances, you typically need a 3–5 kWp system. With net metering, the AC runs on solar during the day and you use grid power at night, keeping your bill low.

Question 10

Does rooftop solar work during monsoon and cloudy days in India?

Accepted Answer

Yes, solar panels still generate power on cloudy and monsoon days, but at reduced output — typically 50–60% of their peak performance. Odisha and eastern India have about 5.2 peak sun hours on a clear day, which drops to around 3 hours during heavy monsoon.