Question 1

How much can I save with solar panels on my roof?

Accepted Answer

Savings depend on your current electricity bill, roof size, location, and sunlight availability. A typical Indian household with a ₹3,000/month electricity bill and 300 sq ft of usable roof area can install a 3 kW system costing around ₹1.65 lakh (after subsidies). This system generates approximately 4,380 kWh/year, saving about ₹26,000 in the first year. Over 25 years, factoring in 5% annual tariff increases and 0.5% panel degradation, total net savings can exceed ₹5 lakh.

Question 2

What is the payback period for a solar installation?

Accepted Answer

For most Indian households, the payback period ranges from 4 to 8 years depending on system cost, electricity tariff, and sunlight hours. With government subsidies under the PM Surya Ghar scheme (up to 40% subsidy for systems up to 3 kW), the payback period can drop to 3–5 years. After the payback period, all electricity generated is essentially free for the remaining 17–22 years of the system's lifespan.

Question 3

Are there government subsidies for solar panels in India?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana offers Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of up to ₹78,000 for a 3 kW system. The subsidy is 60% of the benchmark cost for systems up to 2 kW and 40% for systems between 2 kW and 3 kW. Many state governments offer additional subsidies or interest-free loans. The subsidy is disbursed directly to your bank account after installation verification by the DISCOM.

Question 4

How does net metering reduce my electricity bill?

Accepted Answer

Net metering allows you to export surplus solar electricity to the grid and receive bill credit. During the day, your solar panels may generate more electricity than you consume — the excess flows to the grid and your meter records the export. At billing time, your export units are deducted from your import units, and you only pay for the net consumption. In optimal setups, net metering can reduce your effective bill by 40–90%.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

On-grid (grid-tied) systems connect to the utility grid and use net metering to export surplus power — they are the most cost-effective option for households with reliable grid access and typically offer the fastest payback. Off-grid systems include battery storage and operate independently of the grid — they cost 2–3 times more due to battery expenses but provide power during outages. Hybrid systems combine both approaches. For most urban and semi-urban Indian homes, on-grid systems offer the best ROI.

Question 6

How long do solar panels last?

Accepted Answer

Modern solar panels have a typical lifespan of 25–30 years. Most manufacturers offer a 25-year performance warranty guaranteeing at least 80% of original output. Panels degrade at roughly 0.5% per year — so after 25 years, a panel rated at 400W will still produce about 350W. Inverters typically last 10–15 years and may need one replacement during the system's life. With minimal maintenance (periodic cleaning), a well-installed system provides reliable generation for decades.

Question 7

What maintenance do solar panels require?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels require very little maintenance. The primary task is periodic cleaning — dust, bird droppings, and pollution can reduce output by 5–15%. In most Indian cities, cleaning every 2–4 weeks during dry months is sufficient; rain naturally cleans panels during monsoon. Annual inspection of wiring, inverter, and mounting structure is recommended. Total maintenance cost is typically ₹2,000–₹5,000 per year for a residential system.

Solar Panel Savings Calculator — ROI & Payback Period