Recently, some important announcements related to the PM KUSUM scheme have also been made. Has the government ensured benefits for common people and farmers in it? Will 2026 see the highest number of solar panel installations ever?
Now that the budget is out, the big question is what has the solar industry received from this budget? In the coming days, will installing a solar panel system at home become cheaper or more expensive? Will subsidy be reduced or increased? And what announcements have been made regarding the PM KUSUM scheme? Has the government taken care of your benefits?
The government has laid out a complete roadmap for the solar sector in this budget. Let me explain everything in detail.
Major Announcements in Budget 2026 for Solar Sector
1. PM KUSUM Scheme 2.0 – Big Boost for Farmers
The government has announced PM KUSUM 2.0. The budget allocation for this scheme has been increased by 45%.
Subsidy for solar pumps used for irrigation has been increased.
Farmers can now install solar panel systems on barren land up to 2 MW capacity.
Approximately ₹500 crore has been allocated for this, which is a 45% increase from before.
This means the PM KUSUM scheme will now move forward at a much faster pace. Many farmers are already earning good income (₹6–7 lakh per month) by installing solar plants on their land. With this increased funding, more farmers can now benefit and increase their earnings significantly.
2. PM Surya Ghar Scheme – Higher Subsidy
Good news for homeowners! The subsidy under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has also been increased.
Earlier, for a 3 kW rooftop solar system, you used to get ₹78,000 subsidy.
Now, for a 2 kW system, the subsidy has been increased to ₹80,000.
For 1 kW system, subsidy was around ₹30,000 earlier. For 2 kW, it was ₹60,000. The government has now increased the subsidy amount by nearly ₹20,000.
This will make rooftop solar systems much more affordable for common people.
3. Strong Push for Domestic Solar Manufacturing
To promote “Make in India” in solar, the government has allocated ₹24,000 crore under the PLI (Production Linked Incentive) Scheme.
Earlier allocation was ₹19,000 crore.
Now it has been increased to ₹24,000 crore.
This will encourage more companies to set up solar panel and solar cell manufacturing factories in India.
4. Focus on Battery Storage (BESS)
The government has also proposed to reduce GST on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Earlier, hybrid and storage-based solar systems had 18% GST, while normal solar products had only 5%. Reducing GST on storage systems will make hybrid and off-grid solar systems cheaper in the coming days.
What Does This Mean for You?
Installing solar panel systems is going to become more attractive and affordable in 2026.
Farmers can earn extra income through PM KUSUM by installing solar plants on their land.
Homeowners will get higher subsidy under PM Surya Ghar scheme.
Domestic manufacturing is being strongly encouraged, which will help reduce dependence on imported panels in the long run.
I believe 2026 will see the highest number of solar installations in India so far.
My Advice
If you have not yet applied for solar under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, don’t delay. Register yourself immediately on the official website: pmsuryaghar.gov.in
The more people apply, the longer the waiting time may become. So register early and take maximum advantage of the subsidy. The money you invest will recover quickly through electricity bill savings.
In this article, we will clearly understand the important concept of Peak Sun Hours and why it matters for anyone planning to install a solar power system.
Most people assume that all the sunlight available from sunrise to sunset can be used effectively by solar panels. However, this is not entirely accurate.
Understanding Peak Sun Hours
Sunlight intensity is not constant throughout the day. At sunrise, the intensity is low. It gradually increases and reaches its peak around noon. After that, it starts decreasing and becomes almost zero by sunset.
Peak Sun Hours is a standard way to measure the effective sunlight available in a day. It represents the number of hours during which the sunlight intensity is equal to 1000 watts per square meter — the standard test condition used for rating solar panels.
How Peak Sun Hours are Calculated
Scientists measure sunlight intensity every hour from sunrise to sunset at a specific location. They add up the total energy received throughout the day (in watt-hours per square meter) and then divide it by 1000.
For example: If a location receives a total of 5800 watt-hours per square meter in a day, then its Peak Sun Hours will be 5.8 hours.
This simple calculation helps us understand how much effective solar energy is available daily at any given place.
Why Peak Sun Hours Matter
The higher the Peak Sun Hours in your area, the better your solar panels will perform. You will get more electricity generation from your solar power system. On the other hand, locations with lower Peak Sun Hours will produce less power, and you may need to install a larger solar system to meet your energy needs.
Main Factors Affecting Peak Sun Hours
Several important factors influence Peak Sun Hours:
Earth’s Rotation – This causes day and night, leading to sunrise and sunset.
Earth’s Revolution around the Sun – This is responsible for seasons. Sunlight intensity is higher in summer and lower in winter.
Latitude – Locations closer to the equator receive stronger and more consistent sunlight. As we move towards the poles, sunlight intensity decreases.
Weather Conditions – Cloud cover, rain, fog, and air pollution can significantly reduce sunlight intensity.
Because of these factors, Peak Sun Hours vary from region to region. Areas with higher Peak Sun Hours are more suitable for solar power generation, while places with lower values require bigger solar installations to achieve the same output.
Generally, states in the western and central parts of India get the highest sunlight. On the other hand, northeastern states and Himalayan regions receive comparatively less sunlight.
States with High Sunlight (Good Peak Sun Hours)
These states are considered very good for solar power systems because they get strong and consistent sunlight:
Rajasthan — It receives the highest amount of sunlight in India, especially in the desert areas. Peak Sun Hours are excellent here.
Gujarat — This state also gets very good sunlight, particularly in the dry regions. It is one of the best states for solar energy.
Madhya Pradesh — Most parts of the state receive strong sunlight throughout the year.
Maharashtra — Many areas, especially the central and western parts, get good solar radiation.
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana — These states get high and consistent sunlight in most areas.
Karnataka — Northern and central parts of Karnataka receive good sunlight.
Tamil Nadu — Most parts get decent sunlight, though some coastal areas get affected during monsoon.
In these states, the average Peak Sun Hours are generally between 5 to 6+ hours per day in a year. Because of this, solar panels work very well and you can generate more electricity even with a smaller solar system.
States with Less Sunlight
Northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram — These areas get less sunlight because of heavy rainfall and frequent clouds. Peak Sun Hours are usually lower here.
Himalayan states such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir — Due to hills and more clouds, sunlight intensity is lower in many places.
West Bengal, parts of Bihar, and Odisha — They get moderate sunlight, but during monsoon months it reduces a lot.
Why Does This Matter?
If you live in a state with high Peak Sun Hours (like Rajasthan, Gujarat, or Madhya Pradesh), your solar panels will produce more electricity. You may need fewer panels to meet your daily power needs.
But if you are in a state with lower Peak Sun Hours (like the Northeast), you might have to install a bigger solar system to get the same amount of electricity.
Understanding how much sunlight your state receives is very important before installing a solar power system. It helps you plan properly and gives you a realistic idea of how much power you can expect from your solar setup.
If you have any questions about Peak Sun Hours or want to know the Peak Sun Hours of your city, feel free to comment below.
Since the government started giving subsidy on hybrid solar systems, a large number of people have started moving towards hybrid setups. Installing a hybrid solar system offers several important benefits.
Earlier, subsidy was available only on on-grid systems. On-grid systems work only when grid electricity is available. If there is no power during the day, installing an on-grid system becomes almost useless.
This is why, in areas where power cuts are common, a hybrid solar system is an excellent choice. You get both battery backup during outages and the full benefit of solar generation. However, hybrid inverters available in the market today are somewhat costly. Transformer-based hybrid inverters are cheaper, but they come with a major disadvantage – higher power loss.
On the other hand, many reputed brands have now introduced transformer-less hybrid inverters. Most of these modern hybrid inverters from different brands are quite similar in features and performance, which is why their pricing is also almost the same.
At present, we have a 5 kW hybrid solar setup from Deye. However, it is not yet functioning at its full potential because net metering has not been completed.
If you are also planning to install a 5 kW hybrid solar system, this detailed guide will help you understand everything clearly.
Who Should Install a Hybrid Solar System?
A hybrid setup is suitable for almost everyone. But if you need both grid export (net metering) and battery backup, then a hybrid solar system is the best option.
A 5 kW hybrid setup is ideal for homes that consume around 25 units per day. If your daily consumption is higher, you may need a larger plant. If it is lower, a smaller system can also work.
With a 5 kW hybrid system, you can comfortably run two 1.5 ton air conditioners. If you choose a transformer-less inverter, you can run two 1 ton ACs along with other household loads without any issue.
Battery Backup Duration
If you install a lithium battery, you get precise and reliable backup. For example, with a 5 kWh lithium battery:
1 kW load → approx. 5 hours backup
5 kW load → approx. 1 hour backup
With lead-acid batteries, backup time drops significantly under heavy load. Running heavy loads on lead-acid batteries also reduces their lifespan quickly. Therefore, lithium batteries are highly recommended for heavy loads.
Cost Breakdown of 5 kW Hybrid Solar System (2026) Premium Setup (Transformer-less Technology – Deye Company):
Hybrid Inverter: ₹1,00,000
Lithium Battery: ₹1,10,000
Solar Panels (Top brand, Non-DCR): ₹80,000 – ₹1,00,000
Installation, Structure & Wiring: ₹50,000
Total Cost: Approx. ₹3.5 Lakh
If you want government subsidy, you need to use DCR solar panels, which increases the cost by around ₹50,000. However, you can get approximately ₹78,000 as central subsidy (plus state subsidy in some states like UP up to ₹18,000).
Budget-Friendly Options:
UTL / Eastman: Hybrid inverter ≈ ₹95,000, Lithium battery ≈ ₹80,000, Solar panels ≈ ₹1 Lakh or less
Total Cost: Approx. ₹2.5 Lakh to ₹3 Lakh
You can reduce the cost further by choosing lead-acid batteries instead of lithium (saves around ₹60,000).
Other brands like Servotech, Waaree, and Eastman also offer complete hybrid combos in the ₹3 Lakh range.
Important Advice
While choosing a hybrid solar system, always select a brand that provides good after-sales service in your area. A solar system is a long-term investment that can easily run for 15–20 years. Poor service can lead to major problems and financial loss later.
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding 5 kW hybrid solar systems, feel free to comment below.
If you believe that the solar inverter you are about to install or have already installed at home will generate huge amounts of electricity and drastically reduce your power bill, then you may be mistaken. In this detailed comparison, we analyse three popular brands — Waaree, Luminous, and UTL solar inverters.
By the end of this article, you will realise that most people know only 20 to 30% of the real picture when it comes to solar inverters. A big brand name does not always mean superior performance. We will cover both the advantages and the disadvantages honestly so you can make an informed decision.
1. Waaree Energy
Waaree started its journey in 1989 and began manufacturing solar modules in 2007. The company has 5 to 6 manufacturing plants in India and one in the USA. Waaree offers on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid inverters. You can choose according to your requirement. The brand also supplies complete solar kits that include their own inverter. However, if you want to pair a Waaree inverter with panels from another brand, you can purchase it separately from their website.
Waaree inverters come with MPPT technology and are available in both single and dual MPPT options. Later in this article, we will introduce a company that uses RMPPT technology, which is claimed to be 10 to 15% more efficient than standard MPPT.
Waaree offers inverters ranging from 700 W to 136 kW, making them suitable for small as well as large solar plants. Their inverters deliver 99% MPPT efficiency and 97.4% maximum system efficiency. MPPT technology is far more advanced than the older PWM technology and can provide 20 to 30% higher energy production.
In terms of reliability and durability, a crucial factor in Indian conditions with extreme summer, winter, and monsoon, Waaree inverters are well-tested for Indian weather. They come with sturdy metal frames that handle temperature variations effectively.
Special features include smart monitoring system with anti-islanding protection and high voltage management. In the 1–5 kW segment, Waaree offers two models: F Series G2 and S Series G3. Both support 80–600 V voltage range, 14–20 A maximum input current, and are available in single or dual MPPT. Weight ranges between 5 kg to 14.5 kg, making them easy to wall-mount.
Price (1–5 kW single phase): ₹20,000 – ₹36,000 Warranty: 8 years standard (extendable up to 10, 12 or 15 years) After-sales service: Good in major cities; rural areas may face slight delays. Disadvantages: Occasional communication or server issues, auto shutdown in high temperature, possible internal damage due to moisture, and performance drop if regular maintenance and software updates are skipped.
2. Luminous
Luminous was founded in 1988 and entered the solar segment in 2014. In 2022, RR Cables acquired the company, and in 2024 they established a full-fledged solar manufacturing facility in Uttarakhand. Luminous offers a wide range of on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid inverters from 2 kW to 150 kW in single and triple phase.
Their inverters feature single and dual MPPT technology with 97.2% maximum efficiency. They use robust metal frame construction for long-term reliability. Notable features include high/low temperature and voltage warnings, boost charge, smart charge, and battery overload protection.
On-grid series is known as NXi, off-grid as NXC, and hybrid inverters come under TX and Solar series. Maximum MPPT voltage range is 70–550 V. Max input current is 16 A for on-grid and up to 30 A for hybrid models. On-grid inverters weigh 7–9 kg (easy wall mount), while off-grid and hybrid models weigh 15–34 kg and are recommended for floor mounting for safety.
Warranty: 5 years standard (extendable to 10 years) After-sales service: Excellent with over 60 registered vendors across India and technician visits usually within 24–48 hours. Disadvantages: Slightly higher price compared to competitors, batteries require frequent maintenance, and performance dips a little in low light conditions.
3. UTL Solar
UTL offers a wide range of on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid inverters from 1.5 kW to 136 kW. The biggest highlight of UTL is its RMPPT (Rapid Maximum Power Point Tracking) technology, which tracks solar input more rapidly and accurately than standard MPPT. This feature is currently unique to UTL inverters and can make a noticeable difference in long-term energy production. RMPPT efficiency is 99% and maximum system efficiency reaches 97.6%.
Voltage range is 70–500 V. Maximum input current is 13.5A for on-grid and 18A for hybrid models. On-grid inverters are lightweight (4.5–7.5 kg) and easy to wall-mount. Hybrid inverters weigh 12–17 kg, while off-grid models are heavier (32–50 kg) and need floor mounting.
Warranty: 10 years standard After-sales service: 3600+ dealers across India with rapid network expansion. Disadvantages: Build quality needs improvement, maximum input current is relatively low, and the remote monitoring system feels outdated.
Final Thoughts
If you have read this far, it shows you are serious about investing your hard-earned money wisely. We have covered specifications, features, pricing, warranty, service, and real disadvantages of all three brands.
Whether you finally choose Waaree, Luminous, UTL, or any other company, always compare specifications carefully before buying. We hope this detailed comparison helps you pick the right solar inverter for your needs.
I often get this question: “How many units of electricity does 1 kilowatt system actually generate in one day?”
In this detailed test, we answer that question by monitoring our current setup: two Waaree 575 W solar panels (total ~1.15 kW nameplate capacity) in an off-grid configuration. We tracked generation from early morning until late afternoon on 7 March to see the real maximum daily units produced.
Current Setup and Time of Observation
Time right now: 6:30 AM
Date: 7 March
Panels: 2 × Waaree 575 W (±2 W tolerance) – freshly cleaned this morning
Batteries: 4 batteries (approximately 24 V system)
Inverter: Normal 2 kVA inverter (not a pure solar hybrid)
Charge controller: MPPT charge controller in use
Key Factor: Battery Full → Generation Stops (Off-Grid Reality)
Electricity generation in an off-grid system depends on many factors. Importantly, if there is no proper battery bank or if the batteries reach full charge early, the system stops producing usable power even when the sun is shining brightly.
In our case, with four batteries, they typically become fully charged by around 12:00–12:30 PM. After that point, any additional solar power is essentially wasted (curtailed) because there is nowhere to store it and no large enough load to consume it.
Today’s goal was to minimize that wastage: once the batteries reached full charge, we deliberately connected maximum possible household load to utilize as much of the available solar power as possible and measure the true peak daily output.
Morning Check: Panel Specifications & Initial Charging
The panels are completely neat and clean (cleaned this morning). You can see residual water droplets in some shots — we do clean them regularly despite what some comments suggest.
Brand: Waaree
Rated wattage (front & back label): 575 W ±2 W
At 6:30 AM with light sunlight just starting:
Charging current to battery: ~1.2 A
Solar input: ~6.7 A
Instant power: ~24 W
Total generation so far this month (five months of data): around 7 units.
Mid-Morning Progress (Around 10–11 AM)
By ~10:06 AM:
Charging amps: ~30.4 A (from panels)
Incoming amps to battery: ~21 A
Battery voltage: ~26.9 V
Instant power from panels: ~780 W
By ~11:00 AM:
Charging amps dropped to ~3.3 A
Battery nearing 50% → expected to reach full in another 30–60 minutes
Instant power from panels: 924 W
Battery Full – Maximum Load Test (Around 12 PM)
At approximately 12:00 PM the battery reached full charge:
Battery voltage: 28.4 V (completely full – solar full indicator ON)
Still receiving 924 W from panels
Units generated so far: 2.7 units (with ~200 W average house load running during charging)
From this point we applied maximum realistic household load to consume the surplus solar power:
Loads turned ON (approximate breakdown)
Rod heaters (2 nos.)
LED bulbs across rooms (7 total, including 24/7 ones)
Ceiling fans (multiple)
Cooler (~200 W)
False ceiling lights (4 × 12 W = 48 W)
Tube lights
Monitor (runs 6 AM – 10/11 PM daily)
Fridge (was already running earlier)
Additional test lights
Inverter load reading after maximum load: ~33%
Afternoon Snapshot (Around 4:18 PM)
Time: 4:18 PM
Battery: Still showing 28.4 V (full)
House load running: ~10 A / 200–300 W
Panels still contributing ~200–300 W
Total units generated: 5.9 (almost 6 units)
Final Reading (Evening – 5:53 PM)
Time: 5:53 PM
Total units generated for the day: 6.1 units
Very small charging (~1 A) still occurring
Summary of Results
From a ~1 kW (actually 1.15 kWp) off-grid solar setup with four batteries and a normal inverter, we generated 6.1 units on 7 March.
Had the panels been mounted higher (say 8 feet above ground), we estimate an additional 20–30% output was possible — potentially reaching around 7 units per day in similar conditions.
Why Not Higher Output? Two Main Reasons Observed
Wall shadow in late afternoon — As evening approaches, the nearby wall casts a shadow across the panels, reducing effective generation.
Tree shadow in early morning — Until around 8:00 AM, tree shade falls on the panels, delaying peak production.
Recommendations for Better Output
If you want to maximize units from a similar setup:
Install panels on a proper stand / higher elevation (at least 8 feet from ground) to avoid ground-level obstructions and shadows.
Consider a pure solar hybrid inverter for better direct utilization.
Size the battery bank larger if you frequently see early full-charge curtailment.
We hope this real-world test gives you a clear idea of what a 1 kW-class off-grid system can realistically deliver in everyday home use.
If you found this helpful, feel free to share your own solar generation numbers or setup questions in the comments!
Whenever we go to the market to buy solar panels, we get completely confused about which solar panel we should buy, how many watts we need, which technology is better. Apart from that, there are so many other questions in our mind about which we have zero knowledge.
Whenever we install a solar system, the most important part of the entire system is the solar panel. If you don’t select the right solar panel, then no matter how good the rest of the system (inverter, battery, wiring) is, it’s of no use.
That’s why when people decide to install solar, the top 5 questions they ask the most are the ones you should definitely know about.
1st most important point: Efficiency of solar panel
When you buy a solar panel, you must have seen it written on the panel — efficiency 14%, 15%, 20%, etc. What does this mean? Out of all the sunlight that falls on the panel, how much percentage of it is getting converted into electricity — that percentage is called efficiency.
2nd point: P-type vs N-type
Nowadays you hear the word N-type almost everywhere. Earlier it used to be mostly P-type, and many times they didn’t even mention it, just gave you the panel. Technically it’s a bit long to explain, but simply remember:
P-type → old technology
N-type → new & improved technology
N-type panels are much more efficient compared to P-type. The problems/weaknesses that were in P-type have mostly been removed in N-type.
But that doesn’t mean P-type panels are completely useless today. They had their time. Right now the latest panels coming in the market are almost all N-type. So just keep one thing in mind, whatever panel you buy today, make sure it is N-type.
3rd point: Watt rating
Since we buy solar panels to generate electricity, everything depends on how many watts the panel produces. For example: You see 500W, 540W, 550W panels in the market. If you want to install a 2 kW solar system, then you’ll need roughly four 540W panels (4 × 540 = 2160 W ≈ 2 kW+). So always calculate according to your required system size.
4th point: DCR vs Non-DCR
This is very simple to understand.
DCR (Domestic Content Requirement) → panels manufactured in India
Non-DCR → either fully imported or cells imported & assembled here (still counted as Non-DCR)
If you want subsidy under PM Surya Ghar Yojana (or any government scheme), then only DCR panels are eligible. Government is promoting Make in India, so they don’t give subsidy on imported / Non-DCR panels. So if subsidy is important for you → must buy DCR panels only.
5th point (most important — saved for last): A-grade vs B-grade
I’ll explain this at the end because it’s very critical.
Now let’s understand different types of solar panels in very simple language.
Evolution of solar panel technology (for home use):
Polycrystalline (first type, blue colour)
Efficiency: 13–16%
Oldest technology
Almost disappeared from market now
Monocrystalline
Efficiency: ~16–18% (2–3% better than poly)
Better temperature handling
Black colour mostly
Monoperc (PERC technology added)
Efficiency improved again (~1–1.5% more)
Cells improved → better performance
Monoperc Half-cut
Big improvement: cells are cut in half → panel divided into two electrical parts
Advantage: If shadow/dust falls on one half, the other half still works at full capacity
Earlier full-cell panels — even small shadow on one cell could reduce entire panel output drastically
Now you see 144 half-cells instead of 72 full cells
Bifacial (mostly comes with half-cut now)
Generates power from both front and back side
Front: 100%
Back: ~70% (albedo light — reflection from ground/roof)
Easy to identify: back side also looks like solar cells (not white sheet like normal panels)
So latest common name you hear today: Monoperc Half-cut Bifacial N-type
Topcon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact)
Even more advanced than previous
Higher efficiency, higher wattage in same size (550–700 W common now)
Usually N-type + Half-cut + Bifacial + Topcon
HJT (Heterojunction Technology) — latest of all (2024–2026 period)
Efficiency: 23–23.5%+ (highest so far)
Very high wattage panels starting from 700–750 W already
Still expensive & mostly imported in India → used more in commercial projects
In future expected to reach 1 kW per panel
Quick summary: What should you buy in 2025–2026?
Best realistic choice right now for home users (balance of price, performance, availability & subsidy): Topcon Half-cut Bifacial N-type DCR panels (550–700W range)
HJT is superb but still costly and less available in DCR.
Most important: A-grade vs B-grade
This is the point many vendors never tell you.
A-grade: Perfect panel, no manufacturing defect, gives 100% rated output
B-grade: Some manufacturing defect (example: one cell damaged, spot on glass, etc.), output slightly less (maybe 3–10W less per panel)
B-grade panels are sold cheaper. Vendors push them without telling. Over time their efficiency drops faster, long-term loss for customer.
How to check?
Ask for flash test report (IV curve graph)
Good companies stick the flash report graph on back of panel or give copy inside box
Insist on A-grade only
Popular Indian brands right now (DCR eligible): Adani, Tata Power Solar, Waaree, Vikram Solar, Renewsys, etc.
Always cross-check price online + local market + company website. Don’t fall for very cheap “deal,” usually old stock or B-grade.
For the last four months, a 3 kW solar system has been in use at home, so sharing a complete experience and review. This includes how the bank loan process works, what documents are required, EMI details, subsidy timeline, and a few practical things that only become clear after installation.
Solar usually makes sense for households where the electricity bill is above ₹1000 to ₹1500 per month. Earlier, during summer months, the bill used to touch ₹4000, and in normal months it stayed above ₹1500. Because of that, installing solar felt like a practical decision. Instead of paying the electricity bill every month, the idea was to pay around ₹2000 EMI and own a solar system.
Applying for solar
Applications are done through the PM Surya Ghar Yojana portal. The process is online, but in reality most of the work is handled by the local distributor. Once contacted, they usually guide through the entire process.
Before deciding, enquiries were made with other companies including Tata and Truzen. Finally a local installer was preferred because service and support are easier when the company is nearby.
Cost of the 3 kW system
The total cost for this 3 kW solar setup was around ₹2,10,000.
Loan taken: ₹1,89,000
Cash paid: ₹21,000
The amount someone pays directly depends on their loan eligibility. Full payment is not compulsory.
Some installers offer systems between ₹1.8 lakh and ₹2.1 lakh. Price differences usually depend on the type and quality of panels used.
Bank loan process
After applying on the PM Surya Ghar portal, the next step is applying for a bank loan. At present, loans for this scheme are mainly provided by government banks like Indian Bank and Indian Overseas Bank.
The process usually takes 2 to 3 days if all documents are ready.
Required documents include:
Aadhaar card
PAN card
Own house proof
Solar under this scheme can only be installed on an owned house. It cannot be installed on rented houses. Also, the loan must be applied in the same name as the electricity bill holder.
At the bank, an account is opened and loan forms are filled. Around 40 to 50 signatures may be required during the process.
After that, bank officials visit the house for verification. They check whether the property is owned and also take photos of the location where solar panels will be installed. Once verification is completed, the loan is usually sanctioned within 4 to 5 days.
The loan amount is transferred directly to the solar distributor’s account, while the government subsidy is credited to the customer’s bank account.
Installation details
Once the loan is approved, installation starts quickly.
In this case, Polycab materials were used along with premium bifacial solar panels. Bifacial panels generate electricity from both sides, which helps improve overall output.
One important suggestion during installation is about the panel structure height. Many installers offer a 6 x 4 structure, which sits lower on the terrace. But installing a higher 8 x 6 structure is better if space allows. A higher structure keeps the terrace usable and prevents the entire roof area from being blocked.
It is also better to clearly discuss the following things with the installer before paying:
Structure height
Panel type
Cement support blocks for pillars
Once payment is done, negotiating later becomes difficult. Getting the details written clearly helps avoid confusion.
Smart meter installation
After the solar setup is completed, the electricity department installs a smart meter. The old meter is removed and replaced with a new one. The service number remains the same and electricity billing continues as usual.
Once the smart meter is installed, the solar system starts functioning.
On grid solar behaviour
This system is on grid solar. One important thing to understand is that solar generation happens only when grid electricity is available. Even if sunlight is strong, the panels will not operate during a power cut.
Off grid systems work differently because they include batteries, but they are more expensive. Hybrid systems combining both technologies are also available now, though they cost more.
Monitoring power generation
The installer provides a mobile app where solar generation can be checked.
Through the app it is possible to track:
Daily power generation
Monthly unit generation
At present, with mixed weather conditions and some rainfall, the system generates around 380 to 400 units per month. During peak summer the highest daily generation recorded was 19 units in one day.
Keeping the panels clean is very important. Dust collects on rooftop panels and affects output. Cleaning them once a week with water helps maintain good power generation.
Subsidy timeline
The government subsidy was credited within about 45 days directly to the bank account. That amount was used to reduce the loan balance.
Subsidy timelines may vary depending on government processing. Sometimes it may come earlier, sometimes later.
First electricity bill surprise
After installing solar, many people expect the electricity bill to become zero immediately. But the first bill can be around ₹4500 because the cost of the smart meter installation is included in that bill.
From the next month onwards the bill reduces significantly, but it does not become completely zero.
Even with solar installed, there are still fixed charges and FCA charges. These charges come to around ₹300 to ₹350 per month.
Earlier these charges were around ₹150 to ₹160, but they increased later. Because of this, even solar users continue to receive a small monthly bill.
So expecting a completely zero electricity bill may not be realistic. Energy charges become zero, but other charges still remain.
EMI and loan repayment
The EMI initially was ₹2195, but after the RBI repo rate reduction, the interest dropped and the EMI reduced to around ₹2000.
After adjusting the subsidy amount, the remaining loan repayment period is around 4.5 years.
The bank app clearly shows:
EMI amount
Due date
Loan balance
Timely repayment is important because it affects the CIBIL score.
Overall experience after four months
The main reason for installing solar was a monthly electricity bill above ₹1500. Solar panels typically have a life of around 25 years, while the loan gets cleared within about five years. The expectation was that the remaining years would bring long term savings.
However, because of fixed charges of around ₹300 to ₹350 per month, the bill never becomes completely zero. Earlier the higher bills mostly came during summer months. Now the bill stays small but consistent every month.
Apart from that, the system has been working well. In the first four months there have been no technical issues with the solar panels or installation.
Extra unused solar units are supposed to be settled every three to six months, according to the distributor. Whether the amount actually gets credited depends on the electricity department and settlement cycle.
Final thoughts
Solar can still be a good option for homes with consistently high electricity bills, especially above ₹1500 per month. But it is better to install it with realistic expectations.
The electricity bill may reduce a lot, but some monthly charges will still remain. Proper installation, good panel quality, and regular cleaning make a big difference in performance.
The installation discussed here was done in AP and this review reflects the experience after using the system for about four months.
