Part of the complete guide: Solar for homes (start here)
After enough site visits, the same questions come up again and again. Here are the seven we hear most, and the honest answers.
1. “It does not work in the monsoon.”
Output drops on heavy-rain days, but diffuse light still produces power, and the clear months from November to May more than make up for it. Over a year, South Kerala averages roughly 4 units per kW per day.
2. “Panels leak the roof.”
A properly fixed structure uses a handful of anchor points, sealed afterwards. Leaks come from careless drilling, not from solar itself. Ask who is responsible for waterproofing in the quote.
3. “I will pay nothing for electricity.”
Energy charges fall sharply, but fixed charges, duty and any minimum charge remain. A bill of a few hundred rupees is normal.
4. “More panels are always better.”
Under Kerala's newer rules, units you export are valued far below the tariff you pay when you import. Size to your own daytime use.
5. “A battery is compulsory.”
No. Most homes run on-grid without a battery. The catch is that an on-grid system shuts down in a power cut. See our on-grid vs hybrid guide.
6. “The cheapest quote is the smartest.”
Check module brand, DCR status, structure material and warranty first. Our quote checklist shows how.
7. “Solar needs no maintenance.”
Dust, bird droppings, moss and salt film cost 10–25% of output if ignored. A wipe every month or two and a yearly check keeps it healthy.
