Solar questions, answered

A 3 kW rooftop system typically costs about ₹1.7–2.1 lakh before subsidy and ₹0.9–1.3 lakh after the PM Surya Ghar subsidy of ₹78,000. Prices depend on panel brand, inverter, roof type and structure. Use our solar calculator for your numbers.

Under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, homes receive ₹30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW and ₹18,000 for the third kW, up to ₹78,000 for 3 kW or more, in both states. Tamil Nadu has announced an additional state top-up of ₹22,000 for a 3 kW home (total ₹1 lakh); confirm current status on the TNPDCL portal. See our subsidy guide.

Installation of a home system takes 1–3 days. Overall, from enquiry to net-meter commissioning typically takes 3–6 weeks, mostly waiting for KSEB/TNPDCL approvals and inspection.

Yes. Kerala still receives roughly 4 kWh per kW per day on average across the year. Output dips in June–August but is strong from November to May, and net metering carries surplus credits forward.

Yes. We shortlist verified installers for your town, explain how their quotes compare, and can supervise installation through our Solar Advisor service.

Yes — churches, schools, hospitals, trusts and farmers in all three districts. See institutional solar and solar pumps.

Roughly ₹1.7–2.1 lakh before subsidy. After the ₹78,000 PM Surya Ghar subsidy, the net cost is about ₹0.9–1.3 lakh. See the 3 kW cost guide.

A well-sized system can cut the energy-charge portion of your bill by 80–95%. You still pay fixed charges, duty and any minimum charges. A 3 kW system generates ~4,400 units a year, worth ₹25,000–₹35,000 at typical tariffs.

Typically 3.5–5 years for homes after subsidy, and 3–5 years for institutions with higher commercial tariffs. Panels last 25+ years.

About 4 units (kWh) per day on annual average, around 1,450 units a year, varying with season, tilt and shading.

₹30,000 per kW up to 2 kW and ₹18,000 for the third kW, so ₹60,000 for 2 kW and ₹78,000 for 3 kW or more. Residential households only. Verify current terms on pmsuryaghar.gov.in.

Indian residential households with a valid electricity connection and a suitable roof of their own, installing through a registered vendor with DCR-compliant modules. Apartment complexes (RWA/GHS) get ₹18,000/kW for common facilities.

Yes. Banks offer concessional loans for rooftop solar, including schemes under PM Surya Ghar for systems up to 3 kW, and regular green or home-improvement loans for larger systems. See solar loans.

After installation, net-meter commissioning and DISCOM inspection, the subsidy is credited to your bank account, generally within about 30 days of the commissioning report.

A bi-directional meter records the electricity you import and export. Surplus solar units are credited against your consumption, reducing your bill. See our KSEB application guide.

Register your system with KSEB (feasibility and agreement), install through an empanelled vendor, then KSEB inspects and installs the bi-directional meter. Most installers handle the paperwork; we explain each step.

Kanyakumari falls under TNPDCL in Tamil Nadu, so TNPDCL and TNERC rules apply. See the TNPDCL guide.

A standard on-grid system shuts down during a grid outage for safety. To run appliances in an outage you need a hybrid inverter with batteries or a backup arrangement.

DCR (Domestic Content Requirement) modules use Indian-made cells and are mandatory for PM Surya Ghar subsidy. They usually cost somewhat more than imported-cell modules.

Every 4–6 weeks in dry months and after heavy dust or bird droppings; monsoon rain cleans lightly but moss and salt film (coastal areas) need periodic attention. See maintenance guide.

Panels carry 25-year performance warranties and often last 30 years. String inverters typically last 8–12 years; plan for one replacement in the system's life.

Yes — a 3–5 kW system can cover most daily charging for an EV scooter or car. See solar + EV.

About ₹1.7–2.1 lakh before subsidy and ₹0.9–1.3 lakh after the ₹78,000 PM Surya Ghar subsidy.

About 6 modules of 540–550 Wp each, needing roughly 320 sq ft of shadow-free roof.

Around 12 units a day on average, or about 4,400 units a year.

Yes. With net metering, daytime generation offsets AC consumption; a 3kW system comfortably covers a 1.5-ton AC plus normal home loads over a month.

Up to ₹78,000 for a 3 kW or larger home system: ₹30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW and ₹18,000 for the third kW.

Individual flats on a shared roof usually cannot claim individually, but RWAs/Group Housing Societies can claim ₹18,000 per kW for common-facility solar.

Usually about 30 days after the commissioning report is approved on the portal.

No — PM Surya Ghar is for residential households. Institutions can explore RESCO/OPEX models; see institutional solar.

Typically 2–6 weeks from application to commissioning, depending on feasibility and inspection scheduling.

There are application and meter-related fees as per KSEB/KSERC; ask your installer for an itemised list. Be wary of unexplained 'net-metering charges'.

Do not energise or connect to the grid before approval. Install only after feasibility to avoid penalties and subsidy delays.

Surplus units are credited to future bills; unused balance at year-end is settled as per prevailing KSERC rules.

TNPDCL (formerly TANGEDCO) supplies Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu.

No. Use TNPDCL / TNERC procedures, even though Kerala is adjacent.

Yes — the scheme is national: up to ₹78,000 for homes.

Not if structures are designed for local wind speeds. Ask your installer for the wind-load rating and foundation details.

Not exactly. Energy charges drop sharply, but fixed charges, duty and minimums remain.

No. Size to your annual consumption; surplus credits beyond your use earn little under net-metering settlement.

Many buyers value lower running costs; solar is a selling point, though valuation impact varies.

Check the 'units consumed' field on your KSEB bill (bi-monthly) and divide by two.

Usually 5–10 kW, depending on 500–1,200 monthly units.

Not at all, but a shade analysis is essential; optimisers can recover output on partly shaded modules.

The subsidy is capped at ₹78,000 (for 3 kW and above); the rest is unsubsidised.

For systems above about 5 kW or if you already have a three-phase connection.

Generally the RWA / GHS claims ₹18,000/kW for common-facility solar. Individual claims require an individual rooftop with own connection.

Usually the association holds common rights; always obtain written permission.

Typically 5–20 kW depending on lifts, pumps and lighting loads.

Kollam's monsoon reduces output temporarily; annual economics remain strong.

Several Indian DCR manufacturers perform well. Pick on certification, warranty and installer support rather than brand name alone.

Yes, at reduced output. Annual yield in Kerala remains strong.

TOPCon is a newer cell technology with higher efficiency and better temperature behaviour, usually at a small price premium.

25–30 years with gradual output decline of about 0.4–0.7% per year.

Yes — lowest cost, subsidy-eligible and 3.5–5 year payback.

Roughly ₹40,000–₹70,000 per 2–3 kWh depending on chemistry and brand.

Only if you choose a hybrid-ready inverter at the start.

Subsidy is linked to the solar capacity, not batteries.

Effectively yes if your annual generation covers it, under net metering.

Possibly — confirm your sanctioned load; we help with enhancement.

KSEB offers EV-specific tariffs for public charging; home users usually use their domestic tariff — confirm current KSERC orders.

For eligible small residential systems under the scheme, yes; bank terms apply.

Concessional schemes are around 7% for eligible loans; others follow bank rates.

Yes — term loans and RESCO (pay-per-unit) models are available.

No. We assist you in documentation and connect you to bank and NBFC partners.

Every 4–6 weeks; more often in coastal or dusty areas.

Partly, but it leaves streaks and does not remove moss or salt film.

Compare your inverter app output with expected (≈4 units/kW/day). A 15%+ shortfall warrants inspection.

Only from a safe position; never walk on wet roofs. Professional cleaning is safer on high roofs.

PM-KUSUM and state programmes exist; availability and quotas vary — apply via the Agriculture Department / ANERT.

Commonly 1–10 HP for standalone pumps; check scheme limits.

Under feeder/grid-connected components, yes, subject to scheme rules.

Yes, though irrigation demand is lower then.

No — it is for residential households. Institutions use CAPEX/RESCO and may benefit from depreciation if taxable.

Typically 20–100 kW depending on classrooms, labs and daytime load.

RESCO/OPEX or donor/loan structures remove the upfront burden.

6–12 weeks including approvals.

Two or three comparable written quotes is enough.

Not necessarily; confirm DCR modules, structure quality, earthing and warranty first.

Typically 20–30% on order, balance in stages against delivery and commissioning.

Our Solar Advisor service ranges from ₹3,000 to ₹15,000 depending on scope.

Yes. The paid advisory is separate from lead matching and we disclose any commercial relationship.

Yes, under the Premium package with milestone inspections.

Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Kanyakumari districts.

A verified EPC partner in your area, supervised by The Solar Daily.

Manufacturer warranties on equipment and the installer's written workmanship warranty, which we track.

Yes, through the installer with our checklist.

Yes — you can use our Advisor service to audit your chosen installer.

Yes — any brand and installer.

We diagnose, raise warranty claims and coordinate repair or replacement.

Yes in Care and Premium plans.

We help document and file claims for storm, lightning and theft where covered.

About ₹20,000–₹60,000 including wiring, depending on charger type.

No, but solar can reduce your charging cost to near zero.

We connect you with lender partners for bundled financing.

We check and apply for enhancement if needed.

PM Surya Ghar does not apply; explore depreciation (for taxable entities), loans and donor funding.

A third party owns the plant and you pay a per-unit tariff, usually lower than grid, with no upfront cost.

20 kW to several hundred kW depending on roof area.

We prepare the board presentation and financial case.

Depends on depth, discharge and acreage; commonly 2–7.5 HP.

PM-KUSUM and state schemes may apply; availability varies.

Pumps run in daylight; store water in tanks for later use.

Under certain components, yes; subject to rules.

No. We assist and connect you with regulated lenders.

Homeowner assistance is free; lenders may charge their own processing fees.

Yes; subsidy is credited later and can reduce outstanding principal.

ID, address, bills, income proof, quotation and subsidy application number.