1. Why install solar power at home?
lower electricity bills, cleaner power, and more energy independence. Rooftop solar is a national priority in India — the government’s Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar Programme pushes widespread household adoption to add sizable decentralised capacity. Installing solar reduces the units you buy from the grid and lets you export surplus back (with net-metering rules in place).
Beyond savings, rooftop solar:
- Reduces exposure to rising electricity tariffs.
- Lowers your household carbon footprint.
- Can increase property value (buyers often value lower recurring costs).
(We’ll show examples below so you can see how these benefits convert to rupees.)
2. How much will it cost?
Costs vary by region, panel quality, inverter type and whether you include batteries. Recent market ranges for India show typical installed prices (before any subsidy) for a residential 5 kW grid-tied system around ₹3.15 lakh to ₹3.57 lakh (₹63k–71.4k per kW), depending on equipment and installation complexity. Use this as a planning figure; quotes from local installers will be exact for your roof.
Typical performance example (useful for budgeting): a 3 kW roof array in many Indian locations can generate roughly 360–375 units (kWh) per month — i.e., ~120–125 units per kW per month. That gives you a simple way to estimate savings from your monthly bill.
3. How to size a system for your home
Pick a system size by matching generation to your monthly usage. Short method:
- Look at your latest electric bills and note average monthly units (kWh).
- Assume ~110–130 units per kW per month (depends on shading, orientation, local sun). Using 120 units/kW/month is a reasonable mid-point for planning.
- Divide your monthly units by 120 to get a rough kW size.
Example: if your household uses 600 units/month → 600 ÷ 120 = 5 kW system (approx). A 5 kW system would therefore generate about 600 units/month and cover much of that consumption (exact share depends on when you consume electricity).
If you want to cover nighttime loads or ensure backup during outages, add batteries — but that raises costs and affects payback.
4. Main components explained
- Solar panels (PV modules): The physical panels on your roof. Look for 25-year performance warranties and manufacturer reputation.
- Inverter (string or hybrid): Converts DC to AC. For grid-tied homes choose a good quality string inverter; for battery systems choose a hybrid inverter.
- Mounting structure & civil work: Roof anchors, rails and waterproofing — this matters for roof health.
- Wiring, protections, ACDB/MCB, earthing.
- Net-meter (bi-directional) and utility interface: For export/import accounting.
- Optional battery bank: For backup or time-shifted use.
Always check panel and inverter warranties (product and performance warranties differ). Panels typically have 10–12 year product warranties and 25-year performance guarantees.
5. Installation process — what to expect (step-by-step)
A straightforward residential install typically follows these steps:
- Free site survey & load analysis — an installer checks roof area, shading, orientation, and your bills.
- Design & quote — system size, layout, equipment list and project cost.
- Permissions & net-meter application — you/installer apply to the local DISCOM for rooftop connection and net-metering approvals. (This step involves forms and timelines that vary by state/discom.)
- Procurement & delivery — panels, inverter and balance-of-system parts.
- Civil & electrical installation — mounting rails, panels, inverter and cabling.
- Inspection & commissioning — DISCOM inspects and installs bi-directional meter or modifies your meter as per net-metering rules.
- Activation & monitoring — system goes live; quality installers provide monitoring dashboards or apps.
Net-metering steps and timelines vary by state. A good installer will help you manage applications so commissioning is smooth and install solar power at home
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6. Financing, subsidies and payback
Subsidies & schemes
The central government runs residential rooftop support initiatives (the PM-level rooftop program and related portals) — there are central financial assistance windows and state-level top-ups in many locations. These schemes aim to reduce upfront cost and accelerate adoption; details and eligibility depend on scheme timelines and state rules, so check the national rooftop portal or your DISCOM for the latest.
Typical payback example (real numbers)
Using market price ranges and average generation you can estimate payback. Example (rounded planning numbers):
- System: 5 kW grid-tied
- Generation estimate: ~120 units/kW/month → 5 kW → 600 units/month.
- If your tariff is ₹8/unit, monthly saving = 600 × 8 = ₹4,800 → annual saving = 4,800 × 12 = ₹57,600.
- If installed cost ≈ ₹3.15–3.57 lakh, payback ≈ 5.5–5.8 years in this example (before any subsidy). Actual payback depends on tariff, hours of sun, and incentives.
Many homes see payback periods in the 4–7 year range when all factors are favorable (good sun, right sizing, and available incentives).
7. Maintenance & simple ways to keep performance high
- Clean panels 2–4 times/year or more if dusty/near trees. Use soft water and a long-handled squeegee.
- Monitor inverter health — many modern inverters report performance to an app; watch for drops in daily output.
- Annual visual check for loose bolts, wiring, and bird nesting.
- Keep trees trimmed to avoid shading — even partial shade can reduce output a lot.
Most systems require minimal maintenance; the inverter usually needs attention after ~8–12 years.
8. Why choose a local installer — why Xnergs (Porvorim, Goa)
Choosing a local, experienced installer gives you these advantages:
- Faster site survey, local permits and quicker DISCOM coordination.
- Knowledge of local roofing types, wind and monsoon-proof mounting.
- Local support for maintenance and warranty calls.
Xnergs is located at: Near O, Coquerio Circle, Chogam Road, Porvorim, Goa — website: xnergs.in — Phone: +91-8908905556. If you’re in Goa, reach out for a free site survey and state-specific subsidy advice — local guidance matters for net-metering and permissions.
9. Handy checklist
Quick decision checklist
- Do you have at least 40–50 sq ft of unshaded roof space per kW?
- Can you share 6–12 months of electricity bills for accurate sizing?
- Do you prefer zero upfront cost (RESCO/loan) or own-and-save?
- Check warranties: panels (≥25-year performance), inverter (≥5-10 year product) and workmanship.
10. Author & review box
Authored by: Industry content prepared in the voice of a solar consultant with 10 years working with residential PV systems in India.
Reviewed by: Xnergs — rooftop solar installers (Porvorim, Goa).
For a tailored site survey, contact: xnergs.in | +91-8908905556.
11. FAQ
Q1: How long till my panels start saving money?
Q2: Do I need permission from my electricity company?
Q3: Should I add batteries?
Q4: Will panels survive heavy monsoon winds and rain?
Q5: How long do panels last?
Q6: How do I get subsidies or support?
Final note & call to action
If you’re ready to install solar power at home or want a no-obligation site survey in Goa, Xnergs can do a free assessment, explain possible subsidies, and give a clear cost/benefit plan tailored to your roof and bills. Reach them at xnergs.in or +91-8908905556.