Rooftop Solar Installation Guide: Residential consumers can apply for a subsidy before installing rooftop solar through the Government of India's PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Rooftop solar can generate electricity for 20–25 years with proper planning and installation. It can also significantly reduce electricity bills.

Rooftop Solar Installation Guide: A large number of people are now turning to installing rooftop solar plants on their homes.

Rooftop Solar Installation Guide: During the scorching summer season, the constant use of air conditioners (ACs), coolers, and fans significantly increases electricity bills. This impacts the budget of ordinary people. Amid ever-rising electricity rates, a growing number of people are now turning to installing rooftop solar plants on their homes. The government is also promoting solar energy through various ambitious schemes, under which consumers can benefit from attractive subsidies.

Residential consumers can apply for subsidies through the Government of India's PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Rooftop solar can generate electricity for 20–25 years with proper planning and installation. It can also significantly reduce electricity bills.

What is rooftop solar?

Rooftop solar is a system where solar panels are installed on your roof and the electricity generated is used directly at your home. Excess electricity can be sent to the grid, a practice called net metering.

Still, many people don't know the proper process for installing a solar system at home. What preparations are required, and how to choose the right system for their needs. Solar energy expert Omkar Singh Rajpurohit has shared a detailed guide on this topic.

How does it work?

Solar panels – convert sunlight into electricity.

Inverter – Converts DC electricity to AC electricity.

Mounting Structure – Fixes the panels firmly to the ceiling.

Net Meter – Keeps track of electricity drawn from and sent to the grid.

Safety Devices- MCB, SPD, Earthing etc.

How to understand the entire process of installing a rooftop solar plant in 10 easy steps:-

1. Analyze power consumption

View your last 12 months electricity bills and find out the average monthly unit consumption.

2. Inspect the roof

Make sure the terrace has enough space and receives good sunlight throughout the day.

3. Select the correct capacity (kW)

Choose a system with a capacity of 1 kW, 3 kW, 5 kW or larger depending on your power consumption.

4. Select the type of system

On-Grid

Off-Grid

Hybrid

5. Choose a reliable vendor/installer

Contact an experienced and certified solar company.

6. Check cost and subsidy details

Understand the process of availing government schemes and subsidies available.

7. Get a technical survey done

A site survey is conducted by the installer, which checks the roof, wiring and load capacity.

8. Installation of Solar System

The panels, inverter, mounting structure and safety devices are installed.

9. Complete the net metering process

Get a net meter installed from the local electricity distribution company (DISCOM) so that the surplus power can be adjusted.

10. Testing and Maintenance

Perform regular cleaning, inspection, and performance monitoring once the system is operational.

How much space is needed on the roof?

1 kW → 80–100 square feet

3 kW → 250–300 sq ft

5 kW → 400–500 sq ft

10 kW → 800–1000 sq ft

The roof should receive adequate sunlight throughout the day and there should be minimal shade.

How much savings in electricity bill?

Generally, electricity bills can be reduced by 70%-100%.

Many homes recover the investment in 3–6 years.

The panels have a lifespan of approximately 25 years or more.

How does net metering work?

If your solar system generates more electricity than your home needs during the day, the excess goes back into the grid. At night, you draw electricity from the grid. The two are adjusted at the end of the month.

How to maintain?

Clean the panels every 15–30 days.

Check wiring and earthing once a year.

Inverters typically last 8–12 years.

The system can be monitored from a mobile app.

Benefits of installing solar panels

There will be huge savings in electricity bill.

This will be better for the environment.

This can increase the value of your property.

Power generation will increase for 20–25 years.

You will get government subsidy for this.

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