Solar questions, answered
Straight answers on plant sizing, roofs, subsidy, net metering, zero-investment solar and maintenance, from a team that has been in power solutions since 1996.
Basics
Can a solar plant work without any other power source?
A grid-tied plant needs a reference voltage from the grid, because solar output varies constantly. Without it the plant will not generate, even in bright sun. A hybrid plant can synchronise with the grid, a DG set or batteries, and an off-grid plant runs from its battery bank.
What components make up a grid-tied solar system?
Solar PV modules (panels), a grid-tied inverter, mounting structure, cabling and protection equipment, and a bidirectional net meter. Batteries are added only if you need storage.
What does a solar inverter do?
Panels produce direct current (DC). The inverter converts it into grid-quality alternating current (AC) that your equipment can use and that can be fed into the MSEDCL grid.
Do I need MSEDCL permission to connect a plant to the grid?
Yes. Grid-connected plants need MSEDCL approval and a net or bidirectional meter. We prepare and file the application and paperwork for you.
Will installation interrupt my business?
Rarely. Most work happens on the roof or the ground where the array goes. We coordinate deliveries, material storage and crane use with your team, and schedule the final electrical tie-in around your operations.
How long does installation take?
It depends on plant size and site. A small rooftop system can often be installed within a day or two, while larger commercial and industrial plants take longer. We share a schedule with the proposal.
I rent my premises. Can I still install solar?
Yes, with written, notarised permission from the property owner.
What is the price of solar per kW?
For homes, rooftop solar typically costs ₹55,000–60,000 per kW before subsidy (a 3 kW system is about ₹1.8 lakh, or about ₹1 lakh after the ₹78,000 PM Surya Ghar subsidy). Commercial and industrial plants cost about ₹33,000–45,000 per kW depending on size. Get an exact free quotation after a site visit.
How much subsidy do I get for home solar?
Under PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, homes get ₹30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW and ₹18,000 for the 3rd kW — ₹30,000 for 1 kW, ₹60,000 for 2 kW and a maximum of ₹78,000 for 3 kW or more. Housing societies get ₹18,000 per kW for common facilities.
What size of solar system do I need?
Check the units (kWh) on your monthly bill. 1 kW produces about 120 units a month, so a home using 300 units needs about 2.5–3 kW. Our free calculator and site survey size it exactly.
Where do you install?
We are based in Nashik and install for homes, businesses and industry wherever our customers are, with local support and service.
What is the zero-investment (OPEX) model?
We invest in, install, own and maintain the plant on your roof or land. You pay only for the solar units you use, at a fixed tariff below your grid rate — no upfront cost.
What is net metering?
A bidirectional meter records the power you export to the grid, and the DISCOM bills you only for the net units you consume. We handle the net-metering application.
What is the GST on solar now?
Since 22 September 2025, GST on solar panels and systems is 5% (down from 12%). On a typical turnkey EPC contract the effective rate is about 8.9%.
Can businesses claim tax benefits?
Yes. Businesses that own a solar plant can claim accelerated depreciation of 40% on solar power systems. Confirm with your chartered accountant.
Do you supply panels, inverters and batteries to dealers?
Yes. We are distributors and dealers of solar panels, inverters, batteries and UPS, and supply installers, dealers and companies.
Are the consultation, analysis and site survey really free?
Yes. Consultation, savings analysis, site visit and quotation are free, with no obligation.
Sizing & roof
How much roof area do I need?
About 100 sq. ft. of shade-free roof for every 1 kW. A 3 kW home system needs about 300 sq. ft.
How do you work out the right plant size?
Solar generates only in the day, so we size the plant on daytime consumption, not your total bill. An easy check is to note your meter reading at 10 am and 4 pm for a few days; the difference is your daytime use. We also consider roof space, sanctioned load and net-metering rules.
Does the roof have to be completely shade-free?
For the best output, yes. Trees, water tanks or neighbouring buildings that shade the panels, or drop debris on them, reduce generation. We map shading during the site survey.
Does my roof need to face south?
No. A south-facing orientation gives the most output in Maharashtra, but most flat roofs and many east- or west-facing roofs still work well. Our designer checks this at the survey.
Money & subsidy
Do factories and commercial buildings get a capital subsidy?
The PM Surya Ghar subsidy is for homes and housing societies. Industrial and commercial plants recover their cost through bill savings and, when owned, tax benefits such as accelerated depreciation. If you prefer not to invest at all, the OPEX model needs no capital.
Can businesses claim accelerated depreciation?
Yes. A business that owns its solar plant can claim accelerated depreciation under the Income Tax Act to offset tax on profits. Please confirm the current rate and eligibility with your chartered accountant.
Will MSEDCL pay me for surplus power?
Under net metering, units you export are set off against units you import in your bill. How any surplus at the end of the settlement period is treated depends on the MSEDCL and MERC regulations in force, which we explain with your proposal.
Can I finance a solar plant?
Yes. We have tie-ups with banks and NBFCs for plant finance under the investment model, and the OPEX model needs no finance at all.
Performance & maintenance
How many units does 1 kW generate?
About 1,450–1,500 units per year (around 4 units a day). Actual output depends on sunny days, panel quality, orientation and maintenance.
What happens during a power cut?
A grid-tied plant switches off for the safety of line workers. A hybrid plant keeps running with batteries or a DG set. An off-grid plant runs critical loads from batteries day or night.
What warranty do panels carry?
Panels typically carry a manufacturing-defect warranty of at least 5 years (some brands up to 10) and a 25-year output warranty. Inverters and other components carry their own manufacturer warranties.
What affects how much my plant generates?
Outside factors are sunny days, solar irradiation, daytime temperature and air mass. Factors we control are plant location and layout, equipment quality, workmanship and operations & maintenance.
Should I add a battery?
For most grid-connected sites, no. Batteries add significant cost and a battery-tied system yields somewhat less energy than an equivalent grid-tied one. We recommend them where outages are long or the site is remote.
Is the system noisy?
No. Panels are silent, and inverters make about as much noise as a refrigerator. They are usually installed in an electrical or utility room.
What maintenance does a plant need?
Regular panel cleaning, periodic checks of the electrical system and performance monitoring. We monitor plants we install, and offer annual maintenance contracts with cleaning, preventive maintenance and remote monitoring.
Still have a question?
Talk to our engineers. We will look at your bill and site and give you a straight answer.