Solar for Housing Societies in India
Apartment complexes and housing societies can save massively on common area electricity bills (lifts, pumps, lights, clubhouse) with rooftop solar. With group net metering, even individual flat owners can benefit.
Two Models for Society Solar
Model 1: Common Area Solar
- Solar installed on terrace powers lifts, pumps, corridor lights
- Savings go directly to maintenance account
- Typical saving: ₹15,000–₹60,000/month depending on society size
- ROI: 3–5 years
- Easiest to implement — single connection, no individual billing complexity
Model 2: Group Net Metering (Individual Flat Benefits)
- Common solar installation, units distributed to individual flat accounts
- Available in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi
- Each flat gets proportional solar credit on their electricity bill
- More complex but maximum benefit for all residents
How to Get Society Approval
- Raise in AGM (Annual General Meeting) — pass resolution with majority
- Get rooftop structural assessment
- Obtain 3 quotes from MNRE-empanelled installers
- Society committee signs agreement with installer
- Apply for DISCOM permission (net metering or group net metering)
- Installation typically takes 3–7 days
Typical Society Solar Costs
| Society Size | Recommended Capacity | Cost | Monthly Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (20–50 flats) | 10–30 kW | ₹5–15 Lakhs | ₹8,000–₹25,000 |
| Medium (50–200 flats) | 30–100 kW | ₹15–50 Lakhs | ₹25,000–₹80,000 |
| Large (200+ flats) | 100–500 kW | ₹50–250 Lakhs | ₹80,000–₹4,00,000 |
Real Examples
- Mumbai Housing Society (80 flats): 50 kW system, saving ₹45,000/month on common area bills. Payback in 4 years.
- Bangalore Apartment (150 flats): 100 kW with group net metering. Each flat saves ₹800–₹1,200/month.
- Delhi RWA (40 flats): 20 kW system. Common area bills reduced from ₹18,000 to ₹4,000/month.