Frequently Asked Questions

Typical residential solar installation takes 2-5 days from start to finish. This includes:

• Site Survey & Design: 1-2 days
• Material Procurement: 3-5 days
• Installation: 1-3 days
• Grid Connection & Net Metering: 7-15 days (depending on local DISCOM)

Total timeline from booking to grid connection is usually 2-3 weeks for residential systems.

Yes, for grid-connected solar systems, you need approval from your local electricity distribution company (DISCOM). The Solar House handles all documentation and approvals on your behalf, including:

• Net metering application
• Technical feasibility approval
• Inspection and commissioning
• Net meter installation

This process typically takes 7-15 working days.

The total cost varies based on system size and type:

• 1kW Residential System: ₹55,000 - ₹65,000 (after subsidy: ₹33,000 - ₹39,000)
• 3kW Residential System: ₹1,65,000 - ₹1,95,000 (after subsidy: ₹1,00,000 - ₹1,20,000)
• 5kW Residential System: ₹2,75,000 - ₹3,25,000 (after subsidy: ₹2,20,000 - ₹2,60,000)
• Commercial/Industrial: ₹40,000 - ₹50,000 per kW (no subsidy, but tax benefits apply)

Cost includes: Solar panels, inverter, mounting structure, wiring, installation, and 5-year warranty.

The solar subsidy in Gujarat is available through the national portal. Steps to apply:

1. Register on the national solar portal (https://solarrooftop.gov.in)
2. Select your DISCOM (MGVCL, DGVCL, UGVCL, PGVCL)
3. Submit application with required documents
4. Get technical feasibility approval
5. Install system with empaneled vendor like The Solar House
6. Submit installation report and claim subsidy

Note: The Solar House assists with complete subsidy application process at no extra cost.

The payback period for solar panels in Gujarat is typically:

• Residential Systems: 3-5 years after subsidy
• Commercial Systems: 4-6 years
• Industrial Systems: 3-5 years

After the payback period, you get free electricity for 20+ years. With rising electricity rates, the savings increase every year, making the ROI even better.

In Gujarat, 1kW of solar panel generates approximately 4.5-5.5 units (kWh) per day. Annual generation per kW:

• 1kW system: 1,600 - 1,900 units/year
• 3kW system: 4,800 - 5,700 units/year
• 5kW system: 8,000 - 9,500 units/year
• 10kW system: 16,000 - 19,000 units/year

Actual generation depends on roof orientation, shading, and seasonal variations.

Solar panels should be cleaned every 15-30 days for optimal performance. Dust accumulation can reduce efficiency by 10-25%. In Gujarat, with higher dust levels, we recommend:

• Manual Cleaning: Every 15-20 days
• Automatic Cleaning System: Daily scheduled cleaning
• Professional Cleaning Service: Monthly or quarterly

The Solar House offers professional cleaning services and automatic cleaning system installation starting at ₹1500 per kW.

Solar systems require minimal maintenance. Regular upkeep includes:

• Panel Cleaning: Remove dust and bird droppings
• Inverter Check: Monitor for error messages
• Annual Servicing: Professional inspection of connections and components
• Monitoring: Track generation through mobile app

The Solar House offers annual maintenance contracts (AMC) starting at ₹2,500/year for residential systems.

It depends on the type of system:

• On-Grid System: Shuts down during power cuts for safety reasons. No backup.
• Hybrid System: Works during power cuts with battery backup. Powers essential loads.
• Off-Grid System: Completely independent, works during all power cuts.

We recommend hybrid systems for areas with frequent power cuts to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar system owners for the electricity they add to the grid. How it works:

• When your solar system generates excess power, it flows to the grid
• Your meter runs backward, crediting your account
• When you need more power than solar generates, you draw from the grid
• At month-end, you pay only for the "net" consumption (import - export)

In Gujarat, net metering is available for systems up to 10kW for residential and up to 1MW for commercial/industrial.