Over the past few years, solar energy has turned into one of the fastest-growing renewable power sources. It’s clean, sustainable, and helps cut down your electricity bills for good. But if you’re like most homeowners, you’ve probably wondered — how do I actually install rooftop solar panels, especially under a government scheme that offers subsidies?
In India, rooftop solar adoption is rising quickly. People are realising it’s not just about saving money, but also about energy independence and sustainability. Still, many hesitate because of the initial installation cost and confusion around approvals, vendors, and government paperwork.
So, let’s break it down. Here’s a simple, realistic step-by-step guide that explains how to install rooftop solar panels under a government scheme — without getting lost in jargon or red tape.
1. Decide You’re Ready to Go Solar
Before you jump in, ask yourself why you want solar panels. Is it to reduce your electricity bill? Or to go fully green?
Check if your roof gets enough sunlight — ideally 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight every day with minimal shade from trees or nearby buildings. A shaded roof will lower your power output.
Also, look at the roof’s condition. Is it strong enough to hold solar panels and their mounting structure? Fix any leaks or weak spots before installation. Doing this early saves you a lot of headaches later.
2. Explore Government Schemes and Subsidies
Now, here’s the best part — you don’t have to pay for everything yourself. The Government of India offers several schemes to make rooftop solar affordable for homeowners.
One of the most popular is the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, under which:
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You can get a subsidy of up to ₹78,000 for a system up to 3 kW.
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Larger systems also qualify for tiered subsidies.
This scheme is part of the MNRE’s (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy) “Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme.”
To apply, visit your state DISCOM portal or the national portal — solarrooftop.gov.in. After approval, you can select a vendor, complete installation, and claim your subsidy.
Pro tip: Always choose an MNRE-approved vendor so your subsidy claim goes smoothly.
3. Understand the Financing Options
Even after subsidies, solar systems can feel like a big investment — but the good news is, there are many financing options available now.
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Solar Loans: Offered by major banks and NBFCs at low interest rates.
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No-Cost EMI or Finance Schemes: Some solar companies partner with finance firms so you can pay monthly instead of upfront.
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Leasing / PPA (Power Purchase Agreement): The company installs the panels, and you pay only for the power you use.
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EMI Payments: You install first, and repay monthly — all while enjoying lower electricity bills.
When combined with the government subsidy, these options make solar panels more budget-friendly than ever.
4. Step-by-Step Process to Install Rooftop Solar Panels
Let’s go through the actual process so you know what to expect.
Step A: Site Survey & Vendor Selection
Choose a reliable, MNRE-empanelled vendor. They’ll check your roof’s structure, direction, and shading to design the right system size. Then they’ll send you a proposal showing:
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Total system capacity (kW)
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Estimated generation per month
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Equipment details and warranty
Step B: Apply for Subsidy & Net Metering
Apply through the national solar rooftop portal or your DISCOM. You’ll need:
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Latest electricity bill
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Property ownership proof
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Bank details
Your DISCOM will review the application and issue approval for grid connection (net metering).
Step C: Installation Work
Now comes the exciting part! The vendor installs the mounting structure and panels, sets up the inverter, and completes all electrical connections. A bi-directional meter will also be installed to measure how much power you export to the grid.
Step D: Inspection & Subsidy Disbursement
After installation, your DISCOM team inspects the setup. Once approved, your subsidy is directly credited to your account. Your vendor will also hand over manuals, warranty papers, and maintenance info.
Step E: Maintenance & Monitoring
Solar panels need little care — just clean them occasionally and check the inverter status. Most companies offer annual maintenance plans, so make sure you get one.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Installing solar panels is pretty straightforward, but a few small mistakes can cause big problems later:
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Don’t pick the cheapest vendor without checking their credentials. Always go with MNRE-approved installers.
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Don’t ignore roof shading or direction — it can reduce efficiency by 20–30%.
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Don’t skip permission and net-metering — every grid-connected system needs approval.
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Don’t mix brands of panels and inverters without checking compatibility.
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Always keep your warranty papers and subsidy documents safe.
6. Cost & Time You Can Expect
Here’s a rough idea of what you’ll deal with in 2025:
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Design & Site Survey: 1–3 weeks
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Approval & Material Procurement: 3–8 weeks
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Installation & Testing: 1–2 weeks for homes
Cost Estimate:
For a 3 kW grid-connected rooftop solar system, expect ₹2.1–2.5 lakh before subsidy. After applying the PM Surya Ghar subsidy, you could save around ₹75,000–₹78,000 instantly.
So, in simple terms, you’ll recover your cost in 3–5 years, and then enjoy free power for the next 20 years!
7. Final Thoughts
Installing rooftop solar panels under a government scheme isn’t as hard as it sounds. Once you understand the process, it’s actually simple — apply, get approved, install, and start saving.
Think of it not just as buying panels, but as an investment in long-term savings and a greener future.
If you pick a good installer, apply on time, and follow the steps correctly, your solar setup will work efficiently for years — powering your home and helping the planet.