SolarCalculatorsSolar for Housing Societies & RWAs in India (2026)
Rooftop solar on a housing society's terrace is one of the fastest-payback investments a Resident Welfare Association (RWA) can make. Societies typically spend ₹15,000–₹80,000 a month on common-area electricity — lifts, lobby and staircase lighting, common water pumps, CCTV, and security systems — all of which run through daylight hours when solar generates the most power. A well-sized society solar plant can offset 60–90% of this common-area bill, with payback typically in 3–5 years.
Common Area Subsidy for Housing Societies
Several state renewable energy agencies and DISCOMs offer a dedicated per-kW subsidy for group housing society common-area solar plants, distinct from the individual-home PM Surya Ghar subsidy (which is capped at ₹78,000 for a single household connection and doesn't apply to society common-area meters). Historically this has taken the form of a fixed amount per kW (commonly cited around ₹18,000–₹20,000/kW, up to an aggregate cap such as 500 kW) for grid-connected group housing solar. These schemes vary by state and change over time — always verify the current amount with your state renewable energy agency or DISCOM before budgeting.
Group / Virtual Net Metering — How It Works for Societies
A society solar plant is installed on the common terrace and connected to the society's common-area electricity meter (not individual flat meters) via net metering. Surplus units generated during the day are exported to the grid and credited against the common-area bill, which is settled at the end of each billing cycle. Some states also support virtual net metering, letting a society's rooftop generation be credited proportionally across its own individual flat connections as well — check with your DISCOM on whether this is available in your area, since rules differ significantly by state.
Typical Society Solar Costs & Payback
| Society Size | Recommended System | EPC Cost | Annual Savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small (2–4 towers, 1–2 lifts) | 10–15 kW | ₹6–₹9L | ₹1.5–₹2.2L/yr | 4–4.5 yrs |
| Mid-size (5–8 towers) | 25–40 kW | ₹14–₹22L | ₹3.5–₹5.5L/yr | 3.5–4 yrs |
| Large township (10+ towers) | 50–100 kW | ₹27–₹50L | ₹7–₹14L/yr | 3–4 yrs |
Figures are indicative EPC-cost ranges for 2026 and vary by roof condition, structure type, and city. State common-area subsidy (where available) shortens payback further.
Getting Society Approval — What the Managing Committee Needs
- Board/AGM resolution: Most RWAs need a formal resolution passed at a general body meeting authorizing the solar installation and associated expenditure.
- Terrace structural assessment: Get a structural engineer or your installer to confirm the terrace can bear the additional load, especially on older buildings.
- Common-area electricity connection details: Your installer will need the society's common-area meter number and sanctioned load to apply for net metering.
- DISCOM net-metering application: Filed by your empanelled installer on your behalf, including bi-directional meter installation.
- Cost-sharing decision: Societies typically fund this via a one-time special maintenance contribution, a corpus fund, or a solar loan repaid through slightly adjusted monthly maintenance.
Related: Subsidy Calculator | State-wise Subsidy Guide | EMI Calculator | Group Net Metering Guide (Blog)