Solar Energy in Guwahati: Complete 2026 Guide
Guwahati is Northeast India's largest city and gateway to the Seven Sisters. Despite lower irradiance (4.2 hrs/day due to heavy monsoons), Assam's additional state subsidy and high tariff still give a reasonable 6–7 year payback. With electricity tariffs charged by APDCL at ₹6.20/unit and rising every year, switching to rooftop solar is now the single best financial decision a Guwahati household can make in 2026.
Solar Potential: How Much Can You Generate in Guwahati?
Guwahati receives approximately 4.2 peak sun hours per day (based on MNRE solar radiation data for this region). This means every 1 kW of rooftop solar installed here generates about 1,278 units of electricity per year.
For a typical 3 kW system — the most popular size for a 2–3 BHK home — you can expect:
- ~10.5 units per day on average (higher in summer, lower in monsoon)
- 3,832 units per year
- ₹1,953/month savings on your APDCL electricity bill
- Payback period: ~4.4 years after PM Surya Ghar subsidy
PM Surya Ghar Subsidy for Guwahati Residents
Residents of Guwahati in Assam are fully eligible for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The central government provides a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) subsidy directly to your bank account:
- Up to 2 kW system: ₹30,000/kW (total ₹60,000 for 2 kW)
- 2 kW to 3 kW: ₹18,000/kW for the additional capacity
- Above 3 kW: No additional central subsidy — but net metering earnings continue
- Maximum central subsidy: ₹78,000 for a 3 kW system
State subsidy note: Assam offers an additional state subsidy of up to ₹15,000 per residential system installed under the Assam Rooftop Solar Policy, on top of central PM Surya Ghar.
Cost & Savings Table — Guwahati (2026)
| System Size | Gross Cost | Subsidy | Net Cost | Annual Generation | Monthly Savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | ₹60,000 | ₹30,000 | ₹30,000 | ~1,278 units | ₹651/month | 3.8 yrs |
| 2 kW | ₹120,000 | ₹60,000 | ₹60,000 | ~2,555 units | ₹1,302/month | 3.8 yrs |
| 3 kW | ₹180,000 | ₹78,000 | ₹102,000 | ~3,832 units | ₹1,953/month | 4.4 yrs |
| 5 kW | ₹300,000 | ₹78,000 | ₹222,000 | ~6,388 units | ₹3,255/month | 5.7 yrs |
| 10 kW | ₹600,000 | ₹78,000 | ₹522,000 | ~12,775 units | ₹6,510/month | 6.7 yrs |
* Costs are indicative estimates for Guwahati as of 2026. Actual prices vary by brand (Waaree, Adani, Tata, Vikram). Savings calculated at ₹6.20/unit tariff. Use our cost calculator for personalised estimates.
Your DISCOM: APDCL
In Guwahati, electricity distribution and net metering for rooftop solar is managed by APDCL (Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd). Here's what you need to know about solar net metering under APDCL:
- Net metering limit: up to 500 kW per consumer connection
- Meter type: Bi-directional smart meter (provided and installed by APDCL)
- Billing cycle: Monthly — excess units exported to grid are credited against your consumption
- Annual settlement: Any remaining credit units are carried forward; some DISCOMs pay a feed-in tariff for net annual export
- Application portal: apdcl.org
Step-by-Step: How to Get Solar in Guwahati
- Check your eligibility: Use our Subsidy Calculator to see the exact PM Surya Ghar amount for your home's load and Assam location.
- Size your system: Use the Panel Requirement Calculator — enter your monthly bill in units. Most Guwahati households need a 2–4 kW system.
- Register on the National Portal: Go to pmsuryaghar.gov.in, register with your Aadhaar and APDCL consumer number.
- Choose an MNRE-empanelled installer from the portal's vendor list — do not use non-empanelled vendors as your subsidy will be blocked.
- Get installation done: Typical completion time in Guwahati: 2–4 days for a residential system.
- Submit inspection documents to APDCL for net meter installation (usually within 15–30 days).
- Receive subsidy: DBT credit directly to your bank account within 30 days of net meter commissioning.
Solar ROI Analysis for Guwahati
Here's a quick back-of-envelope calculation for a typical Guwahati household:
- Monthly electricity bill before solar: ~₹1,550 (250 units/month)
- 3 kW solar system generates ~315 units/month
- Monthly bill after solar: near ₹0 (net metering covers remaining consumption)
- Monthly savings: ₹1,953
- Annual savings: ₹23,436
- 25-year savings (at 5% tariff escalation): ₹615,000+
Want the exact numbers for your home? Use our Solar ROI Calculator and Solar Loan EMI Calculator if you're considering financing.
Nearby Cities Also Exploring Solar
If you found this guide useful, also check our guides for nearby cities: Kolkata, Patna, Bhubaneswar — each with city-specific DISCOM, tariff, and cost data.
For state-level subsidy policy in Assam, see our Assam Solar Calculator.