Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can our society save with solar?
A housing society can typically cut electricity costs for common facilities — lifts, lighting, water pumps, corridors — by 70–90%, and individual flat owners can save similarly on their own consumption if they opt in. Exact savings depend on total rooftop area, sanctioned load, and how consumption is split across common areas and individual flats.
Is there a government subsidy for housing societies?
Yes. Under PM Surya Ghar Yojana, Group Housing Societies/Resident Welfare Associations (GHS/RWAs) are eligible for subsidy on solar installed for common facilities, calculated at a fixed rate per kW, up to a defined capacity limit based on the number of houses in the society. Individual flat owners can also apply separately for their own connections. Our team confirms the exact applicable rate and cap at the time of your application.
How do we apply for the subsidy?
SSHM handles the entire application on your society's behalf — registration on the national rooftop solar portal, DISCOM feasibility approval, installation compliance, net metering, and final subsidy claim submission — so your managing committee doesn't have to navigate the process alone.
Does our society need an AGM (Annual General Meeting) approval to install solar?
In most cases, yes — since solar installation involves common property (rooftop/terrace) and shared costs, society bylaws typically require a resolution passed in an AGM or a special general body meeting before proceeding. SSHM can support your committee with technical details and proposals needed to present to residents.
What is the typical payback period for a solar system?
Most housing society solar installations achieve payback within 3–5 years, after which the system continues generating electricity at little to no ongoing cost for 20+ more years.
What happens if solar generation is lower than expected?
This is usually a sign of an issue — dust build-up, shading, a faulty panel, or an inverter fault. Our AMC and thermal diagnostic services identify the exact cause quickly, and our maintenance team resolves it so your system returns to its expected output.
How much rooftop space is needed for a solar installation?
As a general guide, 1 kW of solar typically requires around 80–100 sq. ft. of shadow-free area. Our free site survey measures your society's actual usable terrace/rooftop area and tells you the maximum feasible system size.
What are the different financing options available?
Societies can fund solar through society corpus/sinking funds, a one-time contribution from residents, a bank/NBFC loan against the installation, or an OPEX model where a developer owns the plant and the society simply pays a lower per-unit rate for electricity consumed — with little to no upfront cost.
How do we ensure the safety and longevity of the solar installation?
SSHM uses galvanised mounting structures engineered for wind speeds up to 180 km/h, proper earthing and electrical safety compliance, and certified installation practices. Combined with regular AMC maintenance, this ensures the system remains safe and performs reliably for 25+ years.
What maintenance does a solar system require?
Maintenance needs are minimal — mainly periodic panel cleaning and an annual inspection of wiring, structure, and inverter health. SSHM's AMC plans handle this on a scheduled basis so your managing committee doesn't need to coordinate it manually.
Which solar panel is best for residential societies?
For most housing societies, high-efficiency Mono PERC panels offer the best balance of performance, durability, and cost. Our team recommends the specific panel capacity and type based on your society's available rooftop area and total load requirement.
What is the procedure to get permission from the society to build solar in the society?
Typically, a resident or the managing committee proposes the project, SSHM provides a technical and financial feasibility report, the proposal is presented and discussed in a general body meeting, and a formal resolution is passed approving the installation, cost-sharing method, and appointed vendor.
What is the PM Surya Ghar Yojana for a housing society?
For housing societies, the scheme extends beyond individual homes to cover solar installed on shared rooftop space for common facilities — subject to a defined subsidy rate and total capacity cap based on the number of housing units. Individual flat owners with independent meters can also apply for their own subsidy separately, making it possible for a society to combine both approaches.
Ready to Start Your Solar Journey?
Whether you're planning a residential installation, a commercial solar project, or need expert engineering and drone services, our team is here to help.