Rooftop Solar for Apartments & Societies
The ₹18,000 per kW subsidy for common areas, savings on lifts, pumps and lighting, how to get association approval, and how to size the system.
Rainbow Solar Energy Team
7 min read
Updated
In this article
Key takeaways
- Housing societies and RWAs get ₹18,000 per kW under PM Surya Ghar for common facilities.
- Solar on the common terrace cuts the common-area bill: lifts, pumps, lighting, STP and EV charging.
- Lower common bills mean lower maintenance charges for every resident.
- You need a general body resolution and the common-service connection in the association's name.
In most apartment complexes, the common-area electricity bill is one of the largest items in the monthly maintenance charge. A rooftop solar system on the common terrace can cut it sharply, and the government pays a good part of the cost.
Subsidy for housing societies
Under PM Surya Ghar, Group Housing Societies and Resident Welfare Associations get ₹18,000 per kW for systems that power common facilities, including EV charging, within the limits set by the scheme. Read the full rules in our PM Surya Ghar guide.
| Society size | Typical common-area use | Suggested system | Subsidy (₹18,000/kW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 24 flats | 1,000 – 2,000 units/month | 10 – 15 kW | ₹1.8 – ₹2.7 lakh |
| 24 – 60 flats | 2,500 – 5,000 units/month | 25 – 40 kW | ₹4.5 – ₹7.2 lakh |
| 60 – 150 flats | 5,000 – 10,000 units/month | 40 – 80 kW | ₹7.2 – ₹14.4 lakh |
Indicative. Sizing depends on lifts, pumps, STP, lighting and available terrace area.
What can society solar power?
- Lifts and common lighting
- Water pumps and the sewage treatment plant (STP)
- Gym, clubhouse and security cabins
- EV charging points in the parking area
Individual flat owners usually can't put panels on a shared terrace for their own meter without the association's permission. Common-area solar is the simplest way for everyone to benefit.
Getting association approval
- Free survey and proposalWe survey the terrace and common-area bills and present savings, subsidy and payback.
- Committee presentationWe answer residents' questions on cost, safety, terrace use and maintenance.
- General body resolutionThe association passes a resolution to install solar and authorises the office-bearers.
- ApplicationWe file the net meter and subsidy applications for the common-service connection.
- InstallationMost society systems are installed in a few days, often over a weekend.
Common concerns, answered
- “We use the terrace.” Elevated structures keep it usable underneath.
- “Will it cause leaks?” We use ballasted or chemically anchored structures with waterproofing.
- “Who maintains it?” An AMC covers cleaning, checks and monitoring reports for the committee.
Get a proposal for your society
Free terrace survey, savings report and a presentation for your committee.
See space requirements in how much roof space do you need, or explore our housing society solar page.
Written by our solar engineers and subsidy specialists, who design and install rooftop systems for homes, societies and businesses across Tamil Nadu. Figures are indicative and reviewed regularly; your free site survey gives exact numbers for your roof.
