☀️ Rooftop Solar ROI Calculator

Find your solar payback period and lifetime savings

Payback Period
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Annual Savings
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25-Year Total Savings
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Rooftop Solar ROI Calculator — Is Solar Worth It in India?

With the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana subsidy scheme making rooftop solar more affordable than ever, many Indian households are evaluating whether a solar installation pays for itself. This calculator estimates your payback period and long-term savings based on your actual electricity usage.

How Solar Savings Work

A rooftop solar system generates electricity during daylight hours, directly offsetting what you'd otherwise buy from the grid. Any excess generation can often be exported to the grid under net-metering schemes (varies by state), earning credits against your bill.

Typical Generation in India

A well-positioned rooftop system in most parts of India generates approximately 4 units (kWh) per kW of installed capacity per day, accounting for daylight hours, weather, and panel efficiency. A 3kW system, for example, would generate roughly 12 units/day or 360 units/month.

The PM Surya Ghar Subsidy

The central government subsidy scheme significantly reduces upfront solar costs for residential installations up to 3kW, with additional state-level subsidies in many regions. This calculator should use your post-subsidy system cost for the most accurate payback estimate.

Beyond Pure Financial ROI

Solar also provides protection against rising electricity tariffs (which have historically increased 3-5% annually), reduces dependency on grid power during outages (when paired with battery storage), and contributes to lower carbon footprint — benefits not captured in pure payback period calculations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do solar panels actually last? +
Most reputable solar panels carry 25-year performance warranties, guaranteeing at least 80% of original output even after 25 years. Many panels continue producing usable electricity well beyond this warranty period, just at gradually reduced efficiency.
What is net metering and does it matter for this calculation? +
Net metering allows you to export excess solar generation to the grid and receive credit, effectively using the grid as a 'battery'. Availability and credit rates vary significantly by state utility — check your local DISCOM's net metering policy, as it affects your actual realized savings.
Does cloudy weather or monsoon season significantly reduce solar output? +
Yes, generation drops 30-50% during heavy monsoon/cloud cover compared to clear sunny days. The 4 units/kW/day average used in this calculator already accounts for annual weather variation across most of India.
Is rooftop solar worth it if I don't own my home? +
Generally no, unless you have a long-term lease and landlord approval, since the payback period (typically 4-7 years) requires you to remain in the property to realize the savings. Solar makes the most sense for owned properties or long-term rentals with landlord buy-in.