A rooftop solar system converts sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on your roof. For most Indian households the system is grid-connected: it feeds your home during the day, exports surplus to the grid, and draws from the grid at night.
Main components
- Solar panels – generate DC electricity.
- Inverter – converts DC to AC used by your appliances.
- Mounting structure – holds panels at the right tilt and protects against wind.
- Net meter – a bi-directional meter that records import and export.
- Cabling, earthing and protection devices.
Grid-connected vs off-grid vs hybrid
Grid-connected (on-grid) systems have no batteries and are the most economical choice where the grid is reliable. Off-grid systems use batteries and are independent of the grid. Hybrid systems combine both and provide backup during outages at a higher cost.
Is your roof suitable?
Shade-free area, roof orientation (south-facing is ideal in India), roof strength and access for maintenance all matter. A 1 kW system typically needs roughly 80–100 sq ft of shade-free area, depending on panel efficiency.
Typical steps
- Study your electricity bills and decide a capacity.
- Get quotes from empanelled or reputed installers.
- Apply for net metering / scheme approval as required by your DISCOM.
- Installation, inspection and net-meter commissioning.
Please verify the latest applicable rules with the relevant official authority. Scheme details, subsidy amounts, DISCOM procedures and net-metering rules change from time to time and vary by state.