New Solar Plan – India is witnessing a major green energy revolution, and ordinary citizens now have a chance to turn their rooftops into income-generating assets. Under the government’s Solar Rooftop Yojana and Net Metering Policy, thousands of households are earning thousands to lakhs per month by selling excess electricity back to the grid. If you’re a homeowner, this could be your golden opportunity to earn steady passive income, while contributing to a cleaner planet.
What Is the Solar Rooftop Scheme?
The Solar Rooftop Scheme is a government-backed initiative aimed at promoting solar energy adoption across Indian households. It allows homeowners to install solar panels on their rooftops with up to 40% subsidy and sell surplus electricity to power distribution companies (DISCOMs) via net metering.
Key Features of the Scheme:
- Up to 40% subsidy for installation (for systems up to 3 kW)
- Net metering mechanism to sell surplus power
- Zero electricity bills for low-consumption households
- Opportunity to earn from unused electricity generation
- Approved vendors and standardized installation process
How You Can Earn Monthly Income from Solar Electricity
Once the solar panel system is set up, it generates electricity daily. Any excess electricity not used by your home is fed back into the main power grid. Through net metering, this surplus is monetized and credited to your electricity account or paid out in cash by DISCOMs, based on the power purchase agreement.
Monthly Earnings Potential Based on Capacity:
| System Size (kW) | Monthly Generation (kWh) | Monthly Savings (₹) | Monthly Earnings from Surplus (₹) | Combined Benefit (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | 120-140 | ₹800–₹1,000 | ₹300–₹500 | ₹1,100–₹1,500 |
| 2 kW | 240–280 | ₹1,600–₹2,000 | ₹600–₹1,000 | ₹2,200–₹3,000 |
| 3 kW | 360–420 | ₹2,400–₹3,000 | ₹900–₹1,500 | ₹3,300–₹4,500 |
| 5 kW | 600–700 | ₹4,000–₹5,000 | ₹1,500–₹2,500 | ₹5,500–₹7,500 |
| 8 kW | 960–1,120 | ₹6,400–₹8,000 | ₹2,400–₹4,000 | ₹8,800–₹12,000 |
| 10 kW | 1,200–1,400 | ₹8,000–₹10,000 | ₹3,000–₹5,000 | ₹11,000–₹15,000 |
| 15 kW | 1,800–2,100 | ₹12,000–₹15,000 | ₹4,500–₹7,500 | ₹16,500–₹22,500 |
| 20 kW | 2,400–2,800 | ₹16,000–₹20,000 | ₹6,000–₹10,000 | ₹22,000–₹30,000 |
Who Can Apply for the Solar Rooftop Plan?
This scheme is designed for residential users, but other categories like institutions, commercial buildings, and small businesses are also eligible under modified criteria.
Eligible Participants:
- Residential homeowners with roof space
- Housing societies and apartments
- Commercial units (non-residential)
- Schools, colleges, and NGOs
- Small and medium business owners
Basic Eligibility Conditions:
- Ownership of the property or roof
- Shadow-free rooftop of 100+ sq. ft.
- Existing electricity connection
- Compliance with DISCOM net metering rules
Benefits of Selling Solar Power from Home
Investing in solar energy not only helps you save electricity bills but also builds a recurring income stream. Here’s why this scheme is gaining popularity:
Major Benefits:
- High Returns: Monthly earnings up to ₹30,000 for large setups
- Government Support: Subsidies and approvals make it affordable
- Long-Term Income: Panels have 20–25 year life span
- Eco-Friendly: Helps reduce carbon footprint
- Property Value Boost: Increases resale value of homes
Subsidy & Installation Cost Breakdown
To make solar energy adoption affordable, the central government is offering significant financial support under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. Here’s how the cost and subsidy structure typically looks:
| System Size | Approx. Total Cost (₹) | Govt Subsidy (₹) | You Pay (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | ₹60,000–₹70,000 | ₹18,000–₹28,000 | ₹32,000–₹42,000 |
| 2 kW | ₹1,20,000–₹1,40,000 | ₹36,000–₹56,000 | ₹84,000–₹1,04,000 |
| 3 kW | ₹1,80,000–₹2,10,000 | ₹54,000–₹84,000 | ₹1,26,000–₹1,56,000 |
| 5 kW | ₹3,00,000–₹3,50,000 | ₹75,000–₹1,00,000 | ₹2,25,000–₹2,75,000 |
| 10 kW | ₹6,00,000–₹7,00,000 | ₹1,00,000 | ₹5,00,000–₹6,00,000 |
How to Apply for the Rooftop Solar Plan?
Applying for the rooftop solar subsidy scheme is simple and can be done online via the National Portal for Rooftop Solar.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Visit the official portal: solarrooftop.gov.in
- Choose your state and electricity provider
- Register and log in
- Submit required documents and application
- Wait for DISCOM approval and inspection
- Choose a vendor from the approved list
- Install the panel and sign net metering agreement
- Start earning through solar generation
Real Stories: How People Became Lakhpatis
Thousands of individuals across states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu are already earning steady income through solar panel installations. Farmers, small shopkeepers, and even urban homeowners have turned into “solar entrepreneurs” by generating power from their rooftops and selling it to the grid.
With climate change accelerating and power costs rising, adopting solar is not just a green decision—it’s a financially smart one. The government’s solar rooftop plan, backed with attractive subsidies and net metering benefits, can help you earn lakhs from the comfort of your home. If you have unused rooftop space, it’s time to turn it into a money-making machine. Don’t wait—start your solar journey today.
FAQs
Q1. How much money can I earn per month through solar panel installation?
A 5–10 kW system can fetch you ₹5,000–₹15,000 monthly based on usage and surplus.
Q2. Is there any upfront investment needed?
Yes, you need to pay the balance after subsidy, which varies from ₹40,000–₹2.5 lakh depending on system size.
Q3. Can tenants install rooftop solar?
Only with the written consent of the property owner.
Q4. What is net metering, and how does it work?
Net metering allows you to export unused electricity to the grid and get paid for it.
Q5. How long does it take to recover the installation cost?
On average, the break-even time is 4 to 6 years, depending on usage and subsidies.