Installing solar panels in Mumbai is one of the smartest ways to reduce your electricity bills and move toward a sustainable lifestyle. Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or part of a housing society, this guide will help you understand the complete installation process from start to finish.
Step 1: Evaluate Your Energy Needs
Before installing solar panels, determine your average monthly electricity consumption. This helps in selecting the right system size. For example:
- 1 kW system supports around 100–120 units/month
- 3 kW system supports around 350–400 units/month
- 5 kW system supports around 600–700 units/month
Step 2: Assess Your Rooftop
Check if your rooftop:
- Has enough space and proper structure
- Gets sufficient direct sunlight (at least 5–6 hours daily)
- Is free from tall trees, water tanks, or nearby shadows
A site visit by a solar expert can confirm your rooftop’s suitability.
Step 3: Choose the Right Solar System
There are mainly two types of systems:
- Grid-tied system: Connected to the electricity grid, suitable for most homes and societies
- Off-grid system: Includes batteries, ideal for power backup in remote areas
Choose based on your usage and whether you want backup during outages.
Step 4: Select a Certified Installer
Look for MNRE-approved or DISCOM-registered solar vendors in Mumbai. Reputed installers manage everything, including design, subsidy application, and installation.
Key brands and providers include:
- Tata Power Solar
- Waaree Energies
- Loom Solar
- HomeScape
- Local government-approved vendors
Step 5: Get a Quote and Apply for Subsidy
After the site assessment, your installer will provide a detailed proposal including:
- System design and components
- Estimated generation and savings
- Cost with and without subsidy
Residential solar systems in Mumbai are eligible for central government subsidies of up to 40% for systems up to 3 kW.
Step 6: Installation and Net MeteringOnce approved:
- Installation usually takes 1–3 days
- Panels, inverter, mounting structures, and wiring are set up
- Net meter is installed by your electricity provider to track import/export of energy
Your installer usually handles the paperwork for net metering with MSEDCL or BEST.
Step 7: Monitoring and Maintenance
After installation:
- Use mobile apps or web dashboards to track performance
- Clean panels once every 2–3 weeks
- Schedule annual check-ups for optimal performance
Panels typically come with 25-year performance warranties.
Conclusion
Switching to solar energy in Mumbai is simple and rewarding. With professional support, subsidies, and modern technology, the entire process can be completed smoothly within a few weeks. Start your solar journey today to enjoy long-term savings and a greener future.
