Solar for Apartments and Societies: Is It Possible?

When we talk about rooftop solar, most people think of individual houses or industrial sheds. But what about high-rise apartments and housing societies? Can they benefit from solar energy too?

The answer is a big YES — though the approach is slightly different. In this blog, we’ll explain how solar works for group housing, the challenges, the benefits, and how your society in Delhi or Uttar Pradesh can start saving with the sun.

Yes, Societies Can Go Solar — Here's How

While individual apartment owners may not have access to private rooftops, residential welfare associations (RWAs) or builders can install a common rooftop solar system on the society’s terrace.

The electricity generated can be used for:

• Common area loads (lifts, lights, pumps, security systems)
• Shared facilities (clubhouse, gym, parking areas)
• In some cases, distributed among flats via sub-metering or net metering (based on DISCOM policy)

Types of Solar Setups for Apartments

1. Common Load Solar System (Most Popular)
• Powers only common facilities
• Benefits all residents by reducing monthly maintenance charges
• Ideal for both old and new societies
2. Individual Meter-Based Systems (Less Common)
• Individual flats install solar and connect to their own meter
• Challenging due to limited access to rooftop area and wiring constraints
3. Virtual Net Metering / Group Net Metering
• Allows electricity generated at one point (e.g., society rooftop) to be adjusted against multiple meters
• Available in Delhi (under Group Net Metering & Virtual Net Metering policy)
• Uttar Pradesh is exploring this model in select zones

💰 Key Benefits of Solar for Societies

• Lower monthly maintenance bills
• 25+ years of free electricity for common areas
• Eligible for central government subsidy under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana
• Eligible for Delhi government subsidy under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana
• Improves property value and green image of your society
• Can be a source of income (if extra power is exported to the grid)

Common Challenges (And Solutions)

Challenge	Solution
Rooftop space availability	Conduct a site survey to optimize panel layout
Cost-sharing among residents	Form a Solar Committee and decide on cost-sharing or reserve usage
Lack of awareness	Organize a solar awareness meeting with residents
DISCOM approval and net metering	Let your solar installer handle the documentation and approvals

Solar in Delhi & UP: What the Policies Say

Delhi

• Group/Virtual Net Metering allowed
• DISCOMs like BRPL, BYPL, TPDDL, NDMC support society solar systems
• Eligible for Central Govt of 40% subsidy on the benchmark cost for systems up to 3 kW per flat (cumulative 500 KW) under PM Suryghar Scheme
• Eligible for Delhi Govt subsidy for systems up to 3 kW per flat (cumulative 500 KW)

Uttar Pradesh

• UPNEDA supports solar for group housing under net metering
• Up to 500 kW capacity can be installed on society roofs

Example: What Your Society Could Save

Let’s say your society pays ₹15,000/month for common area electricity.

A 25 kW system could:

• Generate ~3,000 units/month
• Save ~₹20,000/month
• Pay back the investment in 4–5 years
• Deliver free power for 20+ more years

How Solar Radian Can Help

We specialize in solar solutions for housing societies and group housing projects. Our services include:

• Free rooftop assessment
• Detailed financial and savings proposal
• Help with RWA approvals and subsidy applications
• Installation, commissioning, and post-installation service

We’ve helped several societies in Delhi NCR, Noida, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Kanpur, and other cities go solar. Yours can be next.

📞 Ready to Start the Solar Journey for Your Society?

Call us or schedule a free on-site solar consultation for your RWA today. Let’s turn your roof into a power source — together.