Solar FAQs for
Kerala Homes

A rooftop solar system in Kerala typically costs between ₹70,000–₹90,000 per kW before subsidies. A popular 3 kW system runs ₹1.85–₹2.15 lakhs before subsidy. After applying the government's PM Surya Ghar subsidy of up to ₹78,000, your out-of-pocket cost comes down to approximately ₹1.1–₹1.4 lakhs. Pricing varies based on panel brand, inverter type, and your roof's structural requirements.

This is the central government's flagship solar subsidy scheme. It offers fixed Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to residential customers installing on-grid rooftop solar systems. The subsidy is structured as follows — up to ₹30,000 for 1 kW, up to ₹60,000 for 2 kW, and up to ₹78,000 for 3 kW and above. The maximum subsidy is capped at ₹78,000 regardless of system size. The amount is credited directly to your bank account within 30 working days of commissioning.

Given Kerala's high electricity tariffs (₹8–₹9 per unit) and strong solar irradiation, most homeowners recover their investment in 3–5 years. After that, you generate effectively free electricity for the remaining 20+ years of the system's life.

Yes. Many banks and NBFCs now offer dedicated solar loans at 6–8% interest rates. In several cases, your monthly EMI is less than your current KSEB bill savings — meaning the system pays for itself from day one. Rayenna can guide you through financing options best suited to your situation.

No. The government subsidy under PM Surya Ghar is only available through MNRE-empanelled vendors. Choosing an unapproved installer means you forfeit the ₹78,000 subsidy entirely. Rayenna Energy is an MNRE-approved channel partner, so your subsidy eligibility is fully protected.

As a general rule, you need approximately 100 square feet of shadow-free rooftop area per kW of solar capacity. So a 3 kW system requires around 300 sq. ft. of clear, unshaded roof. South-facing roofs provide the best output in Kerala, though east- or west-facing roofs also work well.

Your roof should be structurally sound enough to support the panels and mounting structure. If your roof has existing damage or is due for repair, it's best to address that before installation. Our team will assess your roof's condition during the free site survey and advise you accordingly.

Yes. Both traditional Mangalore-tiled and modern ceramic-tiled roofs in Kerala can accommodate solar panels using specialised hook-and-rail mounting systems. Our installation team is experienced in leak-proof mounting for Kerala's roof types and will ensure your roof remains watertight after installation.

South-facing is optimal for maximum annual generation. East- or west-facing installations also perform well, though output may be marginally lower. What matters most is that the panels are not shaded between 9 AM and 4 PM — this is when the bulk of solar generation occurs.

An on-grid system is connected to the KSEB grid. It is the most common and cost-effective option for Kerala homes — excess power is exported to the grid via net metering, and you receive credit on your bill. An off-grid system runs entirely on batteries and is suitable for areas with no grid connection. A hybrid system combines grid connectivity with battery backup, giving you power during outages while still using net metering. For most Kerala homes, an on-grid system is the smartest financial choice.

Net metering allows you to export surplus solar electricity to the KSEB grid during the day and draw power back at night. KSEB credits your account for the units you export, which offsets your bill. Effectively, the grid acts as a free battery — you bank energy during the day and use it at night.

Yes — and better than you might expect. While generation does drop by 20–30% during the peak monsoon months of June–August, a well-sized system in central Kerala still produces approximately 600 units during those three months. Over a full year, a 3 kW system typically generates around 3,600 units, already accounting for monsoon losses. Solar remains highly viable in Kerala year-round.

A standard on-grid system automatically shuts down during a power outage — this is a safety feature required by KSEB to protect grid workers. If you need power during outages, a hybrid system with battery backup is the right choice. Talk to our team and we will help you decide what's right for your home.

In Kerala's conditions, a well-installed 3 kW system generates approximately 10–12 units per day on a clear day, and around 3,600 units annually when averaged across all seasons including monsoon.

The process involves registering on the national portal at pmsuryaghar.gov.in using your KSEB consumer number and Aadhaar-linked mobile number, selecting an empanelled vendor, getting the system installed after receiving Technical Feasibility (TFR) approval, and then having the subsidy credited to your bank account. As a Rayenna customer, we handle the entire application process on your behalf — you don't have to navigate the portal alone.

You will need your Aadhaar card, recent KSEB electricity bill, proof of property ownership (or rental agreement), bank account details, and a passport-size photograph. Our team will help you compile and submit all documentation correctly.

From your initial consultation to a fully commissioned system, the typical timeline in Kerala is 4–8 weeks. The physical installation itself takes just 1–2 days. The rest of the time accounts for site survey, system design, KSEB feasibility approval, and net meter installation. We keep you informed at every step.

No. The PM Surya Ghar subsidy is available only to consumers who have not previously availed a government solar subsidy. If you installed a system under an older scheme such as KSEB Soura or ANERT's Surya Thejus, you are not eligible to claim the current subsidy.

Very little. Solar panels are designed to be low-maintenance. We recommend a basic visual inspection every few months and a professional system check once a year. Occasional cleaning — particularly after heavy dust or leaf accumulation — can improve output by up to 15%. Kerala's monsoon rains naturally clean the panels during the rainy season.

A complete Rayenna installation includes a 25-year performance warranty on solar panels (guaranteed to maintain at least 85% of initial output), a 5–10 year warranty on the inverter, and a 5-year workmanship warranty on the installation itself. All warranty terms are documented clearly in your agreement.

Given Kerala's heavy monsoon lightning activity, lightning arresters are strongly recommended and are a sensible safeguard for your solar investment. They protect your inverter, panels, and any battery storage from surge damage. Rayenna ensures all installations comply with Indian safety codes in this regard.

Solar panels degrade slowly over time. After 25 years, most quality panels still operate at 80–85% of their original output. At that point, you can choose to replace individual underperforming panels or upgrade to newer, higher-efficiency technology. The inverter will likely need replacement sooner — typically after 10–12 years.

Yes, though it requires a collective decision and compliance with KSEB's guidelines for common area installations. Individual flat owners can also explore solar for their specific units if they have dedicated rooftop access. This is an evolving area of regulation — contact us for an assessment specific to your building.

The PM Surya Ghar subsidy is specifically for residential consumers. However, commercial and industrial solar installations can still benefit from accelerated depreciation benefits and KSEB's commercial net metering policy, which significantly improves the financial case. Our team can walk you through the commercial options.

From October 2025, new KSERC regulations cap residential net metering at 3 kW for systems without battery storage. If you wish to install more than 3 kW, you will need to include battery backup covering at least 30% of your system's capacity. If your system was already approved and commissioned before October 2025, your existing net metering agreement remains unaffected. We stay current on all regulatory changes and design every new system in full compliance.