One of the most common questions we get is: "I live in a flat. Can I still get solar panels and the government subsidy?"
The short answer: it depends on your setup. Let's break down all the scenarios.
The Challenge for Flat Owners
Government solar subsidies (PM Surya Ghar and Delhi state subsidy) are designed for rooftop solar installations. The subsidy is linked to:
- A valid electricity connection (BSES in Delhi)
- A rooftop where panels can be installed
- Net metering with the grid
If you live in a flat, you typically don't own the roof — it's shared common property managed by your housing society or RWA. This creates a gap between individual flat owners who want solar and the subsidy framework.
Scenario 1: Housing Society Installs Solar on Common Areas
This is the most practical and common approach for apartments in Delhi.
How It Works
- The housing society installs solar panels on the common rooftop area
- The system is connected to the society's common electricity meter
- Solar power offsets common area electricity bills (lifts, water pumps, corridor lights, security, etc.)
- Net metering is set up on the society's BSES connection
Subsidy Eligibility
Yes — housing societies are eligible for subsidy. Both PM Surya Ghar and Delhi state subsidy apply:
- PM Surya Ghar: Up to Rs 78,000 for a 3 KW system (the subsidy is per electricity connection, and the society's common meter counts as one connection)
- Delhi State Subsidy: Up to Rs 30,000 for 3 KW systems
- GBI: Rs 2-3 per kWh generated for 5 years
What's Needed
- Society resolution/NOC — A formal decision by the RWA or management committee to install solar
- Society's electricity bill (common meter)
- Authorized signatory documents (society's registration, president/secretary authorization)
- Roof access — Shadow-free area on the building terrace
Benefits
- Common area electricity bills can drop by 50-80%
- The savings benefit all flat owners through reduced maintenance charges
- GBI income goes to the society's account
- Professional maintenance is straightforward with centralized installation
Scenario 2: Individual Flat Owner with Dedicated Roof Space
In some buildings, individual flat owners — especially those on the top floor — may have access to dedicated terrace space.
How It Works
- You install solar panels on your allocated roof space
- The system connects to your individual BSES meter
- Net metering is set up on your personal connection
- You claim the subsidy directly
Subsidy Eligibility
Yes — fully eligible, same as an independent house:
- PM Surya Ghar: Up to Rs 78,000
- Delhi State Subsidy: Up to Rs 30,000
- GBI: Rs 2-3/kWh for 5 years
What's Needed
- Your BSES electricity bill
- NOC from the housing society (critical — BSES requires this)
- Proof of roof access rights (allotment letter, society NOC, or builder agreement)
- Standard documents (Aadhaar, bank details)
The NOC Challenge
This is often the biggest hurdle. Even if you have roof access, BSES requires a NOC from your housing society to approve net metering. Some societies are hesitant to give NOC due to:
- Concerns about roof damage
- Aesthetic objections
- Lack of awareness about solar benefits
Tip: Present the society with information about subsidies and how solar adds property value. Many societies are receptive once they understand the financial benefits.
Scenario 3: Group of Flat Owners Installing Together
If your society won't install on common areas, a group of flat owners can collectively approach the society for roof space allocation.
How It Works
- Multiple flat owners pool together to install a larger system
- Each owner gets a proportional share of solar generation
- The system connects to one meter (usually common) or individual meters if feasible
- Costs and savings are shared proportionally
This approach works well because:
- Larger systems have better per-KW economics
- It's easier to convince the society with multiple residents requesting
- Installation and maintenance are centralized
What If None of These Options Work?
If your building doesn't allow rooftop solar at all, you still have options:
Solar Balcony Panels
Small solar panels (100-300W) can be installed on balcony railings or walls. These are:
- Not eligible for subsidy (no net metering)
- Useful for charging devices, running small appliances
- Low cost (Rs 5,000 – 15,000)
- No permissions needed in most cases
Wait for Community Solar Policies
Delhi is developing community solar and virtual net metering policies that would allow flat owners to subscribe to a solar farm and get credits on their individual bills — even without rooftop access. This is expected to expand in the coming years.
Our Recommendation
For most flat owners in Delhi, the best approach is:
- First choice: Convince your housing society to install solar on common areas. We can present to your RWA and handle everything from proposal to installation.
- Second choice: If you have dedicated roof access (top floor), install individually with society NOC.
- Third choice: Organize a group of interested flat owners and approach the society collectively.
How We Help Housing Societies
We work regularly with housing societies and RWAs in Delhi. Here's what we offer:
- Free site survey of the building rooftop
- Proposal preparation for RWA meetings (with ROI calculations)
- Complete installation including BSES paperwork and subsidy application
- 5 years free maintenance
- Single point of contact for the society — no coordination hassle
Live in a flat and want to explore solar options? Contact us for a free consultation — we'll assess your building and recommend the best approach.