For many years, rooftop solar was considered a solution mainly for independent homes. People living in apartments believed solar was out of reach because of space limitations, shared roofs, and the difficulty of managing common installations. But things have changed dramatically. Today, with stronger policies, smarter technology, and new installation models, rooftop solar for apartments is not just possible, it’s becoming one of the biggest sustainable energy trends in urban India.
In this complete guide, solar6 breaks down everything you need to know, from feasibility, models, benefits, costs, subsidies, and technical requirements to how residents’ associations can make the switch smooth and cost-effective. If you’ve ever wondered whether solar could power your apartment or community building, this article is your answer.
Why Rooftop Solar for Apartments Matters Today
Cities are growing fast, electricity tariffs are rising year after year, and most of our daily appliances, from refrigerators to ACs, run almost non-stop. Apartment residents face the highest monthly electricity bills, especially in urban clusters like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, and Pune.
At the same time, India is encouraging rooftop solar adoption with government subsidies, net metering, and nationwide clean energy goals. For residents, this means:
- Lower electricity bills
- Reliable power
- Sustainable living
- Long-term asset value
When you combine these needs with the government’s push for green energy, apartment rooftop solar becomes not just feasible but also extremely rewarding.
Is Rooftop Solar Possible for Apartments? Yes—Here’s How
Residents often assume that solar won’t work in apartments due to shared rooftops or a lack of personal space. But solar can be installed in three practical models for apartment buildings:
1. Individual Solar Systems for Specific Flats
If the terrace is accessible and residents can allocate a small section of the roof, individual apartments can install their own solar system. This is practical for:
- Corner flats
- Top-floor residents
- Buildings with leftover roof space
- Families with high energy demand
However, this requires approval from the Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA).
2. Common Solar System for Entire Apartment (Most Popular Model)
A common rooftop solar plant can power:
- Lifts
- Corridor lights
- Water pumps
- Parking lighting
- Common office rooms
This model reduces the society’s overall maintenance cost significantly. Every resident benefits through:
- Reduced monthly maintenance
- Lower common electricity consumption
- Higher property value across all flats
3. Virtual / Group Net Metering (New & Emerging Model)
Even if you don’t have personal roof access, you can still benefit from solar.
Under this model:
- A single solar plant is installed on the terrace
- The generated units are shared among residents
- Each resident gets credit directly on their electricity bill
Group Net Metering is gaining popularity in metro cities because it doesn’t require separate installations for each resident.
How Much Roof Space Is Needed for Apartment Solar?
Solar systems require around 100 sq. ft. for each 1 kW.
Average usable space on apartment rooftops usually ranges from:
- 1500 to 5000 sq. ft. for small to medium societies
- 5000 to 20,000 sq. ft. for large gated communities
- Depending on the size, apartments can install:
- 5 kW – 20 kW systems for small buildings
- 20 kW – 100 kW systems for medium buildings
- 100 kW – 250 kW systems for large societies
A well-designed solar layout ensures that the roof is used efficiently without obstructing water tanks, lift rooms, or pipelines.
Benefits of Installing Rooftop Solar in Apartments
1. Massive Savings on Common Maintenance Costs
Common utility charges form a big part of apartment maintenance. Solar reduces the electricity cost for:
- Lifts
- Pumps
- Lights
- Security rooms
- Clubhouse facilities
Savings can range from 30% to 80% every month, depending on system size.
2. Lower Individual Electricity Bills (With Net Metering)
Residents receive units directly credited to their bills, drastically lowering monthly expenses.
3. Increased Property Value
Apartments with rooftop solar systems attract:
- Higher rental value
- Buyers looking for sustainable homes
- Residents with long-term cost-saving goals
- In cities, “solar-enabled apartments” are becoming a premium feature.
4. Reduced Carbon Footprint
A 50 kW solar system offsets 60 tons of carbon dioxide every year—equal to planting thousands of trees.
5. Backup Options
When paired with batteries, apartment solar can also power:
- Lifts
- Water pumps
- Security systems
- during outages.
Challenges — and Practical Solutions
1. Limited Roof Space
Use elevated structures, high-efficiency panels, or hybrid common + individual models.
2. RWA Approval Issues
Prepare a solar feasibility report including cost, ROI, and savings charts. RWAs usually approve when the financial benefits are clearly presented.
3. Uneven Sunlight
Experts can design shadow-analysis layouts using tools like PVsyst to optimize generation.
Government Subsidy for Apartment Solar
Individual Solar Subsidy (PM Surya Ghar)
Residents installing 1–3 kW systems independently can claim subsidies.
Group Housing Society Solar Subsidy
Societies installing common solar plants up to 500 kW can apply for central financial assistance.
This makes solar extremely affordable and increases savings dramatically.
Net Metering: The Game Changer
Net metering is the biggest reason why apartment solar works today.
Under net metering:
- Extra solar energy goes to the grid
- The electricity board credits the units
- Residents enjoy reduced bills
For group systems, credits are shared based on consumption or pre-decided allocation.
Steps to Install Rooftop Solar in an Apartment
Step 1: Roof Survey & Shadow Analysis
Experts analyze the space, orientation, and shade to determine the ideal capacity.
Step 2: Feasibility Report
Includes cost, savings chart, ROI, and payback period.
Step 3: RWA Approval
A meeting is held to finalize:
- System type
- Funding model
- Energy-sharing method
Step 4: Design & Engineering
A layout plan is created based on existing structures.
Step 5: Installation
Mounting structures, panels, and inverters are installed.
Step 6: Net Metering Approval
The DISCOM provides a new bi-directional meter.
Step 7: System Handover
1.Residents start generating their own clean electricity.
2.Return on Investment (ROI) for Apartment Solar
3.Most apartment solar systems recover their cost in 3–4 years, depending on:
4.Electricity tariff
5.System size
6.Sunlight availability
7.Net metering
After the payback period, the solar plant continues to generate free electricity for 20–25 years.
Final Thoughts
Rooftop solar for apartments is no longer a doubtful concept; it’s a practical, proven, and highly profitable energy solution for urban India. Whether you’re a resident, an RWA member, or a property developer, embracing solar power brings long-term financial benefits, lower maintenance charges, higher sustainability, and a cleaner environment for everyone.
Apartment communities that install solar today are not just reducing bills, they’re investing in reliable energy independence for decades to come.