Residential, Apartment & Housing Solar support 

Solar support is not only for individual homeowners. The type of property and electricity connection can affect which solar support options are available. This includes residential solar, apartments, housing societies, local authorities, and aided institutions.

If you are planning a rooftop solar installation in Kerala, the first thing to do is understand which category your property comes under and what requirements apply.

Residential Solar Subsidy: Eligibility Criteria

For individual homes, the residential rooftop solar subsidy is generally available to eligible domestic electricity consumers who install a grid-connected solar system through the required process.

Before starting the installation, check these basic requirements:

• The applicant should have an eligible residential electricity connection.
• The electricity connection details should match the applicant’s information.
• The roof should be suitable for installing solar panels.
• The proposed solar system should meet the required technical standards.
• Installation should be carried out through an eligible or empanelled vendor, wherever required.
• The required documents and approvals should be completed through the prescribed process.

If you live in a rented property or the electricity connection is in someone else’s name, you may need additional consent or supporting documents.

It is better to check these details before starting the solar installation or making any payment. This can help prevent unnecessary delays during the solar subsidy application.

Solar Options for Apartments & Housing Communities

Rooftop solar can also be used by apartments, housing societies, and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs). Instead of installing a separate system for every home, a common solar power system can be considered for shared electricity needs.

For example, solar power may be used for:

• Corridor and common-area lighting
• Water pumps
• Lifts
• Other common facilities
• EV charging, where applicable

The requirements for apartment solar and housing society solar may differ from those for an individual residential connection. The common electricity connection, available roof space, roof ownership, system capacity, and metering arrangement may all need to be checked.

Eligible Group Housing Societies (GHS) and RWAs can receive CFA under the PM Surya Ghar scheme for common facilities, subject to the applicable conditions and capacity limits.

Before going ahead with a rooftop solar system for an apartment or housing society, the association should check the current scheme requirements and confirm the technical feasibility of the installation.

Solar Eligibility for Local Authorities & Aided Institutions

Solar projects are not limited to homes and housing communities. Local authorities and aided institutions may be under other applicable renewable energy programmes.

• Panchayats
• Municipalities
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Aided institutions
• Other non-residential buildings

These projects should not automatically be considered under the residential PM Surya Ghar subsidy.

If a solar project for a local authority or aided institution is being planned, the applicable programme should be checked separately. The eligibility conditions, funding structure, system requirements, and application process may depend on the organisation and the type of project.

Which Solar Option Is Right for Your Property?

The right solar system depends on the type of property and how electricity is used.

For an individual home, a residential rooftop solar system may be suitable. An apartment association or housing society may instead need a common system for shared facilities. For a panchayat, school, hospital, or aided institution, a separate non-residential solar programme may be applicable.

Before starting, check your property type, electricity connection, available roof space, and expected electricity requirements. This will help you identify the solar subsidy or support programme that may apply to your project