Comparing Solar Energy Options for Societies: Rooftop vs Shared Grid vs Hybrid Models
India’s solar energy production has grown from a mere 39 megawatts in 2009 to 39,000 megawatts by 2020. This massive growth makes solar energy options more relevant for societies today. Your community’s choice of sustainable power can substantially affect both environmental impact and costs.
Solar systems come in different types – on-grid, off-grid, and Hybrid Solar models. Each type has its own benefits. A grid-tied system costs about ₹14.7 lakh after tax breaks. Off-grid solutions need battery storage, which pushes the cost to ₹36.7 lakh – ₹47.7 lakh. Hybrid Solar systems blend both approaches and cost around ₹23.5 lakh. These systems connect to the grid while providing backup power during outages.
This document assists in understanding the main differences among Rooftop Solar installations, a shared grid model, and a Hybrid Solar system. You will discover which system provides the most value based on your society’s circumstances and needs.
Understanding the Three Solar Models for Societies
There are three different solar system configurations that societies can choose from:
| Solar Model | How It Works | Best For |
| Rooftop Solar | Solar panels are installed on the society’s rooftop and supply power to common areas. | Housing societies with sufficient and structurally sound rooftop space. |
| Shared Solar Grid | Members share an off-site solar plant and receive bill credits as per contractual agreement | Societies with limited or no rooftop space for solar installations. |
| Hybrid System | Combines rooftop solar, grid electricity, and battery backup to provide consistent power. | Societies that seek both redundancy and the benefits of solar + grid power. |
Community solar is another option for the society members to have the benefit of a single solar installation. The shared solar gardens typically do this on leased land, and provide credits to electricity bills according to share ownership.
The society must think carefully about its energy circumstance, energy budget within constraints and considerations, and the actual roof conditions before selecting the system best suited for the needs of the society.
Comparing Rooftop vs Shared Grid vs Hybrid Models
Comparing solar energy options for societies means looking at how much they cost, how reliable they are, and what kind of maintenance they need. Let’s get into how these systems match up against each other.
Cost Comparison: Original Investment
| Model | Average Cost per kW | Government Subsidy | After Subsidy (10kW Example) |
| Rooftop Grid-Tied | ₹50,000–₹70,000 | Up to 40% | ₹3 lakh (from ₹5 lakh) |
| Off-Grid | ₹1 lakh–₹1.5 lakh | Limited | ₹10–₹15 lakh |
| Hybrid | ₹80,000–₹1 lakh | Partial | ₹8–₹10 lakh |
Reliability and Performance
Each model brings its own reliability advantages:
| System | Works During Grid Outage? | Energy Source | Reliability Rating |
| On-Grid | No | Solar + Grid | Moderate |
| Off-Grid | Yes | Solar + Batteries | High (if managed well) |
| Hybrid | Yes | Solar + Grid + Batteries | Very High |
Maintenance and Long-Term Costs
Types of solar system need different levels of care:
| System | Maintenance Needs | Battery Replacement | Annual Cost |
| Grid-Tied | Low (Cleaning + Inspection) | No | ₹5,000–₹10,000 |
| Off-Grid | High (Battery upkeep) | Yes (every 5–7 years) | ₹15,000+ |
| Hybrid | Medium to High | Yes (partial replacement) | ₹10,000–₹20,000 |
Return on Investment
| System | Bill Reduction | Breakeven Period | Subsidy Impact |
| Grid-Tied | Up to 90% on common area | 4–5 years | High (up to ₹90 lakh for large systems) |
| Off-Grid | 100% energy independence | 7–10 years | Moderate |
| Hybrid | 90–100% + backup | 5–7 years | Moderate to High |
Which Solar Model is Best for Your Society?
The ideal renewable energy path for your society depends on many important factors that only your community will know. Your limitations in budget and need for reliability in terms of energy is a huge factor. You will need to study your own situation carefully to determine the best path.
The choice based on type of society & size is as follows:
Rooftop Solar is advantageous for smaller societies with small budgets and space. Minimal maintenance and faster ROI.
Large societies may benefit more from Hybrid Solar or social type models (shared), especially where there is common area usage.
Financial Considerations & ROI
- Break-even period for most Rooftop Solar systems: 4–5 years
- Common area electricity bills can be reduced by up to 90%
- Under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Subsidy up to ₹18,000/kW (max ₹90 lakhs)
Power Outage Solutions
Trust your power reliability preferences:
- Frequent outages? Choose Hybrid Solar or off-grid
- Grid-tied systems shut down during blackouts for safety
- 48v Hybrid Inverter technology offers seamless switch during outages
Space and Installation Space
Space determines what options available to you:
- A 10kW system = approx. 1,000 sq. ft. of shadow-free roof
- Use Roof Solar Panels with solar carports or elevated systems if space is tight
- Balcony or window panel systems for apartments
Financing Options
You have several ways to finance your solar project:
- CAPEX, OPEX, and zero-investment models available
- Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) can lower cost per unit
- Group buys mean lower upfront costs for Rooftop Solar setups
Your society’s priorities about upfront investment, long-term savings, and power reliability needs will help you pick the best solar model.
Conclusion: The Best Solar Option For Your Society
Within Indian housing societies, specific needs for solar energy systems will inform the best options for their particular budget and energy reliable requirements. This article has reviewed the possibilities of rooftop systems, community share models, and hybrid systems, where each has specific advantages.
Grid-tied systems have lower upfront costs (~ ₹50,000-₹70,000 per kW), while off-grid systems have higher upfront costs but allow for total energy independence. Hybrid systems have lower upfront costs, connect to the grid, and provide battery backup for outages. Governments assistance via available subsidies provide Indian societies access to solar power by effectively eliminating up to 40% of the cost of installation.
Solar installations are a good investment. Most systems save you enough to pay for themselves in 4-5 years and provide free electricity for decades thereafter.
Your society’s maintenance charges for common areas can drop by 90%, which means lower monthly bills for residents.
Take these factors into account before you decide:
- Available rooftop space (typically 1,000 sq. ft. needed for a 10kW system)
- Power outages in your area
- Budget limits and funding options
- Society size and power usage patterns
Setting up solar may look complicated at first, but the rewards last for years. Your society saves money and helps India reach its renewable energy goals while gaining energy independence. A basic grid-tied system or a detailed hybrid setup – solar power offers housing societies across India an environmentally responsible way forward.
FAQs
Q1. What are the main types of solar systems available for societies?
There are three main types of solar systems: grid-tied (on-grid), off-grid, and hybrid. Grid-tied solar systems are connected to the public electricity grid, off-grid solar systems don’t rely on the grid (instead have battery storage), and hybrid solar systems include elements of both.
Q2. How do hybrid solar systems compare to on-grid systems?
Hybrid solar systems provide improved energy security by providing backup power for a period of time when the grid is down, on-grid solar systems have lower upfront cost and are easier to install. Hybrid solar has improved energy independence but is generally more difficult and more expensive, while on-grid solar systems are better suited when reliable grid connections are already in place.
Q3. What elements should societies think about when deciding to invest in a solar system?
Societies should consider the size of their current and planned membership, and their budget, how reliable their electricity is (doubtful or not), available roof space, and how often there are power outages in the area. Some additional factors include the long-term cost savings if ownership of the solar system is desired, frequency of maintenance requirements, and whether they are eligible for government subsidization.
Q4. How much roof area do I need for a solar installation?
A typical 10kw solar system can require about 1,000 square feet of rooftop area that is free from shade. Societies that have limited roof space can investigate other options, such as elevated systems, balcony panels, and window solar panels.
Q5. What is the financial impact on societies of solar systems?
Solar systems can realize over a 90% reduction in common area electrical costs. The average break-even points will be 4-5 years and 20 years of free electricity thereafter. Government funded rebates and/or subsidies can also greatly reduce capital costs.