Increasingly, homeowners in Assam are opting for residential solar installation, not only for the sake of the environment but because it actually saves money. Energy costs are rising, and government subsidies absorb a significant portion of the cost, making home solar panel installation now a feasible upgrade for many households.
However, transitioning to solar isn’t something that you can jump into blindly. From understanding about the residential solar system cost to working your way through the solar installation process, and to figuring out how to choose from the best residential solar installers in Assam, there is more than one thing to think about.
Transitioning to solar isn’t a quick decision. You need to understand what system works for you, what it will cost, how to access rebates, and, importantly, how to find a trustworthy installer. This walkthrough will give you 5 practical things to consider before installing residential solar.
1. Consider Your Home and Your Energy Usage
Before considering residential solar, consider your daily energy usage habits. How much electricity does your home actually consume? Are you running ACs all day long in the summer, or do you plan to use very little electricity? Each house is unique, and so are the solar must-haves.
Understanding your behaviour will assist in sizing your system, avoiding over or underspending on the cost and maximizing your system. Solar is not one-size-fits-all; it should be beneficial and work with your lifestyle, not against it.
How Much Electricity Do You Actually Use?
Admit it, many people only look at their electricity bills for how much is owed to make a payment. But in order to go solar in a smart way, you need to know how much energy your home uses. Dig out your last 6-12 months of bills, and look to see what the average is for the monthly units used (kWh). This will help determine how big your solar system should be.
Also, think ahead – are you planning on purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) or air conditioning soon? Otherwise, your energy use will increase. Make sure your solar system is set up for this increased energy use.
Is Your Roof Prepared?
Solar panels require Sunlight! This may seem obvious, but there are many roof considerations that can impact performance:
- What is the direction of the roof? South-facing is optimal.
- Is there shading from trees, water tanks, or nearby buildings?
- How much usable space is available? A 1 kW system generally requires 100 sq ft.
- Is the roof structurally sound to hold the panels and mounting hardware?
A simple site evaluation from a reputable installer will answer these questions. Please don’t skip an evaluation. Guessing can lead to a bad result.
2. Understand the Real Cost of Residential Solar
When going solar, the cost is probably the first thing you think about, and with good reason. The good news is that going solar isn’t nearly as expensive as in the past. After all, equipment prices have fallen, and generous rebates have already made the cost of a residential solar system much more feasible.
It’s not just the upfront cost; it is practically savings, easy bills, and reliable energy for decades. Think of it as an investment as opposed to a cost.
The Breakdown of the Costs of Solar Energy
A common concern is: What is the cost of solar energy for residences? The short answer is: In Assam, the cost per kW is usually ₹60,000 to ₹90,000, depending on the quality of panel systems, type of inverter, and installer presence and quality.
For example, it would cost about ₹1.8 lakh to install a 3 kW system, before getting any subsidy. This would include:
- Panels
- Inverter(s)
- Mounting hardware
- Wiring and safety devices
- Installation labour
- Government approval
- Net meter
There could also be slight price variations city to city or vendor to vendor. Pay attention to what prices contain and if subsidies apply to your project.
Massive Solar Subsidy Alert for Assam Residents!
Speaking of subsidies… great news if you live in Assam! You can now receive up to ₹1.23 lakh in central and state subsidies to install a 3 kW home solar system. This means you could pay as little as ₹55,000 – ₹60,000 out of pocket, savings galore!
For context, the central government subsidy is ₹30,000 for 1 kW, ₹60,000 for 2 kW, and ₹78,000 for 3 kW. The Assam government then adds an additional ₹15,000, ₹30,000, and ₹45,000, respectively. Together, it adds up to a respectable contribution, now is the time to switch to solar!
When Will You Break Even?
Let’s assume the cost of your solar setup, after the subsidy, is ₹60,000. If you reduce your bill by about ₹1,800 to ₹2,500 per month, you can expect a payback in 2-3 years.
After that, it’s free energy for the next 20+ years with minimal maintenance. You won’t get this type of return on investment from most home improvements.
3. Select High-Quality Equipment That Will Last
In the solar market, not all panels and inverters are created equal. It may be tempting to pick the lowest-priced investment; however, if you cut corners in cost, you will cut corners in performance as well. Having high-quality equipment will last longer, perform better, and more often have better warranties. This is something you will trust to power your home for the next 20–25 years, and it is worth getting right the first time.
Not all Panels are the Same
Some panels are cheap because they degrade faster or simply stop performing properly in a few years. Consider the following features:
- Tier-1 brands (e.g. Pahal Solar for NE Region, Vikram, Adani, RenewSys, or international brands like Trina or JA Solar)
- A minimum efficiency above 17%
- A minimum 25-year performance warranty
- MNRE/DCR compliant and qualify for subsidies
Inverters are also important:
Inverters change solar power into accessible electricity for your home.
You have the option of:
- String inverters (for large, no-shade roofs, they are cost-effective)
- Microinverters (the right inverter for shaded or roof systems that are more complex)
- Hybrid inverters (allow for battery upgrades in the future)
A quality inverter lasts 8–10 years, but be sure to have an adequate warranty, including service support.
Inquire About Monitoring and Warranties
With newer solar systems, you can monitor how much power you are generating through a mobile app or web portal. You’ll be able to see if the system is performing at optimal capacity.
Also, get warranties:
- Panels: 25 years
- Inverters: 5–10 years
- Workmanship: Potentially ask the installer!
4. Understand the Process to Install and Approve
In installing solar panels, it’s not just a case of sticking them to your roof; there are some official steps that need to be taken as well. There is paperwork for your subsidy, net metering, and local electric board approvals. Even though that sounds like a pain, the good installers will do most of those for you.
Knowing the process of solar installation gives you the ability to keep up to speed, help minimize delays, and just generally keep the entire installation process running smoothly from the first survey to the final switch-on.
Here is What You Should Expect
Installing a solar energy system at your home isn’t just a plug-and-play scenario. Here’s the process:
- Site inspection – The installer will inspect your roof and assess shade, how it is framed, and the wiring.
- Proposal – You will receive a formal proposal outlining the costs, expected generation, and a timeline.
- Documentation – The installation professional will apply for net metering and subsidies on your behalf.
- Installation – The solar panels, inverters, wiring, and safety equipment are installed within 2–3 days.
- Approval and net metering – Local DISCOM will inspect the installation, then will install a bi-directional meter.
- Commissioning – Your system will be powered on and begin generating power!
A credible installer will handle most of the paperwork and all the government and utility approvals. Don’t let that burden fall on you!
What is the timeframe of this process?
Usually, the entire process from our first survey to the time you turn on your system is around 3–6 weeks, depending on approvals and the weather.
5. Maintenance: Minimal Effort, Major Gain
What Kind of Maintenance Is Required?
Here’s the best part: Solar is low maintenance. It is not “set and forget” maintenance, but very little maintenance is all that’s required. You need to:
- Clean the panels a couple of times a year (more often if you experience a dust storm or bird droppings)
- Inspect cables and mounting on an annual basis for rust and tightness
- Watch your inverter or app to make sure everything is working properly
In Assam’s climate, the regular rain will assist with the cleaning of the panels, but the dry season may require more frequent cleaning.
What If There is a Problem?
A reliable technician will provide:
- Free follow-up visits while the product remains under warranty
- Foolproof fast replacement of faulty components
- Clearly communicated response time for service calls
As part of the installation process, determine what is included and if they charge for site visits after installation.
Selecting an Installer for Your Home Solar Panels in Assam
While it might be tempting to get quotes from the companies closest to home, it’s important that you read through this quick checklist:
- Are they MNRE/State empanelled?
- Do they have real reviews or past projects in Assam?
- Are their pricing clear and transparent, with no hidden charges?
- Do they assist with subsidy support and net metering?
- What is their post-installation support like?
- Do they provide performance guarantees?
You can always ask for references or even stop by a past customer’s site!
Conclusion
Residential solar installation is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your home today. If you take time to understand your needs, choose quality equipment, and work with the right installer, solar can save you money, give you energy independence, and help the planet, all in one shot.
If you’re in Assam and looking for a hassle-free home solar panel installation, contact Solar Prabha today at +91-7099030047. We’re based in Guwahati, and offer free solar consultations to help you make an informed and confident switch to solar
