Frequently Asked Questions

For a typical 3kW residential on-grid system: ₹1.5–2 lakhs before subsidy, ₹72,000–1.22 lakhs after PM Surya Ghar subsidy. A 5kW system costs ₹2.5–3.2 lakhs before subsidy. Prices include panels, inverter, mounting structure, wiring, and BESCOM application. Pratham Solar provides a free detailed quote after site assessment.

A central government scheme providing a capital subsidy: ₹30,000/kW for first 2kW, ₹18,000/kW for 2–3kW, maximum ₹78,000 for 3kW. Additionally, up to 300 units of free electricity per month for eligible consumers. Apply at pmsuryaghar.gov.in. Pratham Solar assists with the entire application process.

Typically 3–4 years for a grid-tied system after subsidy. At ₹8–10/unit BESCOM tariff and 5–6 daily sun hours in Bangalore, a 3kW system saves ₹18,000–24,000 per year. With subsidy reducing upfront cost to ₹75,000–1 lakh, payback is under 4 years. System life is 25+ years so ROI is 400–500%.

At BESCOM's current domestic tariff of ₹6–8 per unit for higher slabs, a 5kW system generating 600 units/month saves ₹3,600–4,800 per month = ₹43,000–57,000 per year. Over 25 years (accounting for tariff increases): ₹12–15 lakhs in savings on a ₹2.5 lakh investment.

At ₹500/month, the payback period is very long and solar panels are not recommended. Solar becomes financially compelling from ₹1,500/month upwards. Below that threshold, a solar water heater (which specifically reduces water heating electricity) gives better ROI than panels.

After solar installation, submit Form-1 to your BESCOM subdivision with: installation completion certificate, single line diagram, net meter application. BESCOM inspects the system (typically within 30 days), installs a bi-directional meter, and signs a net metering agreement. Pratham Solar handles all documentation and follow-up.

A 400Wp panel is approximately 2m × 1m (20 sq ft). A 3kW system needs 8 panels = 160–200 sq ft including spacing. A 5kW system needs 12–14 panels = 250–300 sq ft. Pratham Solar conducts a free site assessment to evaluate your available roof area and shading.

Cleaning with water every 2–4 weeks to remove dust (critical in Bangalore's dry season). Annual inspection of mounting structure, wiring, and inverter. Most modern inverters have remote monitoring apps. Panel cleaning service is available from Pratham Solar for ₹500–1,500 per visit depending on system size.

Yes. Pratham Solar manages the complete BESCOM approval process: site inspection, single line diagram preparation, Form-1 submission, follow-up with BESCOM subdivision, bi-directional meter installation coordination. This is included in the installation package at no extra charge.

Yes. A 1.5-ton split AC consumes approximately 1.5 units per hour. A 5kW solar system generates 20–25 units on a sunny day, comfortably running 2 ACs plus other loads. An on-grid system with net metering means your AC runs on solar during the day and the export credits offset night usage.

Panels produce at 20–40% capacity on overcast days — still meaningful generation. Rain actually cleans the panels, improving output. On-grid systems continue to draw from BESCOM when solar is insufficient. Annual generation in Bangalore averages 1,400–1,500 units per kWp — monsoon months are offset by excellent October–February generation.

On-grid: connected to BESCOM grid, no battery, exports surplus power, zero electricity bill with net metering, lower cost. Best for homes with reliable grid supply. Off-grid: battery storage, works during power cuts, higher upfront cost, no export. Best for areas with frequent outages. Hybrid: battery + grid connection, backup during cuts + net metering benefits.

Tier 1 manufacturers with strong performance: Adani (Made in India, good warranty support), Waaree (largest Indian manufacturer), REC (Norwegian, premium quality), Topcon N-Type bifacial (latest technology, highest efficiency 22%+). Pratham Solar recommends based on budget and specific use case — we install all major brands.

Yes, if you have terrace access and society approval. For flats without dedicated roof space, air source heat pumps are the better alternative for water heating. Individual flat owners can also benefit from common area solar through society installations with shared savings.

Quality panels carry a 25-year linear performance warranty (typically 80% output at year 25) and a 10-year product defect warranty. Real-world lifespan is 30+ years. Inverters typically need replacement after 10–15 years (₹15,000–40,000 depending on capacity).

An ETC (Evacuated Tube Collector) solar water heater uses glass vacuum tubes to absorb solar radiation and heat water in an insulated tank. Cold water flows into the collector, gets heated to 60–70°C, and rises naturally into the storage tank. No electricity needed for heating — only an optional small pump for larger systems.

Look for: BESCOM empanelled installer, physical office in Bangalore, verified installations you can visit, clear warranty terms covering both product and workmanship, and transparent pricing. Pratham Solar has been operating since 2013 with 500+ installations across Bangalore.

25-year performance warranty on panels (from manufacturer), 5-year product warranty on inverter and BOS components, 5-year workmanship warranty from Pratham Solar covering installation quality, mounting integrity, and wiring. Post-warranty support and maintenance contracts available.

Pratham Solar is a direct installer — we do not subcontract. Our team has been installing since 2013 with 500+ completed projects in Bangalore. You can visit our Gubbalala office, see completed installations, and speak directly with the technicians who will install your system. No middleman, no hidden costs.

Use our calculator below to estimate your system size and savings, then submit your name and phone. Or call +91 76249 97663 or WhatsApp +91 97426 75715. We schedule a free site visit within 48 hours and provide a detailed written quotation within 24 hours of the visit.