solarrse
May 23, 2025
If solar saves money in the long run, why do so many Mumbai housing societies still think it's too costly?
When electricity bills rise, solar seems like the obvious solution. But as soon as someone says, "Let’s check the cost," the idea often dies.
This blog breaks it down in the most practical way, so you know exactly what to expect, why the numbers vary, and how to plan it smartly, especially in Mumbai's high-rise lifestyle.
Mumbai isn’t just hot, it’s also a city of tall buildings, crowded spaces, and limited open areas.
These factors don’t just shape the skyline; they directly impact the cost and complexity of installing solar systems, especially for housing societies.
Here’s why:
In most societies, rooftop space is limited and shared by multiple buildings or utilities like water tanks and lift rooms.
Shade and Direction
Solar panels need direct sunlight to work well. In Mumbai, tall neighboring buildings often cast shadows, reducing the panel’s efficiency.
Quality of Materials
The cost of a solar system depends on what goes into it: the panels, the inverter, the wiring, and the mounting structure.
Complex Wiring for High-Rises
In high-rise buildings, the solar power generated on the roof needs to travel down many floors to reach the common meter or power distribution point.
This means longer cable runs, voltage drop management, and additional safety gear, all of which add to installation time and cost.
While solar can save housing societies lakhs of rupees over time, the initial cost feels high mainly because of these city-specific challenges.
The good news? Government subsidies, improved designs, and experienced installers like Solar4All are making it easier and more affordable than ever before.
When people ask, "How much does a solar system cost?" there’s no fixed answer.
That’s because solar isn’t like buying a fridge or a TV. It’s more like designing a custom project, tailored to your building, energy needs, and available space.
Size Matters because It’s More Than Just Panel Count
A 3kW solar system and a 10kW system are very different in many ways:
- Panel Count: A 10kW system has more panels, of course.
Design Complexity: Larger systems require more careful planning to fit everything on the roof without shade, manage weight, and run wiring efficiently.
- Inverter Type: Smaller systems may use one kind of inverter, while larger ones need more powerful or multiple inverters.
- Mounting Structure: Bigger systems often need stronger, more customized mounting frames, especially for high-rise buildings or sloped rooftops.
Solar pricing depends on your unique setup:
All of this affects the cost.
So while a 10kW system costs more than a 3kW system, it’s not just because of more panels.
It also needs extra design work, materials, labor, and engineering, especially for long-term safety and performance.
A lot of people ask, “How much does it cost to go solar?”
Most of the time, they’re only thinking about the cost of the solar panels. But that’s just one part of the whole system.
There are many other important costs you should be aware of:
1. Wiring and Electrical Work
You’ll need proper wiring from your rooftop panels to your main meter box.
2. Design and Paperwork
Every solar system needs a proper design to match your roof size and electricity needs.
3. Maintenance After Year One
Most installers offer free service for the first year, but what about after that?
This includes cleaning, checking wires, and monitoring performance.
4. Panel Tilt and Weather Protection
Solar panels need to be tilted correctly to get the most sunlight.
5. Monitoring and App Integration
Many modern solar systems come with mobile apps to track how much electricity you’re generating.
- Monocrystalline panels are more efficient and need less space, but
They usually cost more per panel.
- Polycrystalline panels are more affordable but slightly less efficient,
So you might need more panels for the same output.
- Bifacial panels can produce electricity from both sides, making
them great for open areas, but also more expensive.
AC Modules vs. DC Systems
AC modules have built-in microinverters, making them easier to install and maintain, but they can cost more upfront.
DC systems are more traditional, using a central inverter. They’re often cheaper, but may need more wiring and space.
If you're planning to add battery storage, the system becomes much more advanced.
This can add thousands of rupees per kilowatt to your total cost.
- Not all terrace space is usable due to water tanks, HVAC units, or shading from other buildings.
- Housing societies need clarity on shared costs, especially when residents want to split bills or go solar as a group.
- Cost can vary floor by floor or home by home, depending on distance to the meter, wiring needs, and usage patterns.
So, what do we do differently?
1) Roof shadow map and tilt feasibility.
2) Energy audit to calculate the true solar system size.
3) BOM with panel layout, inverter plan, and safety setup.
4) Live pricing, options, and upgrade add-ons.
The truth is there’s no one-size-fits-all price for going solar.
That’s because the cost depends on a few key things:
- Your electricity usage
- The shape and size of your roof
- Where do you live
- And what do you expect from your solar system?
But One Thing is Always True:
Clear information is better than guessing.
At Rising Sun Electric, we don’t just send you a generic quote and walk away.
We help you understand:
Let’s start with a site assessment.
We’ll check your roof, measure sunlight, and design a system that fits your needs, not just your budget.
You won’t just get a price.
You’ll get clarity, confidence, and a smart energy plan for your home or society.
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