What is an On-Grid (Grid-Tied) Solar System?
Connected to the utility grid and backed by a bi-directional meter for net metering.
About UTC Solar
Founded in 2015 to accelerate mass adoption of solar in India. We’ve served tens of thousands of homes and hundreds of housing societies with:
- On-grid rooftop solar for homes & societies
- After-installation maintenance & care
- Flexible EMI options
- Prefabricated mounting structures
Overview of On-Grid Systems
On-grid systems are tied to the grid. Most Indian homes with reliable supply choose on-grid for day-to-day needs. Typical capacities: 2 kW, 3 kW, 5 kW, 10 kW and above.
- Solar panels
- Solar inverter
- Mounting structures
- Bi-directional meter
- Solar accessories
How It Works — Step by Step
This exchange via the meter is called net metering.
Components of a Residential On-Grid System
#1. Solar panels — South-facing rooftops preferred; panels make DC power.
#2. Solar inverter — Converts DC to usable AC for home loads.
#3. Mounting structures — Hot-dip galvanized steel; designed per wind zone & height.
#4. Accessories — AC/DC cables, MC4, DC & AC combiner boxes, earthing, etc.
#5. Bi-directional meter — Tracks exported & imported energy; required for operation.
Top Benefits of On-Grid
- Easy to track generation & understand bills
- Break-even typically 3–5 years; then 20+ years of low-cost power
- No batteries required — grid acts as your “battery”
- No battery replacement costs
- Most affordable among on/off/hybrid for homes
- Eligible for residential subsidy (with DCR panels)
Power Outages & Anti-Islanding
For safety, on-grid inverters shut down during grid failures (anti-islanding). This protects maintenance personnel. With a reliable grid, on-grid remains the best value.
Production by System Size (Indicative)
| System Size | Monthly Units (avg) | Yearly Units (avg) | Yearly Savings @ ₹8/unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | ≈ 116 | ≈ 1,400 | ≈ ₹11,200 |
| 2 kW | ≈ 232 | ≈ 2,800 | ≈ ₹22,400 |
| 3 kW | ≈ 348 | ≈ 4,200 | ≈ ₹33,600 |
| 5 kW | ≈ 580 | ≈ 7,000 | ≈ ₹56,000 |
| 10 kW | ≈ 1,160 | ≈ 14,000 | ≈ ₹1,12,000 |
Price Guide & Subsidy
Indicative; final quote varies by site. Subsidy via PM Surya Ghar (DBT after commissioning).
On-Grid System Price Range (Without/With Subsidy)
| Capacity | Cost (Without Subsidy) | Effective (With Subsidy) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 kW | ₹1.51L – ₹2.28L | ₹0.91L – ₹1.68L (₹60,000 subsidy) |
| 3 kW | ₹1.92L – ₹2.63L | ₹1.14L – ₹1.85L (₹78,000 subsidy) |
| 4 kW | ₹2.40L – ₹3.19L | ₹1.62L – ₹2.41L (₹78,000 subsidy) |
| 5 kW | ₹2.87L – ₹4.14L | ₹2.09L – ₹3.36L (₹78,000 subsidy) |
| 7 kW | ₹4.21L – ₹5.39L | ₹3.43L – ₹4.61L (₹78,000 subsidy) |
| 10 kW | ₹5.59L – ₹7.08L | ₹4.81L – ₹6.30L (₹78,000 subsidy) |
Pricing varies by panel/inverter type, structures, installer warranties and maintenance scope.
Subsidy — Conditions & Rates
- Residential installations using DCR (Made-in-India) panels
- Subsidy capped at ₹78,000 for systems above 3 kW (avg monthly consumption > 300 units)
| System Size | Subsidy |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | ₹30,000 |
| 2 kW | ₹60,000 |
| 3 kW | ₹78,000 (₹60,000 for first 2 kW + ₹18,000 for next 1 kW) |
| > 3 kW | ₹78,000 (cap) |
Housing societies (RWAs) under PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana: subsidy up to ₹18,000/kW for common facilities (up to 500 kW).
ROI Example (India)
Assume a 5 kW system, effective cost ₹2,80,000 after subsidy. Tariff ₹8/unit; average monthly consumption ~580–600 units.
- Without solar: bill ≈ ₹4,640–₹4,800 / month
- With 5 kW on-grid: generation ≈ 580–600 units / month
- Monthly savings ≈ ₹4,640–₹4,800 ⇒ yearly ≈ ₹55,680
- Break-even ≈ 4–5 years
- Next 20 years: savings > ₹11,69,280 (minimum; prices typically rise 3–5%/yr)
Why UTC Solar
- Prefabricated structures designed to withstand high wind speeds
- Free rooftop inspection by solar consultants
- Zero-investment & easy loan options (5-year EMI / 60 installments; zero-cost EMI)
- We file applications for load change, net meter, subsidy, financing
- Optional 5-year Annual Maintenance Contract