Housing society solar: who signs and how the subsidy works
For RWAs and societies in Punjab: who must apply and sign, what size is allowed, and how the ₹18,000 per kW society subsidy is actually paid.
Updated 20 October 2026
The society subsidy is ₹18,000 per kW up to 500 kW, and it is paid into the applicant’s own bank account 30 to 45 days after the DISCOM inspection.
Who signs, and what name goes on the application
If you need the step-by-step on forms and uploads, use our guide for societies here: Rooftop solar for housing societies and RWAs in Punjab.
How the society subsidy works
For housing societies, the PM Surya Ghar subsidy amount is ₹18,000 per kW up to 500 kW. It is released 30 to 45 days after the DISCOM inspection, directly to the applicant’s bank account. It does not reduce the upfront invoice amount, and it is not payable to any installer or financier.
On-grid and hybrid systems qualify. Off-grid does not. Panels must be domestic content requirement compliant and on the ALMM list. If you want the full slab details and the steps, see PM Surya Ghar Subsidy in Punjab 2026.
What size a society can install
Two simple caps decide the size:
- Sanctioned load on the common-area meter: a rooftop system can be at most 100% of that sanctioned load.
- Usable roof: plan about 100 sq ft of shade-free roof per kW.
We will verify both against your PSPCL bill and rooftop photos. For meter types and system architectures, see On-grid vs Off-grid vs Hybrid in Punjab.
What to expect from generation
As a planning figure in Punjab, we use about 135 units a month from each kW of panels, averaged across the year. In the sunniest months, TOPCon panels can reach up to about 180 units per kW. In December and January fog, plan on about 75% of the average. These are estimates that depend on your roof, shade, dust and weather.
- The units your lifts, pumps, lighting and STP use as they are made are worth most, because they replace units that would have been bought.
- Whatever is exported is settled under PSPCL’s net metering rules. In our calculations, we give export no value, so no saving figure of ours depends on it. For how credits are shown on the bill, see Net metering in Punjab.
If you want to size against your real use, plug your monthly units into the calculator or, for a new clubhouse or block, try the new-house calculator.
What qualifies for the subsidy: panels and system type
- System type: on-grid and hybrid qualify. Hybrid costs more than on-grid at the same size because it includes a battery and a hybrid inverter. Off-grid does not qualify and is priced on a different basis. If backup is required for lifts, pumps and lighting, read our notes on hybrid systems.
- Panels: they must be DCR and on the ALMM list. Our explainer on what those lists mean, and how they affect supply and price, is here: DCR vs non-DCR panels.
If you are comparing panel technologies for limited roof area, see TOPCon panels and Which panel technology is best.
Practical checks we do before quoting
- PSPCL bill for the common-area connection: to confirm sanctioned load and consumer name.
- Rooftop photos and a simple sketch: to confirm area, shade and access.
- Essential loads list: lifts, fire pumps, STP, lighting circuits. If backup is needed, we plan battery usable energy at 80% for lithium and 50% for tubular in each cycle, and we will map what must run during an outage.
Our smallest installed sizes are 3 kW on-grid and 1 kW hybrid or off-grid. For larger common roofs, we design in blocks so maintenance and cleaning are easy. For maintenance in dusty months, see solar panel maintenance in Punjab and our cleaning guide for the smoke season: when and signs.
What RSK Solar Energy brings to a society project
We are a UTL Solar distributor at Phase 8B, Mohali, since 2022. Our own team serves Mohali, Kharar, Zirakpur, Derabassi, Chandigarh, Panchkula, New Chandigarh (Mullanpur), Landran, Banur, Lalru, Naya Gaon, Kurali, Morinda, Ropar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Chamkaur Sahib and Khamanon. Product warranties are the manufacturer’s, on their terms. If you want to see options before we visit, browse UTL panels, inverters and batteries, or compare UTL to other brands here: UTL vs other brands.
Email your latest PSPCL common-area bill PDF and rooftop photos, or message us from the contact page. We will mark up the roof, check the sanctioned load cap, and propose an on-grid or hybrid layout that fits the subsidy rules and your loads.
Questions we are asked
How is the society subsidy paid and when?
₹18,000 per kW up to 500 kW is paid into the applicant’s own bank account 30 to 45 days after the DISCOM inspection. It never comes off the invoice and it never goes to a lender or an installer.
Can we take the subsidy on a battery backup system?
Yes for hybrid and on-grid systems, no for off-grid. Panels must be DCR and on the ALMM list. The size must also stay within the sanctioned load on the meter.