Frequently Asked Questions

Under PM Surya Ghar, central subsidy is ₹30,000 for 1 kW, ₹60,000 for 2 kW, and up to ₹78,000 for 3 kW and above. There is no separate Kerala state subsidy in 2026.

Register at pmsuryaghar.gov.in with your KSEB consumer number, then select an MNRE-empanelled vendor like Sonetec Powers. We guide you through site survey, installation and subsidy disbursement.

You can verify our empanelled status by searching for Sonetec Powers on the PM Surya Ghar vendor list when you register on the portal.

After installation, KSEB inspection and verification, your subsidy is disbursed via DBT. Important Update: If you availed a solar bank loan (available from SBI, Canara Bank, other nationalised/scheduled banks, or NBFCs via JanSamarth and PM Surya Ghar portals), the subsidy is credited directly to your loan account to immediately reduce your loan principal and monthly EMI instead of your personal account. If you self-financed without a loan, it is transferred directly to your Aadhaar-linked savings bank account.

Under MNRE guidelines for PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, DCR (Domestic Content Requirement) panels are legally mandatory to claim the central DBT subsidy (up to ₹78,000). For DCR modules, both the silicon solar cells and the finished solar module must be manufactured in India and certified under MNRE ALMM List-I. KSEB inspectors verify embedded RFID tags before approving the subsidy. In contrast, Non-DCR panels use imported cells (from China or SE Asia); while they are cheaper upfront and excellent for commercial/industrial or off-grid projects, they are 100% disqualified from receiving government subsidies. Sonetec exclusively installs certified DCR panels for all PM Surya Ghar residential clients.

N-Type TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) bifacial modules represent the latest solar cell technology. In Kerala's tropical climate, TOPCon outperforms older Mono PERC in three crucial ways: (1) Lower Temperature Coefficient: At -0.30%/°C (vs -0.38%/°C for Mono PERC), TOPCon produces significantly more power during hot 35°C–38°C midday heat; (2) Monsoon Yield: Exceptional diffused light absorption generates 20%–35% rated capacity even under dark monsoon cloud cover; (3) Longer Life: Lower degradation (<0.4%/year) backed by a 30-year linear performance warranty.

KSEB connects rooftop solar to the local distribution transformer. Each transformer can only accept a limited amount of solar feeding back into the grid. In many areas across Kerala, this limit is already near capacity — meaning new solar applications may be declined even if your roof and subsidy eligibility are fine. Feasibility is often approved on a first-come basis within each locality. Contact Sonetec with your location and we will check whether your area is still open. Do not wait — once feasibility closes, you may not be able to install later.

Yes. Sonetec handles site survey, system design, supply, installation, KSEB net metering paperwork and commissioning — end to end.

After approvals, installation is typically completed within a week, with commissioning within about two weeks depending on KSEB net meter scheduling.

On-grid (net metering), hybrid (with battery backup), and off-grid systems for homes and businesses. We also supply backup inverters with lithium and lead-acid batteries.

A site visit is needed for an accurate quote because roof orientation, shading and KSEB load matter. We offer free site surveys across our service districts.

Rooftop solar is a 25-year structural and high-voltage electrical investment. Key standards you must insist upon: (1) Inverter Quality: Never focus solely on panel brands while accepting an inferior inverter; the inverter is the brain and workhorse of the plant. (2) Mounting Structure & Walkways: Elevated structures (>1.5m) must feature a secure walkway for safe cleaning. Structure legs must be anchored with chemical bonding (epoxy bolts) and concrete pedestal grouting. Never allow thin, high-gauge tubes (lower gauge number = thicker steel). (3) Dual Earthing: Structure and panels must connect to a DC earth pit, and the inverter body must connect to a separate AC earth pit using at least 10 SWG pure copper wire (never allow 12 SWG or thinner). (4) Lightning Arrestor: Elevated copper-bonded arrestor with its own dedicated earth pit and at least 50mm² Aluminium down conductor (if copper is offered, reject wire thinner than 6 SWG). Earth pits must use chemical compounds to maintain resistance strictly under 5 Ohms. Cut-rate installers compromise on these to quote cheaper, but homeowners lose far more when equipment fails.

Use your own solar generation during the day (9 AM–6 PM) instead of drawing from KSEB. Cook on induction or infrared stoves before 6 PM, run washing machines and water heaters during daylight hours, and avoid high-power appliances during evening peak slots. Pairing rooftop solar with an EV scooter or electric car — charged during the day — delivers the strongest long-term savings.

Yes. EV charging adds significant load (typically 2–7 kW depending on the vehicle and charger). If you inform us during enquiry or site survey, we can size your system correctly from the start or design for future panel expansion. Contact us at +91 9429693638 or mention your EV plans in the site survey form.

We accept standard payment methods and actively guide you through collateral-free, subsidised solar loans available from State Bank of India (SBI), Canara Bank, other nationalised banks, scheduled commercial banks, and NBFCs. You can check terms and apply via the JanSamarth portal (jansamarth.in) or the PM Surya Ghar portal (pmsuryaghar.gov.in).

It is an illustrative monthly EMI on a collateral-free rooftop solar loan of ₹2,00,000 at ~5.75% per annum interest over 10 years (offered by SBI, Canara Bank, and scheduled banks via JanSamarth), where the central PM Surya Ghar subsidy (up to ₹78,000) is credited directly to the loan account, reducing the net principal to ₹1,22,000. Check the JanSamarth and PM Surya Ghar portals for specific terms and bank eligibility.

No — every site is different. We provide quotes after a free survey and discussion of your requirements.

Biogas plants, biobins, bucket bins, ring compost systems and incinerators — for homes, farms and institutions.

Yes. We offer maintenance, AMC packages and support for solar, biogas and backup power systems. All our solar inverters and battery systems are backed by strong local after-sales support.