Best Time to Install Rooftop Solar

Why the best time is before summer

The best time to install rooftop solar is before the summer demand peak. Electricity consumption rises sharply in summer, and installers get busy. If you plan ahead, you can avoid delays and start saving on your electricity bill sooner.

Summer demand is real. In April 2026, electricity consumption grew by 8.9% compared with the previous year. That rise is in line with the progression of summer conditions across the country. When demand goes up, more households think about solar, and installation slots fill up.

How summer demand affects installation timelines

When summer arrives, more people want rooftop solar. That means longer waiting times for site visits, approvals, and installation. If you start the process before the peak, you are more likely to get a slot that suits you.

A rooftop solar system takes time to plan and install. You need to choose a vendor, get the site assessed, apply for subsidy, and wait for approvals. If you begin in winter or early spring, you can complete the process before the summer rush.

What the subsidy process involves

Under PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, households apply for subsidy through the National Portal and can select a suitable vendor for installing rooftop solar. The scheme provides a CFA of 60% of system cost for 2 kW systems and 40% of additional system cost for systems between 2 to 3 kW capacity, capped at 3 kW. At current benchmark prices, this means Rs 30,000 subsidy for a 1 kW system, Rs 60,000 for a 2 kW system, and Rs 78,000 for a 3 kW system or higher.

Once you have installed the system and made the redemption request, the average time taken in processing the CFA is around 15 days, provided all credentials are entered correctly on the National Portal. That is another reason to start early: the subsidy payment adds to the overall timeline.

How much electricity you can generate

A 3 kW system will be able to generate more than 300 units a month on an average for a household. That is enough to cover the free electricity limit under the scheme, which provides free electricity up to 300 units every month for one crore households.

If you install before summer, your system will be ready to generate when the sun is strongest. You can use the electricity yourself and sell surplus power to DISCOMs, which helps you save on bills and earn additional income.

What a rooftop solar system costs

Prices vary by system size and installer. A 2 kW home solar system in India has a starting price range, with installation, of ₹1,75,000 to ₹2,13,000. A 3 kW system starts between about ₹2.15 lakh and ₹2.47 lakh, with installation.

These are starting prices. Your final quote will depend on your roof, the equipment, and the installer you choose. The subsidy reduces the upfront cost, but you still need to pay the balance.

Financing options

If you do not want to pay the full amount upfront, collateral-free loans are available from nationalized banks at a concessional interest rate of repo-rate plus 50 bps, which is 5.75% per annum at present, with a tenure of 10 years. This makes it easier to install now rather than waiting.

When to start the process

Start the process at least two to three months before you want the system running. That gives you time to compare installers, get site assessments, apply for subsidy, and schedule installation. If you want your system ready for summer, begin in winter.

You can apply through the National Portal and select a vendor. The portal is the official channel for the subsidy. Check the portal for the latest rules and timelines, because scheme details can change.

What to do next

If you are thinking about rooftop solar, get quotes from local installers now. Compare prices, ask about timelines, and check their experience. The earlier you start, the more likely you are to have your system installed before the summer peak.