Solar for Apartments & Gated Communities: An RWA Guide to Cutting Common-Area Bills

In most Bangalore apartments, common-area electricity — lifts, water pumps, STP, corridor lighting, clubhouse and gym — is one of the biggest line items in the monthly maintenance bill. Rooftop solar can cut it dramatically, and apartment associations are eligible for central subsidy.

Subsidy for RWAs

Under PM Surya Ghar, Group Housing Societies / Resident Welfare Associations can receive ₹18,000 per kW for common facilities (including EV charging), up to 500 kW, as per current MNRE guidelines.

Which loads can solar power?

• Borewell and transfer pumps
• Lifts (daytime usage)
• STP & WTP blowers
• Common lighting & security
• Clubhouse, gym and pool pumps
• EV charging stations

How much capacity fits?

Shadow-free terrace area is usually the limit. Roughly 80–100 sq ft per kW is needed; elevated structures allow the terrace to remain usable. A typical 100-flat community with 6,000 sq ft of usable terrace can host around 60 kW, generating about 7,000+ units a month.

Process for associations

1. Committee resolution and approval in an AGM/SGM
2. Technical survey & proposal
3. BESCOM feasibility & subsidy application
4. Installation (typically 2–4 weeks)
5. Net metering, commissioning and subsidy credit

Beyond solar PV

Communities can further cut costs with heat pumps for clubhouse showers, rainwater harvesting to reduce tanker dependence, and central water treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: prices, tariffs and subsidy figures are indicative and based on publicly available information at the time of writing; they can change. Contact us for current, site-specific figures.