FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

🛡️ Why Choose Us?

Q) Who we are?

We are your trusted solar partners and experts. While we are not directly empanelled with UPNEDA, we work in close association with UPNEDA empanelled vendors to deliver projects seamlessly. We support system design, project coordination, and documentation, while installation, commissioning, and subsidy-related processes are carried out by the UPNEDA  empanelled vendors—ensuring a transparent, hassle-free experience. 

📝PMSGY Application 

Q) What documents are required to start the PMSGY application?

• Document Checklist: To start your application, keep these simple things ready. We will handle the rest!

• ✅ Electricity Bill: Latest bill (must be in the applicant's name).

• ✅ Aadhaar Card: Of the person whose name is on the bill.

• ✅ Bank Passbook / Cancelled Cheque: For the direct subsidy transfer to your account.

• ✅ Mobile Number: Linked with your Aadhaar/Electricity meter.

• ✅ Rooftop Photo: A clear photo of your empty terrace space.

• ✅ Proof of Ownership: A copy of your property registry, sale deed, or latest property tax receipt. This confirms you have the legal right to use the rooftop.

Note: If you are in an apartment/society, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the RWA is required.

🕒 Timeline 

Q) How Long Does it Take?

• Step 1: Registration & Survey: 1–3 Days

• Step 2: Govt. Feasibility Approval: 7–10 Days

• Step 3: Installation by Our Team: 2–3 Days

• Step 4: Net-Metering & Inspection: 15–20 Days

• Step 5: Subsidy in Your Bank Account: 30 Days (After commissioning)

Note: Timeline is approximate

💰 Pricing & Subsidies

Q) What is the price of a 1 kW solar system? The price depends on the brand, efficiency, and rooftop design. As a general guide:

• On-Grid System (Subsidy Eligible): ₹60,000 – ₹75,000

• Off-Grid System (Battery Backup): ₹65,000 – ₹90,000

• Note: These are estimated prices. Please contact us for a customized quote.

Q) Can you help me apply for the PM-Surya Ghar (PMSGMBY) subsidy? Yes! 

• We assist you in every step: from submitting your application on the National Portal to coordinating with UPNEDA empanelled vendors for technical approvals. We ensure your system complies with all government requirements so your subsidy is processed smoothly.

⚡Types of Solar System

Q) Why Choose On-Grid Solar

An On-Grid system connects your home to the utility grid,

• Lowest Cost: No expensive batteries to buy or maintain.

• Fast ROI: Your system pays for itself in just 3 to 5 years.

• Earn Credits: Surplus power is sent to the grid, giving you credits on your bill through Net Metering.

• Zero Hassle: Fully automatic and requires very little maintenance.

Points to Note

• Blackouts: For safety, the system shuts down during power cuts (Anti-Islanding).

• No Backup: It does not store energy for use at night or during outages.

Q) Why Choose A Hybrid Solar System

• A Hybrid Solar System is the ultimate "Best of Both Worlds" solution for 2026. It combines the massive bill savings of an On-Grid system with the 100% reliability of an Off-Grid system.

🔋 Hybrid Solar: Savings + 24/7 Power Security

A Hybrid system stays connected to the government grid while also having a Battery Backup. It intelligently manages power so you never have to worry about power cuts again.

✅ Why Hybrid is the Modern Choice

• Total Independence: Your lights, fans, and WiFi stay on even during a total grid blackout.

• Net Metering Included: Like an On-Grid system, you can still export excess power to the grid to reduce your bill.

• Best of Both Worlds: Use solar power during the day, battery at night, and the grid only when needed.

• PM-Surya Ghar Subsidy: Yes! You are still eligible for the full subsidy (up to ₹1,08,000 in UP) on the solar components of a Hybrid system.

• 25+ Year Life: High-quality solar panels last for decades, providing long-term value.

⚡ Performance & Technology

Q) How many units does a 1 kW solar system produce? 

• On average, 1 kWp of solar panels generates approximately 3.5–4 units per day. Annually, this totals roughly 1,300–1,500 units, depending on your location, weather, and panel orientation.

Q) Does the system work in cloudy weather or during the monsoon? 

• Yes, solar panels still generate power on cloudy or rainy days by using diffused sunlight. However, production may drop by 20–40% compared to a bright sunny day.

Q) What are Micro-inverters? 

• They convert power at the individual panel level rather than for the whole string. This means if one panel is in the shade (or fails), the rest of the system continues to work at maximum efficiency.

🛡️ Safety & Reliability

Q) Why is "Earthing" so important? 

• Earthing is your system's safety valve: It directs excess electricity from lightning or internal faults safely into the ground. 

• For a safe and standard installation: We provide 3 separate earthing points. Each serves a specific purpose: protecting your solar equipment, your home appliances, and your family from electrical surges or lightning. 

• DC Earthing: Protects the solar panels and the mounting structure from static electricity and internal faults

• AC Earthing: Connected to the inverter and your home’s electrical distribution board to protect your appliances from surges and one for lightning protection

• LA (Lightning Arrestor) Earthing: Dedicated solely to the Lightning Arrestor. In case of a lightning strike, this safely directs thousands of volts into the ground, bypassing your expensive solar system and home

Q Why 3 separate pits? 

• Using dedicated earthing pits ensures that if a fault occurs—like a lightning strike—the high voltage won't 'travel' through a shared wire to damage your inverter or home appliances. At Zen Sustainables, we follow these strict safety standards to protect your investment and ensure your system runs safely for 25+ years

Q) What is the warranty on these systems? 

• Warranties are brand-specific but generally follow this standard:

• Solar Panels: 25-year performance warranty.

• Inverters: 2 to 10 years

• Batteries: 2 to 5 years

• We only recommend brands with reliable local service support.

Q) Will the system work during a power blackout?

• On-Grid: No, for safety reasons (to protect workers on the grid), these systems (even with Microinverters) shut down during a blackout.

• Off-Grid/Hybrid: Yes, these systems use battery storage to keep your lights on when the grid goes down.

📏 Space & Planning

Q) How much rooftop area is needed for a 1 kW system? 

• You need approximately 65 sq. ft. to 100 sq. ft. of shadow-free, south-facing rooftop space.

Q) Do you provide design and consulting for larger projects? 

• Yes! We provide professional solar design and consulting for both residential setups and large-scale Megawatt (MW) projects, helping EPC companies optimise layouts and save resources.

📟 Net Metering

Q) What is Net Metering? 

• Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits you for the extra electricity your solar panels produce. When your system generates more power than you need, the excess is sent back to the government grid. Your electricity bill is then adjusted (reduced) based on the "net" amount of power you actually consumed.