India’s rooftop solar market is expanding quickly as electricity prices rise and government subsidies become more accessible. However, the best state for rooftop solar depends on factors like solar radiation, subsidy policies, electricity tariffs, and net metering rules. Let’s compare leading states to see where rooftop solar offers the highest savings and the fastest payback.
Top States Leading in Rooftop Solar Adoption:
1. Gujarat
• Highest residential rooftop installations in India.
• State + Central subsidies can reduce system cost by up to 60%.
• Payback period: 3–4 years (one of the fastest).
2. Rajasthan
• Strong sunlight and high annual solar radiation.
• Rooftop systems generate more units per kW.
• Payback period: 4–5 years.
3. Haryana
• Additional state subsidy for residential consumers.
• Higher retail electricity tariffs = more bill savings.
• Payback period: 3.5–4.5 years.
4. Maharashtra
• Good rooftop potential in cities and large housing societies.
• High tariffs make solar financially attractive.
• Payback period: 4–6 years.
5. Kerala
• Stable subsidy disbursal and strong government support.
• Slightly lower generation due to monsoon climate, but good tariff savings.
• Payback period: 5–6 years.
Cost Comparison (Approx., Before Subsidy):
| System Size | Avg. Cost (₹/kW) |
| 1–3 kW | ₹55,000 – ₹70,000/kW |
| 3–10 kW | ₹50,000 – ₹60,000/kW |
With MNRE subsidy (up to 40% for 1–3 kW systems), the final cost drops significantly.
Conclusion:
The best state for rooftop solar depends on your priorities:
• Lowest cost: Gujarat, Haryana
• Maximum generation: Rajasthan
• Large housing society adoption: Maharashtra
• Strong government support: Kerala
No matter where you live, rooftop solar pays for itself in 3–6 years, and then you enjoy free electricity for 20+ years.
Switching to solar is not just smart—it’s financially strategic.
