How PGs Can Achieve Energy Self-Reliance Through Solar Panel Installations.

🌞 Study Report: Solar Energy for Self-Reliant PGs in Bengaluru

Table Of Contents

1. Background
2. Energy Profile of a Typical PG
3. Solar Potential in Bengaluru
4. Solar System Sizing & Feasibility
5. Cost Estimation
6. Benefits
7. Implementation Steps
8. Challenges

1. Background
Bengaluru is home to thousands of PG accommodations, especially near tech parks, colleges, and metro corridors. These PGs face:
• High monthly electricity bills
• Frequent outages/load shedding (especially in summer)
• Dependency on diesel generators (DG sets) — expensive & polluting
Goal:
Assess the viability of solar panel installations to make PGs self-reliant, reduce costs, and contribute to sustainability.

2. Energy Profile of a Typical PG
Assumptions (medium-sized PG):
• Occupants: 30–50 people
• Daily energy consumption: 60–100 units/day
• Appliances: lights, fans, geysers, washing machines, refrigerators, water purifiers, TVs
• Monthly electricity bill: ₹25,000 – ₹40,000

3. Solar Potential in Bengaluru
Parameter Value
Average solar insolation ~5.5 kWh/m²/day
Sunny days/year 300+
Ideal roof area required per kW ~100 sq.ft
1 kW solar generation/day ~4 – 4.5 units/day

4. Solar System Sizing & Feasibility
A. System Capacity
• To offset 90–100 units/day → Install ~20–25 kW system
• Rooftop area needed: ~2000–2500 sq.ft (available on most 3–4 storey PG rooftops)
B. System Types
Type Features Suitability
Grid-tied No battery, exports excess to grid Ideal if outages are rare
Hybrid Solar + battery + grid Best for reliability & night-time usage
Off-grid Fully standalone Costly, viable only in off-grid zones
Recommendation: Hybrid system (solar + battery + grid) for maximum reliability

5. Cost Estimation (2025 rates)
Item Estimate
20 kW Hybrid Solar System ₹18 – ₹22 lakhs
Net metering setup ₹20,000 – ₹50,000
Annual maintenance ₹10,000 – ₹20,000
Battery backup (optional) ₹6 – ₹8 lakhs (for 2–3 hr backup)
Subsidies Available:
• Central subsidy under PM-Surya Ghar (for residential; may not cover PGs unless legally classified as residential use)
• State/BBMP schemes (vary; depends on PG licensing and type)

6. Benefits
A. Financial
• Monthly savings: ₹20,000 – ₹35,000
• Payback period: 4–6 years
• ROI over 25 years: >300%
B. Operational
• Reduced dependence on DG sets
• Backup during outages (via hybrid systems)
• Stable energy costs
C. Environmental
• 1 kW solar = ~1.5 tons CO₂ saved annually
• 20 kW system = ~30 tons CO₂ saved/year
• Reduced noise, pollution from DGs

7. Implementation Steps
1. Energy audit: Assess current and future energy needs
2. Site feasibility: Rooftop area, shadow analysis
3. Vendor selection: MNRE-empanelled installers preferred
4. Financing:
o Bank loans (green loans)
o Lease or RESCO model (installers own the system, PG pays monthly fee)
5. Installation & net metering
6. Monitoring & maintenance

8. Challenges
Challenge Mitigation
Roof ownership (tenant PGs) Agreement with building owner
Upfront capital Loans or leasing models