Solar FAQ & common myths

Yes. Solar panels still produce electricity from diffuse sunlight on cloudy days, although output is lower than on a clear day. A properly designed system is sized using realistic local generation assumptions rather than assuming bright sunshine every day.

Normally, no. A standard grid-tied inverter shuts down during a grid outage for electrical safety and anti-islanding protection. If backup during outages is important, a suitable hybrid inverter and battery-backed backup circuit must be designed into the system.

On-grid: connected to the utility grid and generally the most economical for bill reduction. Hybrid: grid + solar + battery, allowing selected or designed loads to receive backup. Off-grid: designed around batteries and solar without relying on the utility grid, requiring careful load and storage sizing.

No. Solar can substantially reduce energy charges, but the final electricity bill can still contain fixed charges, minimum charges, taxes or other utility components. Savings depend on system size, generation, tariff, self-consumption and the applicable net-metering rules.

Net metering allows eligible grid-connected consumers to export surplus electricity to the distribution network and receive the applicable billing credit or adjustment under the prevailing utility rules. The exact process, limits and settlement mechanism depend on the consumer category and current regulations.

Subsidy eligibility depends on the applicable scheme, consumer category, installation type and the rules in force when the application is processed. Residential rooftop systems under the relevant government programme may qualify, while commercial and industrial systems are generally treated differently. Always verify the current official eligibility and rates before making a financial decision.

For a good-quality 3 kW on-grid residential system in Uttar Pradesh, the typical project cost before subsidy falls roughly in the ₹1.65–1.95 lakh range, depending on module technology, inverter brand, mounting structure and site conditions. After the PM Surya Ghar central subsidy (up to ₹78,000 for an eligible 3 kW residential system) and the applicable UPNEDA state subsidy, the amount payable is significantly lower. These are indicative market ranges, not a quotation - use Halosun's Savings Calculator for a number based on your own bill, or request a free site visit for a written quote.

As a planning estimate, a well-installed 3 kW system in Uttar Pradesh generates roughly 3.5–4.5 units per kW per day, working out to approximately 320–400 units a month (around 4,000–4,800 units a year) under typical conditions. Actual generation depends on orientation, tilt, shading, panel quality and local weather, so treat this as a planning range rather than a guarantee - Halosun's Savings Calculator gives a more specific estimate based on your bill.

A properly engineered rooftop installation should not compromise a sound roof. Mounting method, structural condition, waterproofing, fasteners, ballast and cable routing all matter. The installation should be planned for the actual roof rather than simply drilling wherever convenient.

Solar equipment is exposed on a roof and is connected to long outdoor cable runs. Proper protective earthing, bonding and appropriately selected surge protective devices help manage fault currents and transient overvoltages. Lightning protection, where required, should be designed as a coordinated system rather than improvised by connecting random conductors together.

Solar is relatively low-maintenance, but it is not maintenance-free. Periodic cleaning may be required depending on dust and local conditions, while inspections should cover module condition, mounting hardware, cable routes, connectors, inverter alarms, protection devices and generation performance.

No. Good-quality modules are designed for long service lives and normally continue producing electricity for decades, although output gradually degrades over time. The exact warranty and degradation guarantee depend on the module manufacturer and product.

Yes, with a correctly designed hybrid/backup system. A backup distribution board can supply selected essential circuits from the inverter's backup output, while non-essential loads remain on the normal supply. The inverter, battery, changeover/protection and wiring must be designed for the intended loads.

Not necessarily. An on-grid system can operate without batteries and use the grid for supply when solar generation is insufficient. Batteries add backup capability and can shift energy to later hours, but they also add cost, complexity and a component with its own service life.

Not by itself. System quality depends on module performance, inverter selection, string design, shading, structure, cable sizing, protection, earthing, installation workmanship and how well the plant matches the consumer's load. A larger nameplate can be a poor investment if the design is wrong.