Can Apartments Install Solar in Chennai?
Yes — but it requires a collective decision by the apartment association (RWA) and TANGEDCO approval for group net metering. The good news: TANGEDCO Tamil Nadu has an active scheme for group housing societies since 2022.
How Group Net Metering Works
- 1RWA installs a common solar system on the building's terrace
- 2Solar generation is first used for common areas (lifts, lighting, pumps)
- 3Surplus distributed to individual flats through a virtual net metering arrangement
- 4Each flat's EB bill reduces proportionally based on their share
What System Size Does an Apartment Need?
| Units in Complex | Common Area Load | Recommended Solar | Monthly Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 units | 5–8 kW | 10 kW | ₹8,000–₹12,000 |
| 50 units | 10–15 kW | 25 kW | ₹20,000–₹28,000 |
| 100 units | 20–30 kW | 50 kW | ₹40,000–₹55,000 |
RWA Decision Process
- 1RWA votes on solar installation (simple majority required)
- 2Appoint one representative as point of contact
- 3Contact Heliostrom for free group assessment
- 4We handle TANGEDCO group net metering application
- 5Installation typically completed in 5–10 days
- 6Savings distributed per your RWA's formula
Heliostrom has completed group solar projects for 3 housing societies in Chennai. Contact us at gosolar@heliostrom.com for a free RWA consultation.
