Straight answers, no jargon.
How much does a 3kW rooftop solar system cost in Lucknow after subsidy?+
A 3kW on-grid rooftop solar system typically costs around ₹1.8–2.1 lakh before subsidy. Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, eligible residential customers receive up to ₹78,000 as central subsidy, bringing your net cost to roughly ₹1.02–1.32 lakh. Final pricing depends on panel brand, inverter type and structure height.
Am I eligible for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana subsidy?+
Any Indian resident who owns a house with a suitable roof, has a valid electricity connection and has not already claimed a rooftop solar subsidy is eligible. You must apply through the National Portal and empanel a registered vendor — which Mangal Hands handles end-to-end for you.
How much roof space do I need for a 3kW solar plant?+
Roughly 250–300 sq. ft. of shadow-free roof for a 3kW system using standard mono-PERC panels. Higher-efficiency modules can reduce this by 15–20%. We confirm exact requirements during the free site survey.
Do solar panels work during Lucknow's monsoon and winter?+
Yes. Panels generate electricity from daylight, not direct heat, so cloudy days still yield 20–40% output. Lucknow averages 280+ sunny days annually, and net-metering banks your monsoon deficit against summer surplus so your annual bill remains near zero.
What is net metering and how does it work in Uttar Pradesh?+
Net metering lets you export surplus solar electricity to the grid and offset it against units you consume at night. UPPCL installs a bi-directional meter; you are billed only for the net units drawn. Mangal Hands handles the UPPCL application, inspection and meter installation.
What is the payback period and lifetime of a rooftop solar system?+
With subsidy, most Lucknow homes recover their investment in 3–5 years. Panels carry a 25-year performance warranty (retaining 80%+ output at year 25) and inverters typically last 10–12 years. Effectively you get 20+ years of near-free electricity after payback.
On-grid vs off-grid vs hybrid — which should I choose?+
On-grid is best for homes with reliable UPPCL supply — cheapest, subsidy-eligible, no batteries. Hybrid adds a battery for outage backup — ideal if your area has frequent cuts. Off-grid is fully battery-based, used for remote sites without grid access. Our engineers recommend the right fit after a load audit.
What maintenance does a solar system need?+
Minimal. Panels need cleaning every 15–30 days (a garden hose is enough) and an annual professional inspection of wiring, inverter and earthing. Mangal Hands offers optional AMC packages starting under ₹3,000/year.
Can I take an EMI or loan for rooftop solar?+
Yes. Under PM Surya Ghar, collateral-free loans up to ₹2 lakh at ~7% p.a. are available from empanelled banks for systems up to 3kW. Our team helps you compare offers and complete paperwork.
How long does installation take from booking to switch-on?+
Typically 30–45 days end-to-end: 2 days survey and design, 15–20 days for subsidy and UPPCL approvals, 2–3 days installation, and 5–10 days for net-meter inspection. We keep you updated at every stage on WhatsApp.