One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: "What will my electricity bill look like after solar?" Let's break it down with real numbers.
Before solar (example):
- Monthly consumption: 500 units
- Average tariff: Rs 7.5/unit
- Monthly bill: Rs 3,750 + fixed charges
After solar with 5 kW system:
- Solar generation: ~600 units/month
- Home consumption: 500 units
- Exported to grid: 100 units
- Imported from grid: 0 units (during night/cloudy)
- Net bill: Practically zero + minimal fixed charges
How the calculation works:
1. Your bidirectional meter records two readings: Import (grid to home) and Export (home to grid)
2. Net units = Import - Export
3. If net is positive, you pay for those units
4. If net is negative, credits carry forward to next month
5. Annual settlement: Some states pay for excess at a feed-in tariff
In Madhya Pradesh, MPEB settles net metering on a monthly cycle. Excess credits roll forward, and annual settlement happens at the agreed rate.
Real savings breakdown for a 5 kW system in Bhopal:
- System cost: ~Rs 3,15,000
- Subsidy: Rs 78,000
- Net cost: Rs 2,37,000
- Monthly savings: Rs 3,500-4,000
- Payback period: 4.5-5 years
- System life: 25+ years
After payback, you essentially get free electricity for 20+ years. That's the real power of solar with net metering.
SolarWale provides a detailed savings estimate during the free roof audit, customized to your actual consumption pattern and tariff slab.