Shared Solar Systems For Apartment Complexes And How They Work

By Author: Sunboost Energy
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With rising electricity costs and growing awareness around sustainability, solar energy adoption is no longer limited to individual homes or commercial spaces. Apartment complexes across India are now exploring shared solar systems as a practical and cost-effective solution. If you live in a flat and wonder whether solar energy can work for you, the answer is yes — through shared systems designed specifically for multi-dwelling units.

In this article, we’ll explore what a shared solar system is, how it functions, and why it's becoming an ideal option for housing societies looking to go green.

What is a Shared Solar System?

A shared solar system is a setup where one centralized residential solar system is installed to serve multiple flats or units in an apartment complex. Unlike individual rooftop solar panels for each flat (which is often impractical due to space constraints), a shared system is typically installed on a common rooftop and the generated solar power is distributed among the residents.

This model promotes solar panel for flats in a collective way, making it financially and logistically ...
... feasible for large residential societies.

How Does a Shared Solar System Work?

The working of a shared solar system involves the following key components:

Centralized Solar Panel Installation:
Solar panels are installed on the common roof of the apartment building or in other shared spaces.

Inverter and Net Metering:
A central inverter converts DC electricity generated by the panels into usable AC power. A net meter is installed to measure both the energy produced and the energy consumed.

Energy Distribution:
The generated power is either:

Supplied directly to the common facilities like lifts, pumps, and corridor lighting, or

Shared among individual flats, either equally or based on usage.

Billing and Credits:
In the case of grid-connected systems, excess solar power is exported back to the grid. Residents receive credits on their electricity bill under the net metering policy, reducing monthly expenses.

Benefits of a Shared Solar System for Apartments

Cost Efficiency
Instead of each flat installing a separate setup, a shared system reduces the total cost through bulk installation and shared infrastructure.

Optimized Roof Usage
Apartment rooftops typically don’t offer enough space for every flat to install a full-capacity system. A shared setup optimizes available space for solar energy for apartments.

Lower Maintenance Hassles
Maintenance is handled centrally by the society or service provider, saving individuals from upkeep responsibilities.

Reduced Electricity Bills
Shared solar helps power common areas or individual homes, leading to a noticeable drop in electricity expenses.

Environmentally Responsible
Investing in a shared system means you're part of a community making conscious efforts to reduce carbon emissions and support clean energy.

Models of Shared Solar Systems

Here are the common models housing societies in India adopt:

1. Common Area Usage Only

The solar energy generated is used to power common services like elevators, water pumps, lights, and security systems. This is the simplest model and reduces shared maintenance costs.

2. Individual Meter-Based Sharing

In this setup, power is allocated to individual flats based on a pre-defined percentage or real-time usage. This method may require additional metering infrastructure and agreements among residents.

3. Virtual Net Metering (VNM)

Although still evolving in India, Virtual Net Metering allows energy credits to be distributed across multiple user accounts. It’s useful where solar energy is generated off-site or for societies where individual flat access is not practical.

Challenges to Consider

Regulatory Approvals: Some DISCOMs (distribution companies) still have limited frameworks for shared or virtual net metering.

Initial Investment: While the cost is shared, it still requires upfront investment by the society or residents.

Consensus Among Residents: Agreement from the majority of residents is essential for planning, funding, and executing a shared solar setup.

Government Incentives and Support

Under India’s Rooftop Solar Programme, the government offers subsidies and financial assistance for residential solar system installations. Societies can avail of these incentives when opting for solar under certain conditions.

Additionally, some states provide extra support for group housing societies, making it easier to adopt a shared solar approach.

Final Thoughts

Switching to solar energy is no longer just a trend — it’s a necessity. For apartment dwellers, a shared solar system provides a practical and eco-friendly solution to access clean power without the burden of individual installation. It aligns perfectly with the growing interest in solar panel for flats and delivers real savings with long-term benefits.

If your society is considering solar energy for apartments, now is the right time to initiate a conversation, explore system designs, and reach out to a reliable solar provider. With the right planning, your apartment complex can enjoy the full benefits of a residential solar system — together.

At Sunboost Energy, we specialize in designing and installing customized shared solar systems for apartment complexes, housing societies, and gated communities. From feasibility assessment to installation and post-installation support, our team ensures a smooth and efficient transition to solar power. Let us help your community make a smart, sustainable move toward energy independence.