Every solar enquiry starts with the same question: "On-grid, off-grid ya hybrid — kaunsa lun?" The answer depends on just two things: your electricity bill and your power-cut situation. Here's the honest breakdown.
The three systems in one minute
- On-Grid (Grid-Tied): Connected to the electricity grid. Daytime solar runs your house; surplus is exported and credited (net metering). No battery.
- Off-Grid: Fully independent with batteries. No grid connection at all — ideal where electricity doesn't reach.
- Hybrid: On-grid plus battery. Runs on solar by day, charges the battery, and keeps essentials running during cuts.
Cost comparison (indicative 2026)
| On-Grid | Hybrid | Off-Grid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kW price | ₹1.65–₹1.95 lakh | ₹2.2–₹2.8 lakh | ₹2.5–₹3.2 lakh |
| Battery | None | Small/optional | Mandatory bank |
| PM Surya Ghar subsidy | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (on eligible portion) | ❌ No |
| Works during power cut | ❌ No | ✅ Limited load | ✅ Full |
| Payback period | 3–4 years | 5–7 years | 8–10 years |
Which one should you choose?
Choose On-Grid if…
- You live in a city like Jaipur with rare power cuts.
- You want the lowest cost and the PM Surya Ghar subsidy.
- Your main goal is reducing the bill — on-grid gives the fastest payback.
Choose Hybrid if…
- You face frequent cuts (smaller towns, village fringes) but have a grid connection.
- You want backup for fans, lights, fridge and WiFi during outages.
- You're okay paying more for peace of mind.
Choose Off-Grid if…
- There's no reliable grid — dhanis, farmhouses, remote guest houses.
- You need 24×7 power for irrigation or equipment far from poles.
💡 Rajasthan rule of thumb: City home → On-Grid. Small town with cuts → Hybrid. Farm/dhani with no line → Off-Grid. Still unsure? We do a free survey and recommend honestly — we install all three.
The net-metering advantage
On-grid and hybrid systems in Rajasthan use net metering: daytime surplus spins your meter backwards. In a sunny month your bill can hit nearly ₹0 — that's the "Muft Bijli" promise of PM Surya Ghar in action.