Blog Details

Introduction

Bihar Sharif, like many towns in Bihar, faces two common electricity-related issues:

• High monthly electricity bills
• Occasional power cuts during summer

With government-backed solar subsidies and rising awareness, many residents are asking:

"Is solar actually cheaper than paying electricity bills every month?"

Let’s compare real numbers and give you a clear answer.

Average Monthly Electricity Bill in Bihar Sharif

Most middle-income families in Bihar Sharif use:

• 1 or 2 ACs
• 1 refrigerator
• Fans, lights, motor, and sometimes a washing machine

This adds up to 10–12 units per day, or 300–360 units/month.

With BSPHCL rates (₹6.5–₹7.5/unit), your monthly electricity bill is:

₹2,200 – ₹2,800/month
₹27,000 – ₹34,000/year

This doesn't include annual tariff hikes (5–7% yearly average).

Solar System Cost (3kW – Ideal for Mid-Size Homes)

A 3kW rooftop solar system can generate ~12 units/day = 360 units/month.
That covers almost the entire consumption for a typical home.

System Cost Breakdown in 2025:

ItemAmount (INR)3kW Solar System₹2,10,000PM Surya Ghar Subsidy-₹78,000Company Discount (GGS)-₹18,000Final Cost to Customer₹1,14,000

This includes:

• Mono PERC panels
• Grid-tied inverter
• Net metering setup
• Structure + installation

EMI Option for Solar Buyers

You don’t need to pay ₹1.14 lakh upfront. Many banks/NBFCs offer EMI plans.

TenureEMI per month (approx)12 months₹9,80018 months₹6,60024 months₹4,900

Even on EMI, your monthly solar cost is almost same (or lower) than your electricity bill — except it ends in 1–2 years.

5-Year Cost Comparison (Solar vs Grid Power)

Let’s look at what you’ll pay over the next 5 years in both cases:

1. Grid Electricity Only

YearMonthly AvgYearly Total5-Year Total2025₹2,500₹30,0002026₹2,650₹31,8002027₹2,800₹33,6002028₹2,950₹35,4002029₹3,100₹37,200₹168,000

5 Years = ₹1.68 lakh spent on bills
20 Years = ₹7–8 lakh lost in recurring payments

2. Rooftop Solar (3kW)

ComponentCostSystem Cost₹1.14 lakhMaintenance₹1,000/year5-Year Total₹1.19 lakhPost-5 Years₹0 (system keeps running)

Break-even in 3.5–4 years, and savings thereafter.

Net Metering Advantage in Bihar Sharif

Bihar Sharif falls under South Bihar DISCOM, which supports net metering.

If you generate more than you use:

• Extra units go to the grid
• You get credit in your electricity bill
• This can help reduce monthly bills to as low as ₹0–₹100

What About Blackouts?

Most grid-tied systems shut down when grid is off (for safety).
But you can opt for hybrid inverters + batteries, though that increases cost by ₹50,000–₹70,000.

Most users start with regular on-grid system and upgrade later.

Solar Adds Value to Your Property

Solar is not just about savings.

In Bihar Sharif, homes with solar:

• Sell faster in resale market
• Have better rent prospects
• Appear modern, sustainable, and "future-ready"

Buyers see value in not having ₹3,000/month electricity bills.

What If I Move House?

You can:

• Transfer the solar system to new owner
• Or uninstall and reinstall at your new house
• Warranty and DISCOM approval is usually transferable with re-inspection

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What if my roof has less space?
You need ~100 sq. ft. per kW. If roof is smaller, try elevated structure or partial installation (2kW now, 1kW later).

Q2: Can tenants install solar?
Only if they have permission from owner + electricity bill is in their name.

Q3: How long does installation take?
10–15 days after survey and subsidy approval.

Q4: Is subsidy guaranteed?
Yes, for 1–3kW systems through PM Surya Ghar Yojana (till scheme is active).

Conclusion:
If you're still paying electricity bills every month, you're essentially renting your energy.
With solar, you own your power — and your savings.

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