When you go solar, one of the first choices is the system type: on-grid, off-grid or hybrid. They cost different amounts, behave differently during a power cut, and only one of them gets you the full PM Surya Ghar subsidy. This guide explains all three in plain language so you can pick the right one for your Rajasthan home or business.
On-grid (grid-tied) solar
An on-grid system connects to the electricity grid and has no battery. During the day your panels power your home and any surplus is exported to the grid through a net meter; at night you draw from the grid and pay only your net consumption.
- Best for: most homes and businesses with a normal grid connection
- Cost: the most affordable option - broadly around Rs 60,000 per kW before subsidy
- Subsidy: fully eligible for the PM Surya Ghar subsidy (up to about Rs 78,000 for a 3 kW+ home system)
- Power cuts: a standard on-grid system shuts off during an outage for safety, so it does not give backup
For the majority of Rajasthan households, on-grid is the right answer: lowest cost, best payback, and it qualifies for the subsidy and net metering.
Off-grid solar
An off-grid system runs independently of the grid, storing power in batteries so you can use it any time, including at night and during cuts. It needs enough panels and battery capacity to cover your full usage.
- Best for: remote farms, homes with no reliable grid, or a specific load you must keep running
- Cost: highest - you pay for a larger battery bank, which also needs replacing over the years
- Subsidy: the PM Surya Ghar residential subsidy is designed for grid-connected systems, so a pure off-grid setup generally does not qualify
- Power cuts: full backup - it is not dependent on the grid at all
Off-grid makes sense where the grid is absent or unreliable, but for a normal city home it is usually more expensive than the problem it solves.
Hybrid solar
A hybrid system is the best of both: grid-connected like an on-grid system, but with a battery for backup. It exports surplus to the grid, draws from the grid when needed, and keeps essential loads running during a power cut.
- Best for: homes and shops that want savings AND backup during frequent cuts
- Cost: higher than on-grid because of the battery, lower running risk than off-grid
- Subsidy: the grid-connected portion can be eligible for the PM Surya Ghar subsidy - we confirm the current rules for your case
- Power cuts: keeps chosen backup loads (lights, fans, router, a few plug points) running
Hybrid is a good middle path in areas with regular outages, where you want the bill savings of solar plus reliable backup.
Quick comparison
- Cheapest and best payback: on-grid
- Full backup, grid-independent: off-grid
- Savings plus backup: hybrid
- Gets the full PM Surya Ghar subsidy: on-grid (and the grid-tied part of hybrid)
How to choose in Rajasthan
Start with two questions: how reliable is your grid, and do you need power during cuts? If your supply is stable, on-grid gives the fastest payback and the full subsidy. If you face frequent or long outages and want backup, hybrid is usually worth the extra cost. Pure off-grid is mainly for places the grid does not reach well. The right size for any of them comes from your monthly bill - our savings calculator and quote form turns that into a recommendation in seconds, and you can compare all three in our solar solutions.
Frequently asked questions
Which solar system is best for a home in Rajasthan?
For most Rajasthan homes with a normal grid connection, an on-grid system is best - it is the most affordable, has the quickest payback, and qualifies for the full PM Surya Ghar subsidy and net metering. Choose hybrid instead if you need backup during frequent power cuts.
Do off-grid solar systems get the PM Surya Ghar subsidy?
Generally no. The PM Surya Ghar residential subsidy is designed for grid-connected systems with net metering, so a pure off-grid system usually does not qualify. On-grid and the grid-tied portion of a hybrid system are eligible.
Does solar work during a power cut?
A standard on-grid system switches off during an outage for safety, so it gives no backup. If you need power during cuts, choose a hybrid (grid + battery) or off-grid system - both keep your essential loads running.
Not sure which system fits your home or business? Get a free quote and our team will recommend the right type and size for your roof and budget.
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