Electricity costs keep rising, and many businesses in Gujarat are feeling the pinch. At the same time, there’s a growing push to adopt cleaner, greener energy solutions. That’s why more and more companies are turning to solar power. Gujarat, with its year-round sunshine and supportive government policies, is one of the best places in India to go solar.
If you’ve been thinking about installing a commercial solar system for your business, but aren’t sure where to start, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.
Step-by-Step Commercial Solar System Installation in Gujarat
1. Start with a Site Check and Energy Audit
The first step is to figure out how much energy your business actually needs and whether your space is suitable for solar panels.
- Check your energy use: Look at your past electricity bills to see your peak demand and monthly consumption.
- Inspect your site: A rooftop or open ground area with plenty of sunlight and minimal shading works best.
This gives you a clear idea of how big a system you’ll need.
2. Get Familiar with Gujarat’s Solar Benefits
Gujarat has some of the most supportive solar policies in India. Under the state’s Solar Power Policy (2021–2025):
- Businesses can install solar systems of any size for their own use.
- MSMEs get paid ₹2.25 per unit for surplus energy exported to the grid for five years.
- Many extra charges like wheeling and transmission fees are waived.
While central subsidies mainly cover homes, commercial projects still benefit from:
- Net metering (earning credits for extra power sent to the grid)
- Tax savings through accelerated depreciation
- Power purchase agreements (PPAs) that let you buy solar power at a lower cost without owning the system outright.
3. Decide How You Want to Finance It
There are two popular ways to set up solar for businesses:
- Own it (CAPEX model): You invest upfront, enjoy lower bills, and get tax benefits. Great for long-term savings.
- Lease it (OPEX/RESCO model): A solar company sets up and maintains the system. You simply pay for the electricity you use—no big investment needed.
4. Apply Through the Surya Gujarat Portal
The state has made the process easier with the Surya Gujarat Portal. Here you can:
- Register your project.
- Choose an empanelled vendor.
- Track your application.
For smaller systems (up to 10 kW), you don’t even need technical approval from DISCOMs. Bigger projects may require feasibility checks.
5. Pick a Trusted Vendor & Finalize Your Design
Choosing the right partner is key. Make sure your vendor is approved by GEDA (Gujarat Energy Development Agency) and uses BIS/MNRE-certified equipment.
A good solar partner will help you:
- Design the layout
- Get all the approvals
- Use high-quality components
- Ensure safety and performance
6. Get the System Installed & Commissioned
Once approvals are in place, installation can usually be done in a few weeks.
- Panels are mounted
- Inverters are connected
- Wiring and safety checks are completed
Finally, the DISCOM inspects the system, installs a net meter, and issues a commissioning certificate.
7. Connect to the Grid with Net Metering
Net metering allows you to send unused solar power back to the grid and get credit for it. This helps you lower your electricity bills even further and ensures you don’t waste the extra energy your system produces.
8. Keep It Running Smoothly
Solar systems don’t need a lot of maintenance, but regular care makes a big difference.
- Keep panels clean from dust and debris
- Monitor performance through apps or software
- Schedule preventive checks with your vendor
If uninterrupted power is critical for your operations, you can also add battery storage for backup.
9. Plan Ahead for Future Rules
From June 2026, all clean energy projects in India will need to use solar cells made in the country. Choosing vendors who are already compliant will save you trouble later.
Important Note to Consider :
Installing a commercial solar system in Gujarat isn’t just about cutting electricity costs, it’s about future-proofing your business, reducing your carbon footprint, and taking advantage of a state that strongly supports renewable energy.
The journey starts with a simple site check and the right solar partner. Once installed, your business will enjoy years of savings and energy independence—all while contributing to a cleaner future.
Steps to Consider for Installing a Commercial Solar System in Gujarat
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Site Assessment & Energy Audit
- Begin by assessing your facility’s roof or land for sunlight availability, structural strength, and shading issues.
- Conduct an energy audit to determine your power demand and estimate the required system capacity.
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Understand Policies & Financial Models
- Gujarat Solar Power Policy (2021–2025): Allows unrestricted system size for captive use, offers surplus energy compensation (₹2.25/unit for MSMEs for five years), and waives banking, wheeling, and transmission charges.
- Central Incentives: Residential schemes like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana offer subsidies up to ₹78,000, but commercial and industrial projects are not eligible.
- Commercial and industrial sectors can benefit from:
- Net metering (sell surplus and offset bills)
- Accelerated depreciation
- Competitive open-access tariffs
- Group captive or third-party PPA models.
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Selection of Financial Model
- CAPEX (Ownership): You invest upfront and gain long-term control and depreciation/tax benefits.
- OPEX / RESCO (Lease or PPA): A solar provider installs and manages the system; you pay for consumed energy, ideal for low-capital setups.
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Apply via the Surya Gujarat Portal
- Use the single-window portal (or app) to apply for rooftop PV installation and check empanelled vendors.
- For installments up to 10 kW, technical feasibility is automatically exempted by DISCOMs; for higher capacities, feasibility studies and infrastructure strengthening charges may apply.
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Vendor Selection & System Design
- Choose a vendor approved by GEDA and listed in your local DISCOM’s panel.
- Design includes panel layout, inverters, mounting structure, and necessary certifications like BIS/MNRE-approved components.
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Installation & Commissioning
- After technical clearance, get “in-principle” consent, pay charges (if any), and proceed with installation (6-month window for completion).
- Post-installation, the DISCOM inspects, installs meters, and issues a commissioning certificate via GEDA or designated authority.
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Net Metering & Connectivity
- Apply for a net meter to feed surplus power into the grid, allowing you to offset electricity costs.
- Surplus energy compensation is favourable, especially for MSMEs under Gujarat’s policy.
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Operation & Maintenance (O&M)
- Engage your EPC or vendor for routine cleaning, remote monitoring, and performance audits.
- Hybrid systems equipped with battery storage and backup ensure uninterrupted power for critical operations.
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Regulations for Locally Made Components
- From June 2026, all clean energy projects—including commercial ones- must use solar cells manufactured in India from an approved list.
| Step | Activity to procedure for commercial solar |
| 1 | Site survey & energy audit |
| 2 | Policy & incentive overview |
| 3 | Financial model selection (CAPEX / OPEX) |
| 4 | App via Surya Gujarat portal |
| 5 | Vendor selection & system design |
| 6 | Installation & commissioning |
| 7 | Net metering setup & grid connection |
| 8 | O&M & potential hybrid setup |
| 9 | Comply with future localization norms (post-2026) |
Final Thoughts
Gujarat offers a supportive policy environment and streamlined processes for commercial solar adoption. By choosing the right financial model and vendor, and leveraging net metering and surplus compensation, businesses can achieve impressive ROI while contributing meaningfully to sustainability. Would you like help sourcing qualified EPC vendors in Ahmedabad or deeper insights into financial modeling or battery integration?
