A tenant who expects to stay for two years should not evaluate rooftop solar using a ten-year payback. Start with the expected remaining tenancy and ask whether the system can be moved economically.
Compare permanent and removable costs
Panels may be reusable, but structure, wiring, approvals and labour often are not. Estimate installation today, removal later, roof restoration and reinstallation at the next property. A portable power station or smaller backup system may have lower lifetime friction even if its per-kWh economics are worse.
Get landlord consent that survives a dispute
The letter or lease addendum should identify the roof area, drilling or structural work, electrical connection, equipment owner, maintenance access and what happens when the tenancy ends. Include responsibility for leaks or damage. A WhatsApp “okay” is weak protection for a large permanent installation.
Society and DISCOM rules still apply
Landlord permission alone may not be enough in an apartment building. Check common-area rights, meter ownership and local utility procedures. Do not assume a system can export to the grid because the hardware technically supports it.
Consider a landlord-funded model
If the owner expects to keep the benefit after you leave, propose that the owner funds all or part of the installation while you receive an agreed electricity benefit during the lease. That aligns asset life with ownership more naturally.
Safety for balcony products
“Plug-in solar” advice from other countries may not fit Indian wiring, building rules or grid standards. Never backfeed household circuits using improvised cables. Use equipment and installation methods permitted by local rules and qualified professionals.
Decision rule
For tenants, solar works best when ownership, bill benefit and exit are clear. If the economics depend on staying longer than the lease or leaving equipment behind for free, negotiate the structure before buying anything.