Do you need a battery with rooftop solar? On-grid vs hybrid vs off-grid
Last verified: 13 October 2026
Most Indian homes with a reliable grid do not need a battery: the grid acts as your storage through net metering. A battery makes sense mainly when power cuts are frequent or long.
The three system types
- On-grid: panels + grid-tied inverter + net meter. Lowest cost. Switches off during a power cut for safety, so no backup.
- Hybrid: on-grid plus a battery. Keeps chosen circuits running during cuts and still exports surplus.
- Off-grid: battery only, no grid connection. For places without reliable supply; not linked to net metering.
When a battery is worth it
- You face regular cuts of an hour or more, or work from home and need reliable power.
- You already spend on an inverter battery or generator — a hybrid system can replace it.
- Not worth it if cuts are rare: the battery adds cost and needs replacing during the panels' life.
Rough battery sizing (estimate)
Add up the watts of what must run during a cut (fans, lights, Wi-Fi, fridge) and multiply by the hours of backup you want. Example: 500 W for 4 hours = 2 kWh of usable storage. Lithium batteries typically let you use most of their capacity; lead-acid far less, so they need to be bigger.
Batteries usually need replacing well before panels do. Ask installers for warranty years and cycle ratings in writing.
Subsidy and batteries
PM Surya Ghar is for grid-connected rooftop systems registered with your electricity company. Ask your installer how adding a battery affects your application before you sign.
In your city
Delhi
Electricity company: BSES Rajdhani, BSES Yamuna or Tata Power-DDL (depends on your area)
- Delhi's grid is generally reliable, so most homes choose on-grid. Consider hybrid only if your area has frequent cuts.
Mumbai
Electricity company: MSEDCL in most suburbs; parts of Mumbai are served by BEST, Adani or Tata Power
- Mumbai city supply is generally stable; flats in societies often go on-grid or share a common system.
Bengaluru
Electricity company: BESCOM
- Some areas see scheduled cuts. If you already run an inverter battery, ask installers to quote a hybrid inverter that reuses your backup needs.
Pune
Electricity company: MSEDCL (Mahavitaran)
- Peri-urban areas with more cuts may justify a small hybrid battery for essentials.
Chennai
Electricity company: TNPDCL (formerly TANGEDCO)
- Monsoon storms can cause cuts; a small battery for essentials is a common middle ground.
Hyderabad
Electricity company: TGSPDCL (Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana)
- Check your local cut pattern over a summer before paying for storage.
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Get my free estimateFrequently asked questions
Does an on-grid system work during a power cut?
No. It shuts down automatically to protect line workers. You need a hybrid system with a battery for backup.
Lithium or lead-acid?
Lithium costs more upfront but lasts longer and uses more of its capacity. Compare cost per usable kWh over its warranty.
Can I add a battery later?
Yes, if you choose a hybrid-ready inverter at the start. Ask your installer.
Official sources
Rules, rates and subsidy amounts change. Figures here are estimates for guidance only — always confirm with your electricity company and the official portal before you sign. Last verified 13 October 2026.