The Indian government is studying the possibility of launching a nationwide Solar Household Savings Benchmark Report (SHSBR-2026) that would measure actual savings achieved by rooftop solar consumers across different states. Officials familiar with early design discussions told SolSetu that this benchmark will compare promised solar savings vs. real-world performance to improve transparency in the sector.

While millions of households have adopted rooftop solar in recent years, consumer savings vary widely based on installation quality, local tariffs, net-metering rules, and seasonal variations. SHSBR-2026 aims to put real figures in front of consumers, policymakers, and installers.

Why SHSBR-2026 Is Needed

Recent studies show that many solar users experience one or more of the following:

• Lower-than-expected monthly savings
• Seasonal mismatch between solar generation and consumption
• Tariff slab changes affecting net savings
• Performance losses due to panel degradation or shading
• Inaccurate savings estimates provided during installation

A standardized savings benchmark will help consumers make more informed decisions and compare their system’s health with state and national averages.

What the Benchmark May Include

SHSBR-2026 is expected to analyze data across categories such as:

• Monthly savings vs. expected savings
• Annual rooftop solar generation by state
• Realistic payback period estimates
• Seasonal generation graphs
• Impact of net-metering rules on yearly savings
• Urban vs. rural rooftop performance statistics
• Top-performing states in household solar efficiency

The data will be sourced from DISCOMs, MNRE dashboards, and verified smart meter records.

Benefits for Consumers & the Solar Industry

• Better clarity on true savings potential
• Reduced misinformation during rooftop sales pitches
• More transparent policy decisions based on real-world performance
• Improved installer accountability through verified benchmarks
• Greater trust in the rooftop solar ecosystem

Expected Release Timeline

The initial version of SHSBR-2026 may be released as a pilot in:

• Maharashtra
• Gujarat
• Karnataka
• Tamil Nadu
• Telangana

A national report is expected once the pilot establishes a consistent data framework.

SolSetu will continue tracking the progress of SHSBR-2026 as it moves toward official evaluation.