Knowledge Hub

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers on solar, battery storage, open access, net metering, subsidies and financing. Pick a topic below or expand any question.

General

What is MAKS Green Energy?

MAKS Green Energy is an integrated energy transition company that helps businesses, communities, homeowners, institutions, and farmers adopt clean energy through Solar PV, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Hybrid Energy Systems, and Open Access renewable energy solutions. We provide end-to-end services including consulting, engineering, financing, project execution, commissioning, and long-term operations & maintenance.

What solutions does MAKS Green Energy provide?

We provide customized renewable energy solutions including:

  • Commercial & Industrial Rooftop Solar
  • Open Access Solar (Captive & Group Captive)
  • Residential Rooftop Solar
  • Housing Society Solar
  • Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
  • Solar + Battery Hybrid Systems
  • PM Surya Ghar Solutions
  • PM-KUSUM Solar Solutions
  • Energy Advisory & Feasibility Studies
  • Operations & Maintenance Services
Which financing options do you offer?

Depending on the project type and customer requirements, we offer: Our experts help you choose the financing model that delivers the best commercial outcome.

  • CAPEX (Customer Ownership)
  • Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
  • Lease Model
Why should I choose MAKS Green Energy?

MAKS Green Energy simplifies your energy transition by offering:

  • End-to-end project delivery
  • Multiple technology options
  • Flexible financing models
  • Engineering-led design
  • Assistance with approvals
  • Long-term service and maintenance
  • Customized solutions instead of one-size-fits-all offerings
How do I know which solution is best for my business or home?

Our team conducts a detailed energy assessment covering electricity consumption, tariff structure, roof availability, operational requirements, backup needs, future expansion plans, and investment preferences before recommending the optimal solution.

Solar, Battery & Hybrid Systems

What is Rooftop Solar?

A Rooftop Solar System generates electricity from solar panels installed on your building's roof, helping reduce electricity bills while utilizing otherwise unused space.

What is Battery Energy Storage (BESS)?

Battery Energy Storage Systems store electricity generated from solar or the grid and supply it whenever required. They improve energy reliability, reduce peak demand charges, and maximize renewable energy utilization.

What is a Hybrid Energy System?

A Hybrid Energy System intelligently combines Solar PV, Battery Storage, Grid Power, and, where required, Diesel Generators into one integrated energy solution that optimizes cost, reliability, and sustainability.

Why should I install Solar with Battery Storage?

Adding Battery Storage enables you to:

  • Store excess solar energy
  • Use stored energy during evenings
  • Reduce peak demand charges
  • Improve backup power
  • Increase energy independence
  • Reduce dependence on diesel generators
Can Battery Storage be installed without Solar?

Yes. Battery Energy Storage can be installed independently for backup power, peak demand management, load shifting, and power quality improvement.

Can I add batteries to my existing solar plant later?

Yes. Existing solar systems can usually be upgraded with Battery Energy Storage and intelligent energy management systems.

How safe are Battery Energy Storage Systems?

Modern BESS solutions incorporate advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS), fire detection and suppression systems, thermal monitoring, ventilation, and multiple safety protections that comply with international standards.

How long do solar panels and batteries last?

Solar panels typically perform efficiently for more than 25 years. Battery systems generally have an operational life of 10 to 15 years, depending on technology, operating conditions, and usage patterns.

Commercial & Industrial (C&I)

What renewable energy solutions are available for businesses?

Businesses can choose from: Many organizations combine multiple solutions to maximize savings and reliability.

  • Rooftop Solar
  • Captive Open Access
  • Group Captive Open Access
  • Battery Energy Storage
  • Solar + Battery Hybrid Systems
How much can my business save?

Savings depend on your electricity tariff, annual consumption, operating hours, and selected solution. Our team prepares a detailed feasibility report with projected savings, ROI, and payback.

Should I choose Rooftop Solar or Open Access?

If you have adequate rooftop space and daytime energy consumption, Rooftop Solar may be ideal. If your electricity requirement is larger or rooftop space is limited, Open Access can often provide greater renewable energy procurement. Many customers adopt both.

What is Captive and Group Captive Open Access?

Captive Open Access involves ownership of a renewable energy project by a single consumer. Group Captive enables multiple consumers to jointly own a project while receiving renewable electricity under applicable regulations.

Can Battery Storage reduce my electricity bill?

Yes. Battery Storage can reduce demand charges by storing electricity during low-cost periods and supplying it during peak demand periods.

Can Hybrid Systems replace diesel generators?

In many applications, Hybrid Systems can significantly reduce or even eliminate diesel generator usage while improving reliability.

Does MAKS Green Energy handle approvals and utility coordination?

Yes. We manage engineering, statutory approvals, utility coordination, project execution, testing, and commissioning.

Residential & PM Surya Ghar

What is PM Surya Ghar Yojana?

PM Surya Ghar is a Government of India initiative that promotes residential rooftop solar through financial assistance for eligible homeowners.

Who is eligible?

Homeowners with suitable rooftops and valid electricity connections may be eligible, subject to prevailing government guidelines.

Does MAKS Green Energy assist with subsidy applications?

Yes. We support customers throughout the subsidy process, including documentation, application assistance, installation, and commissioning.

Can I install Battery Storage with my home solar system?

Yes. Homeowners can install Battery Storage either along with a new solar system or as an upgrade to an existing installation.

What happens during power cuts?

A standard grid-connected solar system shuts down during outages for safety reasons. Installing Battery Storage allows essential loads to continue operating during power failures.

How much maintenance does a residential solar system require?

Solar systems require minimal maintenance, primarily periodic cleaning and routine inspections.

Housing Societies

Which common facilities can be powered by solar?

Solar can supply electricity to:

  • Lifts
  • Water Pumps
  • Common Lighting
  • Clubhouses
  • Security Systems
  • EV Charging Infrastructure
What is Virtual Net Metering?

Virtual Net Metering enables electricity generated from a common rooftop solar plant to be allocated among multiple consumers where permitted under state regulations.

Can housing societies install Battery Storage?

Yes. Battery Storage provides backup power for essential common facilities and improves the utilization of rooftop solar energy.

Which financing models are available?

Housing societies can choose from CAPEX, PPA, or Lease models depending on project feasibility and applicable regulations.

Open Access

What is Open Access Solar?

Open Access enables eligible consumers to procure renewable electricity from off-site solar plants through the transmission network.

Who can avail Open Access?

Eligibility depends on state regulations, contract demand, and electricity consumption. Our experts evaluate your eligibility before recommending a solution.

Can Open Access be combined with Rooftop Solar?

Yes. Many organizations combine Rooftop Solar, Open Access, and Battery Storage to maximize renewable energy utilization and reduce overall electricity costs.

Does MAKS Green Energy help identify Open Access projects?

Yes. We assist in feasibility analysis, project identification, commercial evaluation, contracting, approvals, and implementation.

Battery Energy Storage (BESS)

What are the benefits of Battery Energy Storage?

Battery Storage helps:

  • Reduce peak demand charges
  • Improve backup power
  • Maximize solar utilization
  • Reduce diesel consumption
  • Improve power quality
  • Enhance energy resilience
Which industries benefit most from BESS?

Battery Storage is particularly beneficial for:

  • Manufacturing
  • Data Centers
  • Hospitals
  • Hotels
  • Warehouses
  • Educational Institutions
  • Commercial Buildings
  • Cold Storage Facilities
Can Battery Storage participate in future energy markets?

As electricity markets evolve, Battery Storage is expected to play an increasingly important role in grid services, demand response, and energy optimization.

Financing

What is the CAPEX model?

Under CAPEX, the customer purchases and owns the renewable energy system, benefiting from long-term savings, asset ownership, and applicable tax incentives.

What is a Solar PPA?

Under a PPA, MAKS Green Energy invests in, owns, and operates the renewable energy system. The customer simply purchases electricity at a predetermined tariff without making a large upfront investment.

Who maintains the plant under a PPA?

MAKS Green Energy is responsible for operations and maintenance throughout the agreement period.

How does the Lease model work?

The customer pays a fixed periodic lease rental to use the system while preserving capital for core business operations.

Can Hybrid Systems also be offered under Lease or PPA?

Yes. Depending on the project configuration and commercial viability, Solar, Battery Storage, and Hybrid Systems can be structured under CAPEX, Lease, or PPA models.

PM-KUSUM

What is PM-KUSUM?

PM-KUSUM is a Government of India initiative that promotes solar-powered irrigation and decentralized renewable energy for agriculture.

Who can benefit?

Eligible farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, and implementing agencies can benefit under the applicable scheme guidelines.

Does MAKS Green Energy support PM-KUSUM implementation?

Yes. We provide end-to-end support, including site assessment, engineering, approvals, installation, commissioning, and maintenance.

What are the benefits of solar-powered irrigation?

Solar irrigation reduces diesel and electricity costs, provides reliable daytime power for farming operations, and contributes to sustainable agriculture.

Operations & Maintenance

Does MAKS Green Energy provide maintenance services?

Yes. We offer preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, performance monitoring, remote diagnostics, and annual maintenance contracts to ensure optimal system performance.

Can I monitor my system remotely?

Yes. Our systems can be integrated with digital monitoring platforms that provide real-time generation data, battery performance, energy consumption, alerts, and performance reports through web and mobile applications.

What warranties are provided?

Warranty coverage varies depending on the equipment selected. During the proposal stage, we provide detailed information on manufacturer warranties, workmanship warranties, and service commitments.

Getting Started

How do I begin my renewable energy journey with MAKS Green Energy?

The process is simple:

  • Schedule a free consultation.
  • Share your electricity consumption details.
  • Our experts conduct a technical and commercial assessment.
  • Receive a customized solution with CAPEX, PPA, and Lease options.
  • We manage approvals, engineering, installation, and commissioning.
  • Enjoy reliable, sustainable energy backed by long-term service and support.

Net Metering

What is Net Metering?

Net Metering is a billing mechanism that allows electricity generated by your rooftop solar system and exported to the grid to be adjusted against the electricity you consume from the grid. This helps reduce your monthly electricity bill.

How does Net Metering work?

During the day, your solar system first supplies electricity to your premises. Any excess electricity generated is exported to the grid. When your solar system is not generating enough electricity, such as at night or during cloudy weather, electricity is imported from the grid. The utility adjusts exported and imported units according to the applicable Net Metering policy.

Who is eligible for Net Metering?

Eligibility depends on your state's electricity regulations, sanctioned load, system capacity, and DISCOM guidelines. Our experts assess your eligibility before designing the system.

Is Net Metering available across India?

Most states have Net Metering or related rooftop solar policies. However, regulations, system size limits, settlement mechanisms, and eligibility criteria differ from state to state.

Does MAKS Green Energy help obtain Net Metering approval?

Yes. MAKS Green Energy manages the complete Net Metering process, including:

  • System design
  • Application preparation
  • Documentation
  • Utility coordination
  • Meter replacement
  • Inspection
  • Final commissioning
Will I receive payment for excess electricity exported to the grid?

The treatment of excess exported energy depends on your state's regulations. Some DISCOMs allow adjustment against future consumption, while others may compensate according to the prevailing tariff or settlement mechanism.

Can I completely eliminate my electricity bill through Net Metering?

Net Metering can significantly reduce your energy charges. However, customers may still be required to pay fixed charges, minimum charges, demand charges, or other statutory charges imposed by the utility.

What happens if my solar system generates more electricity than I consume?

Excess electricity is exported to the utility grid. The treatment of this surplus depends on the applicable state regulations and settlement cycle.

Can I use solar electricity during power outages with Net Metering?

A standard grid-connected Net Metering system automatically shuts down during power outages to ensure the safety of utility personnel. If uninterrupted power is required, Battery Energy Storage should be installed.

Do I need Battery Storage if I have Net Metering?

Battery Storage is not mandatory. However, batteries provide:

  • Backup power during outages
  • Greater self-consumption of solar energy
  • Peak demand management
  • Improved energy independence
Can Net Metering be combined with Battery Storage?

Yes. Modern Hybrid Systems combine Rooftop Solar, Net Metering, and Battery Energy Storage to maximize savings and provide backup power.

What is Gross Metering?

Under Gross Metering, all electricity generated by the solar plant is exported to the grid, while all electricity consumed is purchased separately from the utility. Billing and compensation are governed by the applicable state policy.

What is the difference between Net Metering and Gross Metering?
What is Virtual Net Metering?

Virtual Net Metering enables electricity generated from a common rooftop solar installation to be allocated among multiple electricity consumers, such as apartments in a housing society, where permitted by state regulations.

Which customers benefit from Virtual Net Metering?

Virtual Net Metering is primarily beneficial for:

  • Apartment complexes
  • Housing societies
  • Residential communities
  • Multi-tenant developments
Can industries use Net Metering?

Yes, subject to state regulations and sanctioned load limits. Larger consumers may also benefit from Open Access Solar depending on their energy requirements.

Should I choose Net Metering or Open Access?

It depends on your electricity consumption and available rooftop space. Generally:

  • Rooftop Solar with Net Metering is suitable for customers with adequate roof area and moderate energy demand.
  • Open Access is suitable for larger consumers with higher electricity requirements or limited rooftop space.
  • Many businesses combine both for maximum savings.
How long does the Net Metering approval process take?

Approval timelines vary by state and utility but typically include application review, technical approval, installation, inspection, meter replacement, and commissioning. MAKS Green Energy manages the complete process on your behalf.

What documents are required for Net Metering?

Typical documents include: Document requirements may vary by DISCOM.

  • Electricity bill
  • Identity proof
  • Property ownership or authorization documents
  • Sanctioned load details
  • Site photographs
  • Technical drawings and application forms
Can I increase the size of my solar system later?

Yes. System expansion is possible subject to rooftop availability, electrical infrastructure, and revised utility approvals.

Will installing Net Metering affect my existing electricity connection?

No. Your existing electricity connection remains active. A bidirectional meter is installed to record both imported and exported electricity.

Does MAKS Green Energy provide post-installation support?

Yes. We provide complete lifecycle support, including:

  • Performance monitoring
  • Preventive maintenance
  • Utility coordination
  • Warranty support
  • Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC)
  • Assistance with future system upgrades

Choose the right solution

Your requirementRecommended solution
Reduce electricity billsRooftop Solar
No upfront investmentSolar PPA
Preserve working capitalSolar Lease
Own the asset and maximize long-term returnsCAPEX
Reliable backup during outagesBattery Energy Storage (BESS)
Reduce peak demand chargesBESS
Reduce diesel consumptionSolar + BESS Hybrid
24x7 reliable renewable powerHybrid Energy System
Large industrial energy requirementOpen Access Solar
Multiple facilities across statesOpen Access + Rooftop + BESS
Housing society common area savingsRooftop Solar + Virtual Net Metering + BESS
Home energy independenceRooftop Solar + Battery Storage
Agricultural irrigationPM-KUSUM Solar Solutions

Net metering and gross metering

Net meteringGross metering
Solar power is first consumed on-siteEntire solar generation is exported
Only surplus energy is exportedAll generated energy is exported
Imported and exported energy are adjustedExported energy is compensated separately
Suitable for self-consumptionSuitable for specific policy or commercial requirements

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