Open Access Solar vs. Rooftop Solar: Which is Better for Industrial and Commercial Energy Savings in India?
- Madhumita Meka
- May 30
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 24
For industrial and commercial units in India with power loads exceeding 1 MW, transitioning to renewable energy is no longer a matter of "if" anymore; it's a matter of "how". With energy tariffs increasing and net-zero goals becoming more urgent, most large energy consumers are now exploring two primary routes to go solar: Rooftop Solar and Open Access Solar.
Both offer long-term cost savings, better energy visibility, and environmental benefits. However, the optimal choice for your business depends on a variety of factors, such as location, load profile, capital readiness, and long-term operational goals.
This blog breaks it down.
What Is Rooftop Solar?
Rooftop solar is when a solar plant is installed on the premises of your facility, typically on factory sheds, office rooftops, or vacant land within the plant boundary.
When does it make sense?
You have ample roof or ground space within your industrial premises.
You’re looking for a relatively smaller capacity (typically <3-5 MW).
You want greater visibility and control over plant performance.
Your DISCOM allows net metering or gross metering under favorable policies.
Benefits:
Easier approvals compared to offsite open access.
Quick turnaround time from concept to commissioning.
Visibility for brand reputation and employee engagement.
Lower technical losses due to proximity of generation and consumption.
Watch out for:
Space constraints (both structurally and regulatory).
Shadow-free area requirements.
Dependency on internal electrical infrastructure quality.
DISCOM net metering limits or resistance.
What Is Open Access Solar?
Open Access solar allows industries to source power from large offsite solar or solar-wind hybrid plants often located in solar parks or rural areas. Power is transmitted via the state transmission network to your factory or commercial load.
When does it make sense?
You have a load >1 MW and want to go beyond the space limitations of rooftop solar.
You want to tap into economies of scale for better tariffs.
You’re open to 15-25 year power purchase agreements.
You're looking at group captive, third-party, or CapEx-based open access models.
Benefits:
Access to large capacities (10-100+ MW possible).
Tariffs lower by 25-40% compared to DISCOM rates in many states.
Potential to hedge power costs over the long term.
No physical dependence on your plant’s rooftop or space.
Watch out for:
Regulatory compliance- each state has its own OA policy, and they change frequently.
Wheeling, banking, cross-subsidy charges need to be factored in.
Timelines are longer due to approvals, transmission planning, and coordination with DISCOM and SLDC.
Rooftop or Open Access: How to Decide?
Here's a quick comparison based on real-world industrial cases we’ve worked on across states:
What Should You Do Now?
If you're an industrial or commercial consumer in India evaluating solar power solutions for business, the right first step is not choosing a model, it's choosing the right solar strategy partner.
At Winsol, we help C&I clients design hybrid energy portfolios across solar rooftop, open access solar, and solar-wind hybrid models. We consider regulatory conditions, CAPEX vs OPEX needs, savings targets, and vendor performance history before recommending a structure.
Whether you’re based in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, or Maharashtra, we bring regulatory clarity, tariff structuring, and end-to-end project support to the table.
Final Thoughts
Solar for business is no longer just about sustainability. It's about cost control, future readiness, and operational resilience. The choice between rooftop and open access isn't about which is better, but which is better for your business.
Want to explore which solar path is right for your load profile?
Let’s talk?
Reach out at info@winsolindia.com
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