SOLAR FOR SMALL SHOPS: HOW INDIA’S KIRANA STORES ARE GOING GREEN AND SAVING BIG

• Published on Nov 05, 2025
• Read Time 5 mins
• 

India’s 12-15 million kirana stores anchor a retail market valued at over ₹75 lakh crore. Although they contribute to several pockets of our economy, these shops yet operate on margins as thin as 3-5%. And unfortunately, every extra rupee spent on electricity eats into earnings.

A recent WRI India study found that nearly 3.3 lakh small and medium enterprises can slash power expenses significantly by adopting rooftop solar. As electricity tariffs climb steadily, averaging ₹6–₹8/unit for commercial users, kirana store owners are largely spending on refrigeration and lighting.

By shifting to rooftop solar, monthly bills can drop by 50–70% and bring in annual savings of ₹60,000–₹80,000 for a typical 3–5 kW system. With a payback period of just 3–5 years and a panel life of 20+ years, the math is firmly in favour of going solar.

And with Ecofy’s tailored green loans designed for micro-businesses, shopkeepers no longer have to shell out ₹2–3 lakh upfront to make the switch.

Why Solar Works for Kirana Stores

Let’s look at why solar energy helps kirana stores earn more and spend less:

• Lower bills = higher profits: A ₹15,000 electricity bill can shrink to ₹5,000 after solar, adding nearly ₹1.2 lakh a year back into the shop’s books.
• Energy reliability: No need to run diesel gensets that cost ₹80–90 per litre; solar stabilises supply.
• Future-proofing: With commercial tariffs projected to rise 4–5% annually, solar shields kirana owners against cost inflation.
• Payback and beyond: After breakeven in 3–5 years, solar power is virtually free for the remainder of its 20–25 year lifespan.

CTA: See Solar Rooftop Loan Packages

How Can Ecofy Support Kirana Stores to Switch to Green Energy

As India’s leading green-only NBFC providing solar financing, Ecofy eliminates the upfront burden of investing in solar setups. Here are a few ways Ecofy enables a profitable switch:

• Small-ticket solar loans starting at ~₹50,000 that are created to match the energy requirements of kirana shops.
• Digital onboarding enables first-time borrowers to access credit without the confusion of excessive paperwork.
• Repayment options modified to work in sync with the seasonal cash flow cycles of small shops.
• Bundled value with features like extended warranties and AMCs or green credits.

This means shopkeepers can install and switch to solar with minimal disruption to their working capital and start saving from day one. Remember, Ecofy has used green finance and already brought about 423,000 tonnes of carbon savings across 500+ cities in 26 states. It’s no surprise if kirana stores become the next big driver of this impact.

Bonus Read: Kirana stores attached to the shopkeeper’s home can apply for the PM Surya Ghar Yojana subsidy.

What’s the Community Impact of this Switch?

When one kirana store in an area switches to solar, we may see a ripple effect.

First and foremost, the neighbourhood sees reduced diesel fumes from fewer backup gensets. Other shopkeepers are inspired, and more peers follow suit, creating an entirely new wave of adoption. Most importantly, local utilities get relief as peak-hour loads ease.

If you’re running an MSME or a small-scale kirana store, consider accessing solar panel financing options and start saving on your electricity bills.

FAQs

1. How much does a rooftop solar system cost for a kirana store?

Typically, ₹2–3 lakh for a 3–5 kW system, depending on load and location.

2. How much can I save on electricity bills?

You can save upto ₹60,000–₹80,000 annually, depending on the store’s current bill.

3. Do I need to pay the full cost upfront?

No. Ecofy offers solar loans so you can spread payments while still enjoying monthly bill savings.

4. How long does it take to recover the investment?

Most kirana shops achieve payback within 3–5 years.

5. Are subsidies available for kirana stores?

Yes. Central/state subsidies can reduce upfront costs for kirana stores by 20–40%.

6. What happens if my shop expands later?

You can scale your system by adding more panels or upgrading the inverter.

7. Is maintenance of solar systems expensive for kirana stores?

No. Annual maintenance contracts are affordable, and panels need only occasional cleaning.

8. Can I sell extra power?

Yes, If your solar system generates more electricity than you use, the extra units are sent back to the grid. Under the net metering policy, these units are credited to your electricity bill, reducing your future payments.

9. What if I don’t have a credit history?

Ecofy designs loan products even for first-time borrowers.

10. How secure are panels on shop rooftops?

Solar panels are firmly mounted on strong, weather-resistant frames that can withstand heavy rain, wind, and heat.