Solar Panel Price in India 2026: Cost, Subsidy, & System Price Guide

Solar Panel Price in India 2026: A Complete Buyer’s Guide

India’s clean energy movement is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, and rooftop solar has become one of the smartest investments for households and businesses alike. With rising electricity tariffs and strong government incentives, understanding the Solar Panel Price in India 2026 is crucial before making a decision.

This copyright-free, SEO and Google Discover–friendly guide explains updated solar system costs, subsidy benefits, price per watt, regional variations, and return on investment — all in simple, practical terms.

What Influences Solar Panel Prices in India?

The total cost of a solar power system in 2026 depends on several interconnected factors:

1. Panel Technology

Polycrystalline: Affordable, lower efficiency
Monocrystalline / Mono PERC: Higher efficiency, most popular
TOPCon & HJT: Advanced technology with premium pricing

2. Brand & Manufacturing Quality

Trusted brands like Tata, Adani, Waaree, and Vikram Solar often cost more but deliver better warranties, performance, and after-sales service.

3. Inverter Type

String Inverters: Budget-friendly
Micro Inverters: Higher output, higher cost
Hybrid Inverters: Battery-ready, ideal for future expansion

4. System Configuration

On-grid systems: Lowest cost, subsidy eligible
Off-grid systems: Battery-based, expensive
Hybrid systems: Flexible but higher upfront cost

5. Location & Installation

Roof structure, city labour rates, and DISCOM policies in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, or Chennai affect pricing.

Solar Panel Price in India 2026 (By System Size):

Below are estimated all-inclusive market prices for residential on-grid systems:

System Size	Price Before Subsidy	Ideal Usage	Estimated Price After Subsidy*
1 kW	₹70,000 – ₹85,000	Small homes	₹42,000 – ₹51,000
2 kW	₹1,20,000 – ₹1,50,000	Medium homes	₹72,000 – ₹90,000
3 kW	₹1,80,000 – ₹2,20,000	Large homes	₹1,08,000 – ₹1,32,000
5 kW	₹2,80,000 – ₹3,50,000	Villas, shops	Subsidy capped at 3kW
10 kW	₹5,00,000 – ₹6,50,000	Commercial use	No central subsidy

*Subsidy calculated under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (40% up to 3kW).

Price Per Watt in 2026

Comparing quotes by price per watt helps identify fair pricing:

Polycrystalline: ₹55 – ₹65 per watt
Monocrystalline / Mono PERC: ₹65 – ₹75 per watt
TOPCon / HJT: ₹75 – ₹90 per watt

This typically includes panels, inverter, mounting structure, wiring, and installation.

Government Subsidy & Net Metering Benefits:

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana –

40% subsidy for residential systems up to 3kW
Subsidy amount is credited directly to the homeowner’s bank account
Applicable only for on-grid systems

Net Metering Advantage –

Excess electricity exported to the grid earns credits, reducing monthly power bills and improving ROI significantly.

City-Wise Solar Price Variations –

Approximate cost for a 2kW system:

Delhi NCR: ₹1.25 – ₹1.45 lakh
Mumbai: ₹1.30 – ₹1.55 lakh
Chennai / Bangalore: ₹1.20 – ₹1.40 lakh
Tier-2 & Tier-3 cities: 5–10% lower

Always compare multiple local installers for accurate pricing.

Popular Solar Brands & Expected Pricing (3kW System)

Brand	Technology Focus	Price Range	Key Advantage
Tata Power Solar	Mono PERC, TOPCon	₹1.9 – ₹2.3 lakh	Brand trust
Adani Solar	Mono PERC	₹1.85 – ₹2.2 lakh	Large-scale production
Waaree Energies	Mono PERC, Bifacial	₹1.8 – ₹2.15 lakh	Dealer network
Vikram Solar	Mono PERC, TOPCon	₹1.88 – ₹2.25 lakh	High efficiency
RenewSys	Mono PERC	₹1.82 – ₹2.18 lakh	Reliability

Installation Cost Breakdown

For a typical 3kW rooftop solar system:

Panels: 40–50%
Inverter: 20–25%
Mounting & hardware: 10–15%
Cables & safety devices: 5–10%
Labour & design: 10–15%

A professional installer provides a single all-inclusive quote.

Return on Investment & Payback

Example for a 3kW system in North India:

Cost after subsidy: ~₹1.2 lakh
Annual savings: ₹18,000 – ₹25,000
Payback period: 5–7 years
Lifetime savings (25 years): ₹4 lakh or more

States with higher electricity tariffs offer even faster returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which solar panel system offers the best ROI?
For most homeowners, a 3kW on-grid system offers the best balance of subsidy benefit, space usage, and savings against monthly bills, yielding the fastest payback.

Q2: Does the central subsidy apply to hybrid or off-grid systems?
No. The PM Surya Ghar subsidy is applicable only to on-grid (grid-tied) systems without a battery. If you install a battery, the subsidy applies only to the solar panel component, not the battery cost.

Q3: How much electricity can a 5kW system generate per day?
Depending on location and sunlight, a 5kW system can generate 18-25 units per day on average. This is sufficient to power a large home with multiple ACs.

Q4: Are there any hidden costs in solar installation?
Reputable installers provide all-inclusive quotes. Ensure your quote includes GST, transport, net meter application support, and all necessary hardware. The main potential extra cost is roof repair if needed.

Q5: How long does the installation process take?
From signing the agreement to commissioning, it typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, which includes site survey, subsidy application, net meter approval, and installation.

Final Thoughts

Despite marginal cost increases due to advanced technology, the Solar Panel Price in India 2026 remains highly attractive. Government subsidies, falling equipment costs, and long-term electricity savings make solar a future-proof investment for Indian homes and businesses.

If you’re planning to go solar, compare certified installers, use the official subsidy portal, and choose the right system size for maximum benefit. The sun is not just shining — it’s paying back. ☀️

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