One of the first questions anyone asks when considering solar is: how much does it actually cost? The good news is that solar panel prices in India have dropped significantly over the past decade, and government subsidies make it even more affordable.
Here is a clear, up-to-date breakdown of solar panel pricing in India for 2026.
Solar Panel Price Per Watt (2026)
The most useful way to compare solar panel costs is on a per-watt basis.
- Polycrystalline: ₹18 to ₹22 per watt
- Monocrystalline: ₹22 to ₹28 per watt
- Bifacial: ₹25 to ₹35 per watt
- HJT / TOPCon: ₹30 to ₹40 per watt
These are panel-only prices. A complete installed system costs more because it includes inverters, mounting structures, wiring, and labor.
Complete Solar System Cost by Size
- 1 kW — ₹60,000 to ₹80,000 — Small apartments
- 3 kW — ₹1,50,000 to ₹2,00,000 — Average home
- 5 kW — ₹2,50,000 to ₹3,20,000 — Large home or small office
- 10 kW — ₹4,50,000 to ₹6,00,000 — Small commercial
Prices vary based on brand, installer, state, and the type of inverter used.
Government Subsidies That Reduce Your Cost
Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, residential consumers can receive:
- ₹30,000 subsidy for a 1 kW system
- ₹60,000 subsidy for a 2 kW system
- ₹78,000 subsidy for systems of 3 kW and above
This subsidy applies to grid-connected rooftop solar installations and is transferred directly to your bank account after installation. Some state governments also offer additional subsidies on top of the central scheme.
What Affects Solar Panel Installation Cost?
Rooftop Type: A flat RCC roof is the easiest and cheapest to install on. Sloped or tiled roofs may require different mounting structures.
Inverter Type: String inverters are the most affordable. Microinverters and hybrid inverters cost more but offer better monitoring and battery compatibility.
Panel Brand and Quality: Tier-1 manufacturers cost more upfront but offer better warranties and long-term reliability. Zetwerk's Zap91 modules (ORION TOPCon and NOVA MonoPERC) are manufactured in India through a partnership with Pennar Industries. Because Zetwerk operates as a direct manufacturer, buyers avoid the price markup that typically comes from multiple distribution layers.
Distance from Supplier: Shipping costs can add to the total if you are in a remote area.
Will Solar Save You Money?
Yes, in almost all cases. Here is a simple example:
- Monthly electricity bill: ₹3,000
- 3 kW system cost after subsidy: approximately ₹90,000 to ₹1,20,000
- Monthly savings: ₹2,000 to ₹2,500
- Payback period: 4 to 6 years
- Remaining useful life after payback: 20 or more years of near-free electricity
Key Takeaways
- Solar panel prices per watt range from ₹18 to ₹40 depending on technology
- A complete 3 kW home system costs ₹1.5 to 2 lakhs before subsidy
- Central government subsidies of up to ₹78,000 are available for homes
- Payback period for most homes is 4 to 6 years
FAQs
Is there GST on solar panels?
Solar panels currently attract 12% GST in India, while installation services attract 18%. This is factored into most installer quotes.
Can I get a loan for solar installation?
Yes. Several banks and NBFCs offer solar loans at competitive rates, and some are linked to the PM Surya Ghar scheme.
Does the subsidy apply to commercial installations?
The PM Surya Ghar subsidy is for residential consumers. Commercial and industrial consumers can benefit from accelerated depreciation and other tax incentives instead.
