Products 101
India Solar Panels Buying Guide 2026: Types & Subsidy
Buying solar for your home shouldn’t feel like a physics exam. This guide walks you through panel types, the subsidy rules, warranties, how much roof you need, and how to read a quote without getting fooled — in plain language, with real ₹ examples.
Start here: the 30-second version
If you live in a house with a shadow-free roof and a monthly electricity bill worth cutting, an on-grid (grid-tied) system with DCR Mono PERC panels is the standard, sensible choice. Only on-grid systems get net metering and the PM Surya Ghar subsidy, and most subsidised homes don’t need a battery at all — the grid acts as your free “battery” through net metering.
A quick note on the scheme: new PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana registrations closed on 6 June 2026. By mid-2026, over 40 lakh homes were solarised and 1 crore-plus had registered. So don’t rush to sign up today — instead, track your application status if you already applied, and watch for any future intake.
Panel types explained
You’ll hear four names thrown around. Here’s what they actually mean for a homeowner.
| Panel type | Efficiency (general) | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCR Mono PERC | Good | Standard | Subsidised residential rooftop (the usual pick) |
| Mono PERC (non-DCR) | Good | Often slightly lower | Homes not claiming subsidy |
| TOPCon | Higher | Higher | Tight roofs, premium builds |
| Bifacial | Higher (captures reflected light) | Higher | Elevated/ground mounts, reflective surfaces |
- Mono PERC is the workhorse — reliable and widely available from names like Tata Power Solar, Waaree, Vikram Solar and Adani.
- TOPCon squeezes more units out of the same roof area, useful when space is tight in a city home.
- Bifacial panels also generate from light hitting the back, but only pay off with the right mounting.
DCR vs non-DCR — this decides your subsidy
This is the one distinction that matters most. DCR (Domestic Content Requirement) panels use Indian-made cells. To claim the PM Surya Ghar subsidy, your panels must be both ALMM-listed and DCR. Non-DCR panels may be a touch cheaper up front, but they won’t qualify for subsidy — so for a subsidised home, DCR Mono PERC is almost always the right call.
Efficiency: how much does it matter?
Higher efficiency means more power from less roof. That’s genuinely useful if your roof is small. But if you have space to spare, a standard Mono PERC panel gives you the same total generation for less money — you just use a few more panels. Don’t pay a premium for efficiency you don’t need.
As a planning number: expect roughly 4 units per day per kW (about 1,400–1,600 units a year per kW). So a 3 kW system makes around 12–15 units a day.
ALMM and DCR: the subsidy gatekeepers
- ALMM (Approved List of Models & Manufacturers): your panels must be on this government list.
- DCR cells: required on top of ALMM to unlock the subsidy.
If a salesperson can’t confirm both in writing, walk away. No ALMM + DCR means no subsidy — full stop.
How much roof and how many panels for your kW?
These are industry rules of thumb — your installer’s site survey is what really counts, and panel counts vary with wattage.
| System size | Roof (rule of thumb) | Panels (approx) | Daily units (~4/kW) | Max subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | ~80–100 sq ft | ~2 | ~4 | ₹30,000 |
| 2 kW | ~160–200 sq ft | ~3–4 | ~8 | ₹60,000 |
| 3 kW | ~250–300 sq ft | ~5–6 | ~12 | ₹78,000 |
| 5 kW | ~400–500 sq ft | ~9–10 | ~20 | ₹78,000 (capped) |
The roof must be shadow-free through the day — a water tank or neighbour’s wall throwing shade will quietly eat your generation.
Subsidy math under PM Surya Ghar
The central subsidy (CFA) is ₹30,000/kW for the first 2 kW, plus ₹18,000 for the 3rd kW, capped at ₹78,000 total — residential rooftop only:
- 1 kW → ₹30,000
- 2 kW → ₹60,000
- 3 kW or more → ₹78,000 (maximum)
A typical installed cost is around ₹55,000–₹75,000 per kW before subsidy (indicative 2026 — verify current; it varies by brand, panel type, DCR and city). After subsidy, payback for a subsidised home usually lands at about 3–4 years. Our savings calculator can put your own bill and roof size into these numbers.
Net metering: it’s deemed feasible up to 10 kW for homes under the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020. You apply through your DISCOM after installation, with approval typically taking about 15–45 days.
Warranties: what good looks like
- Panels: ~25-year performance warranty plus ~10–12-year product warranty.
- Inverters: typically 5–10 years.
- Batteries (if you add one): lithium (LFP) generally lasts longer than tubular lead-acid — but most subsidised on-grid homes don’t need a battery.
Get every warranty in writing, with the brand and model listed.
How to read a solar quote
A trustworthy quote spells out, line by line: exact panel brand, model, wattage and ALMM/DCR status; inverter brand and rating; structure type and height; wiring, earthing and safety gear; net-metering paperwork; and each warranty. It should show the price before subsidy and the subsidy you’ll claim separately — not a vague “all-in after subsidy” figure. Ask about post-install service too.
The smartest move before signing is to compare at least three free quotes from local installers. Prices and inclusions vary a lot between vendors in the same city.
Red flags to walk away from
- “Guaranteed” subsidy with no ALMM/DCR proof.
- Full payment demanded upfront before any material arrives.
- No written warranty, brand or model on the quote.
- A battery pushed hard for a normal grid-tied home that doesn’t need one.
- Bills or generation promises that sound too good — nobody can guarantee your exact savings.
Bottom line
For most Indian homeowners: pick an on-grid DCR Mono PERC system sized to your bill and shadow-free roof, confirm ALMM + DCR in writing, check the 25-year performance warranty, and compare three quotes. Do that, and you’ll buy solar with your eyes open — not on a salesperson’s word.
Frequently asked questions
Which solar panel type is best for a home in India?
For a subsidised home, DCR Mono PERC is the standard, practical choice because it qualifies for the PM Surya Ghar subsidy and net metering. TOPCon or bifacial panels offer higher efficiency for tight roofs, but usually cost more and may not be DCR.
How much roof do I need for a 3 kW solar system?
As a rule of thumb, roughly 250–300 sq ft of shadow-free roof, using about 5–6 panels depending on wattage. Your installer's site survey is what really decides it, since shading and roof shape matter.
Can I still get the subsidy now that registrations closed?
New PM Surya Ghar registrations closed on 6 June 2026. If you already applied, track your application status; otherwise watch for any future intake rather than assuming the scheme is open today.
Do I need a battery with my rooftop solar?
Usually no. Most subsidised on-grid homes rely on net metering, which lets the grid act as a free battery. Batteries add cost and are only needed if you specifically want backup during power cuts.
How much does a 3 kW solar system cost in India?
Indicative 2026 cost is about ₹55,000–₹75,000 per kW before subsidy (verify current), varying by brand, panel type, DCR and city. After the PM Surya Ghar subsidy of up to ₹78,000, payback is typically around 3–4 years.
What warranties should a good solar panel have?
Look for roughly a 25-year performance warranty plus a 10–12-year product warranty on the panels, and 5–10 years on the inverter. Always get the brand, model and warranty terms in writing on your quote.