Solar adoption in India is growing rapidly as homeowners look for long-term savings, protection from rising electricity prices, and clean energy solutions. Among all residential capacities, 3kW, 5kW, and 10kW solar systems have become the most popular choices because they perfectly match the energy needs of small, medium, and large households. These systems offer the ideal balance of affordability, efficiency, and power output, making them suitable for most Indian rooftops.
This comprehensive 2025 buyer guide covers solar system prices, subsidy benefits, daily power generation, area required, and on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid system comparisons. You’ll also learn how much electricity each capacity can generate, how many solar panels you need, and the expected return on investment (ROI) before installing a rooftop solar system.
As a trusted and MNRE-approved solar company, APN Solar helps homeowners choose the right system, provides professional installation support, and assists with subsidy documentation. Whether you are planning to install a 3kW, 5kW, or 10kW solar system, this guide ensures you make an informed and cost-effective decision for your home.
Understanding Solar System Types (On-Grid, Off-Grid, Hybrid)
Choosing the right solar system type is essential for maximizing savings and meeting your home’s energy needs. In India, homeowners mainly choose between on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid systems—each offering unique benefits and pricing differences.
On-Grid Solar System
An on-grid solar system is connected directly to the electricity grid. It supplies solar power to your home while exporting extra energy through net metering. This system is ideal for city homes, where grid supply is stable. On-grid systems are eligible for government subsidy, making them the most cost-effective option for residential users.
Off-Grid Solar System
An off-grid solar system works independently using solar panels and a battery bank. It stores surplus energy in batteries, ensuring uninterrupted power even during outages. These systems are well-suited for villages and remote areas where electricity supply is unreliable or unavailable. Off-grid systems are not subsidy-eligible due to the inclusion of batteries.
Hybrid Solar System
A hybrid setup combines both grid connectivity and battery backup. It offers the advantages of on-grid savings and off-grid power security. Although hybrid solar system price is higher, it provides the highest reliability, making it ideal for homes requiring constant, backup-ready power.
3kW Solar System – Price, Units, Area & Subsidy
3kW Solar System Price in India (On-Grid, Off-Grid, Hybrid)
A 3kW solar system is ideal for medium-sized Indian homes with 2–3 ACs, a refrigerator, TV, washing machine, and daily essential loads. The 3kW solar system price in India depends on whether the system is on-grid, off-grid, or hybrid, along with component selection and installation requirements.
Price Range of 3kW Solar System in India (2025)
| System Type | Approx. Price (₹) |
| 3kW On-Grid Solar System | ₹1,50,000 – ₹1,80,000 |
| 3kW Off-Grid Solar System (with Batteries) | ₹2,10,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
| 3kW Hybrid Solar System | ₹2,60,000 – ₹3,20,000 |
These estimates may slightly vary depending on brands, rooftop structure, and state-level installation charges.
Factors Affecting 3kW Solar System Price
- Panel Type (Mono / Mono PERC / Half-Cut Panels)
- Half-cut mono PERC panels offer higher efficiency and better low-light performance.
- They increase the overall 3kW solar panel price in India by 5–10%.
- Inverter Brand & Technology
- Brands like Enphase, Sungrow, Solis, Growatt cost differently.
- MPPT inverters cost more but offer higher efficiency.
- Structure Height & Material
- Raised structures (6–10 ft) cost extra.
- Hot-dip galvanized structures improve durability but increase cost.
- Wiring, Safety Devices & Earthing
- DC isolators, ACDB/DCDB, surge protection devices (SPDs), and copper earthing add to installation quality and price.
- Location & Rooftop Conditions
- Pricing varies based on state, logistics, net-metering charges, and labour cost.
- Coastal areas may require anti-corrosion materials.
A trusted installer like APN Solar ensures reliable components, MNRE compliance, and long-term support for all 3kW installations.
3kW Solar System Price in India With Subsidy
A 3kW solar system is one of the most popular choices for medium-sized Indian homes looking to reduce electricity bills and become energy independent. This section provides a complete 2025 breakdown covering price, subsidy savings, daily unit generation, number of panels, and rooftop area required.
3kW Solar System Price in India (On-Grid, Off-Grid, Hybrid)
A 3kW solar system price in India varies depending on the type of system you choose—on-grid, off-grid, or hybrid, along with the quality of components used.
| System Type | Approx. Price (₹) |
| 3kW On-Grid Solar System | ₹1,50,000 – ₹1,80,000 |
| 3kW Off-Grid Solar System (with Batteries) | ₹2,10,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
| 3kW Hybrid Solar System | ₹2,60,000 – ₹3,20,000 |
These estimates may slightly vary depending on brands, rooftop structure, and state-level installation charges.
Factors Affecting 3kW Solar System Price
- Panel Type (Mono / Mono PERC / Half-Cut Panels)
- Half-cut mono PERC panels offer higher efficiency and better low-light performance.
- They increase the overall 3kW solar panel price in India by 5–10%.
- Inverter Brand & Technology
- Brands like Enphase, Sungrow, Solis, Growatt cost differently.
- MPPT inverters cost more but offer higher efficiency.
- Structure Height & Material
- Raised structures (6–10 ft) cost extra.
- Hot-dip galvanized structures improve durability but increase cost.
- Wiring, Safety Devices & Earthing
- DC isolators, ACDB/DCDB, surge protection devices (SPDs), and copper earthing add to installation quality and price.
- Location & Rooftop Conditions
- Pricing varies based on state, logistics, net-metering charges, and labour cost.
- Coastal areas may require anti-corrosion materials.
A trusted installer like APN Solar ensures reliable components, MNRE compliance, and long-term support for all 3kW installations.
3kW Solar System Price in India With Subsidy
The PM Surya Ghar Scheme significantly reduces the upfront cost for homeowners installing a 3kW on-grid solar system. It provides Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) subsidies, making solar affordable for middle-class Indian households.
Subsidy Structure for 3kW System (2025)
- ₹30,000 per kW for first 2kW
- ₹18,000 per kW for next 1kW
Total Subsidy for 3kW: ₹78,000
Final 3kW Solar System Price After Subsidy
| Item | Approx. Value |
| Market Price (On-Grid 3kW) | ₹1,50,000 – ₹1,80,000 |
| MNRE Subsidy (₹78,000) | –₹78,000 |
| Final Cost After Subsidy | ₹72,000 – ₹1,02,000 |
Off-grid and hybrid systems are not eligible for the central subsidy.
Eligibility for Solar Subsidy in India
- Residential consumers only
- ALMM-approved solar panels
- Installation via MNRE-registered vendor
- Net-metering approval required
- Apply through National Portal before installation
Required Documents
- Aadhaar
- Latest electricity bill
- Bank details for DBT
- Property proof
- Installation photos + technical docs (uploaded by vendor)
APN Solar provides complete assistance for subsidy processing and rooftop engineering approvals.
Daily Power Generation of a 3kW Solar System
A 3kW solar system is capable of producing 12–15 units per day under ideal conditions. However, variations occur due to sunlight availability, panel orientation, and seasonal weather.
Ideal vs Real-World Generation
- Ideal output: 15–16 units/day
- Real-world average: 12–14 units/day
- Monthly generation: 360–420 units
Seasonal Variations
- Summer: Highest generation (14–16 units/day)
- Winter: Moderate (11–13 units/day)
- Monsoon: Lowest (7–10 units/day)
Impact of Rooftop Direction
- South-facing roofs generate maximum output
- East-West roofs generate 5–8% less
- Shaded rooftops reduce power by up to 20–30%
If your query is: “3kW solar panel how many units per day?”
Answer: 12–15 units/day on average in India.
Number of Panels Required for 3kW
To calculate how many solar panels are required for a 3kW solar system, divide total capacity by panel wattage.
Using 440W Panels
3,000W ÷ 440W = 7 Panels
Using 500W Panels
3,000W ÷ 500W = 6 Panels
Using 550W Panels
3,000W ÷ 550W = 6 Panels (slightly oversized system)
Panel efficiency comparison:
- 550W half-cut mono PERC → highest efficiency, fewer panels
- 440W mono PERC → economical but requires more space
APN Solar commonly installs 500W–550W half-cut modules for better performance and long-term savings.
Area Required for 3kW Solar Panel
A typical 3kW solar system requires 220–270 sq. ft. of shadow-free rooftop space.
Space Requirement by Panel Size
| Panel Wattage | No. of Panels | Area Needed |
| 440W | 7 | 250–270 sq. ft. |
| 500W | 6 | 230–245 sq. ft. |
| 550W | 6 | 220–240 sq. ft. |
Do’s & Don’ts for Rooftop Installation
Do’s
- Ensure zero shadow between 9 AM–4 PM
- Use hot-dip galvanized structures for durability
- Keep panels tilted at 20–28° depending on city
- Maintain 2–3 ft walking space for cleaning
Don’ts
- Avoid placing panels near water tanks or tall parapet walls
- Do not install on weak rooftops without structural inspection
- Avoid east-west orientation unless necessary
5kW Solar System – Price, Units, Area & Subsidy
A 5kW solar system is one of the most preferred choices for medium to large homes in India, especially where monthly electricity bills range from ₹3,500 to ₹6,500. It supports heavy appliances, provides strong daily power output, and offers excellent long-term savings. Below is a complete 2025 guide covering price, subsidy, daily units, panels required, and area needed.
5kW Solar System Price (On-Grid, Off-Grid, Hybrid)
A 5kW solar system price in India depends on the system type and quality of components used.
Price Range of 5kW Systems (2025)
| Type of 5kW System | Price Range |
| On-Grid 5kW | ₹2,50,000 – ₹2,90,000 |
| Off-Grid 5kW (with batteries) | ₹3,50,000 – ₹4,20,000 |
| Hybrid 5kW System | ₹4,40,000 – ₹5,20,000 |
Why 5kW Is Perfect for Medium Homes
A 5kW setup is ideal for families using multiple high-load appliances. It comfortably supports:
- 1–2 ACs
- Refrigerator
- Washing machine
- Kitchen appliances
- Fans, lights, and TV
It also reduces dependency on the grid significantly, especially with on-grid net metering.
5kW Solar System Price With Subsidy
The solar subsidy in India under the PM Surya Ghar Scheme applies only to residential on-grid systems.
Subsidy Cap for 5kW
The subsidy is capped at 3kW only, meaning:
- First 2 kW → ₹30,000 per kW
- 3rd kW → ₹18,000
Total maximum subsidy = ₹78,000
No additional subsidy for 4kW or 5kW.
Final Price After Subsidy
- On-Grid 5kW System Estimated Cost: ₹2,50,000 – ₹2,90,000
- Final Price After Subsidy: ₹1,72,000 – ₹2,12,000
Units Generated by a 5kW Solar Panel
If you’re wondering “5kW solar panel how many units per day?”, a 5kW system typically generates:
Daily & Monthly Output
- Daily: 20–25 units
- Monthly: 600–750 units
Seasonal Performance
- Summer: Highest output (22–26 units/day)
- Winter: Moderate (18–22 units/day)
- Monsoon: Lower (12–16 units/day)
Number of Panels Required for 5kW
Panel Count Based on Wattage
- 440W panels: 12 panels
- 500W panels: 10 panels
- 550W panels: 9 panels
Best Recommendation
500W–550W mono PERC half-cut modules provide higher efficiency and require less rooftop space.
Area Required for 5kW Solar System
A 5kW solar system usually needs 350–420 sq. ft. of shadow-free space.
Why 5kW Suits AC-Heavy Homes
Homes with 1–2 air conditioners benefit the most from 5kW, as it offsets high cooling-related power usage and significantly reduces monthly bills.
10kW Solar System – Price, Units, Area & Subsidy
A 10kW solar system is one of the most popular choices for large homes, small commercial setups, and properties with higher energy needs. It can comfortably power multiple ACs, heavy appliances, and daily household loads while reducing your monthly electricity bill by 80–90%. Here is a detailed breakdown of its price, subsidy, units generated, panel requirement, and rooftop area needed.
10kW Solar System Price Breakdown
The 10kW solar system price in India depends on whether you choose on-grid, off-grid, or hybrid.
- On-Grid: ₹5,00,000 – ₹6,00,000
- Off-Grid: ₹6,50,000 – ₹7,50,000
- Hybrid: ₹7,50,000 – ₹9,00,000
On-grid is the most budget-friendly and ideal for homes with stable power supply. Off-grid and hybrid systems cost more due to battery backup.
Large homes prefer 10kW systems because they can run 2–3 ACs, fridge, washing machine, water motor, lights, fans, and kitchen appliances simultaneously. With high-quality mono PERC panels and branded inverters, the system ensures maximum efficiency and long-term savings.
10kW Solar System Price in India With Subsidy
Under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, subsidies are mainly available for residential on-grid systems. However, subsidy benefits are capped, and in many states, the subsidy applies only up to 3kW or 10kW depending on DISCOM rules.
For a 10kW system, subsidy is typically limited, but some states offer benefits based on total capacity and installation type. Homeowners with high power consumption (above 1,000 units/month) can still reduce overall cost significantly through net metering and long-term savings.
Daily Units Generated by 10kW Solar Panel
A 10kW solar panel system generates 40–45 units per day under ideal sunlight.
- Summer: 45–50 units/day
- Winter/Monsoon: 30–40 units/day
This makes it suitable for households using multiple ACs, pumps, and heavy appliances. Monthly generation can easily reach 1,200–1,400 units, reducing large electricity bills substantially.
Number of Panels Required for 10kW System
The total number of panels depends on the wattage chosen:
- Using 440W panels: 23–24 panels
- Using 500W panels: 20 panels
- Using 550W panels: 18–19 panels
For best performance and less rooftop space, N-type or Mono PERC high-efficiency panels are recommended.
Area Required for 10kW Solar System
A 10kW rooftop solar system requires 800–1000 sq. ft of shadow-free space. Proper shade analysis is important because even minor shading reduces output significantly. Strong mounting structures with 1.5–2.0 wind load rating ensure stability in high-wind zones.
ROI, Payback Period & Monthly Savings
A well-installed solar system offers one of the highest returns on investment for Indian households. Whether you choose a 3kW, 5kW, or 10kW solar system, the payback period usually falls between 4 to 6 years, depending on consumption, tariff rates, and net metering benefits. Since solar panels last 25+ years, homeowners enjoy decades of free electricity after the system recovers its cost.
Payback Period for 3kW, 5kW & 10kW Solar Systems
A 3kW system typically recovers cost in 4–5 years, a 5kW in 4–5.5 years, and a 10kW system in 5–6 years due to higher upfront investment but significantly larger savings.
Monthly Savings & Impact of Net Metering
With net metering, most homes reduce bills by 70–100%, depending on consumption. Surplus units exported to the grid further accelerate ROI.
How On-Grid Solar Reduces Electricity Bills to ₹0
On-grid systems generate enough units to offset daytime usage and export extra power, allowing many homes—especially with 5kW and 10kW systems—to bring bills down to ₹0 during peak summer months.
Comparison Table: 3kW vs 5kW vs 10kW Solar System
Choosing the right solar capacity depends on your home’s monthly electricity usage, available rooftop area, and budget. The table below gives a quick comparison of 3kW, 5kW, and 10kW solar systems, helping homeowners understand price differences, power generation, and subsidy eligibility. This overview makes it easier to decide which system size offers the best long-term savings and efficiency based on your household needs.
Comparison Overview
| Feature | 3kW System | 5kW System | 10kW System |
| Price Range | ₹1.45L–₹2.40L | ₹2.40L–₹4.20L | ₹5.50L–₹8.50L |
| Daily Units Generated | 12–15 units | 20–25 units | 40–50 units |
| Area Required | 250–300 sq. ft | 400–500 sq. ft | 800–1000 sq. ft |
| Suitable For | Small homes | 2–3 BHK homes | Large homes, villas |
| Bill Savings | Up to ₹2,000–₹3,000/month | Up to ₹4,000–₹5,000/month | Up to ₹8,000–₹10,000/month |
| Subsidy Eligibility | Yes | Yes | Yes (up to 10kW limit) |
Why Choose APN Solar?
APN Solar has been one of India’s trusted solar companies since 2017, delivering high-quality, MNRE-approved solar products and PAN-India installations. With years of expertise in both residential and commercial rooftop projects, the company ensures transparent pricing, reliable workmanship, and long-term customer support. Their trained engineers follow strict safety and quality standards to maximize performance and ROI.
APN Solar provides complete site inspection, installation, and subsidy assistance, making the entire process smooth and hassle-free for homeowners looking to switch to clean energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the price of a 3kW solar system in India?
A 3kW solar system in India typically costs ₹1.70 lakh to ₹2.40 lakh, depending on whether it is on-grid, off-grid, or hybrid. Prices vary based on panel type, inverter brand, structure quality, and installation location. With subsidy, the final cost becomes significantly lower.
2. How much does a 5kW solar system generate per day?
A 5kW solar system generates 20–25 units per day under ideal sunlight conditions. In summers, output increases, while cloudy days may reduce generation slightly. This capacity is suitable for medium-sized homes with appliances like AC, fridge, washing machine, and more.
3. What is the subsidy for a 10kW solar system in India?
Under the PM Surya Ghar Scheme, a 10kW solar system is eligible for subsidies up to a fixed maximum slab, depending on state and category. While 3kW–5kW get the highest benefits, 10kW systems still receive partial support. Final subsidy varies based on DISCOM rules and rooftop approval.
4. How many solar panels are required for a 3kW system?
A 3kW solar system needs 6–7 panels of 440–550W each. Using higher-efficiency panels reduces panel count and space requirements. Exact quantity depends on wattage, inverter pairing, rooftop layout, and shading conditions.
5. What is the area required for 5kW solar panels?
A 5kW rooftop solar system requires 350–450 sq. ft of shadow-free area. Using high-efficiency mono PERC panels reduces space requirements. Proper tilt angle, mounting structure quality, and east-west shade protection help maintain optimum generation.
6. Which is better: on-grid or off-grid solar system?
An on-grid solar system is best for reducing electricity bills and accessing subsidy benefits, making it ideal for city homes. Off-grid systems include battery backup and are preferable in locations with frequent power cuts. Your choice depends on billing goals and backup needs.
7. Which solar system (3kW, 5kW, 10kW) is best for a home?
A 3kW system suits small homes with basic loads, 5kW fits medium households with AC usage, and 10kW is ideal for large homes with multiple heavy appliances. The best system depends on monthly consumption, rooftop space, and expected bill reduction.
