A residential rooftop solar system in India typically costs somewhere around ₹50,000 to ₹70,000 per kilowatt installed before subsidy — so a popular 3 kW system often lands roughly in the ₹1.5–1.9 lakh range. After the PM Surya Ghar subsidy, your real out-of-pocket cost is much lower. Here's the honest breakdown.
Rough price by system size (before subsidy)
| System size | Typical cost (before subsidy) | After PM Surya Ghar |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | ~₹60,000–70,000 | − ₹30,000 |
| 2 kW | ~₹1.1–1.4 lakh | − ₹60,000 |
| 3 kW | ~₹1.5–1.9 lakh | − ₹78,000 |
Notice that smaller systems cost more per kW — fixed costs like the inverter and installation labour get spread over fewer panels. That's one reason a 3 kW system is often better value per unit generated than a 1 kW one, on top of collecting the full subsidy.
What you're actually paying for
- Solar panels (modules) — usually the biggest single cost. ALMM-approved panels are required for the subsidy.
- Inverter — converts panel DC into usable AC; quality here matters for reliability.
- Mounting structure — the frames that hold panels at the right angle, sized for wind and your roof.
- Cabling, safety gear and the net meter, plus installation labour and paperwork.
What pushes the price up or down
- Panel type: higher-efficiency modules cost more but need less roof area.
- Roof complexity: a simple flat roof is cheaper to install on than an awkward, multi-level or shaded one.
- Brand and warranty: cheaper kit can mean weaker warranties or earlier failure — not always worth the saving.
- Location: prices and vendor competition vary city to city.
Estimate your cost after subsidy
See your system size, cost after subsidy, and payback period in 30 seconds — with every assumption shown.
Your true cost is lower than the sticker
Because the PM Surya Ghar subsidy is paid directly to you after installation, your effective cost for a 3 kW system can come down to roughly ₹1.1–1.2 lakh in many cases — sometimes less with a state top-up. Collateral-free solar loans from public-sector banks are also available, which spread that cost into monthly EMIs that can be lower than your current electricity bill. Run your own bill through the calculator to see your net cost and how quickly it pays back.
A note on the numbers: figures here are typical ranges as of June 2026 and change often. The PM Surya Ghar subsidy structure, your state's top-up, per-kW prices and electricity tariffs all vary — always confirm current rates on the official portal (pmsuryaghar.gov.in) and get written quotes before you buy. This is planning information, not financial advice.