A Complete Guide to Solar Installation Costs by Popular Providers in India
Your electricity bill just arrived and it’s higher than last month.
You’re tired of watching your hard-earned money disappear into power company profits.
Solar panels promise freedom from these bills, but questions swirl:
- How much does solar panel installation cost?
- How does it actually work at home?
- Can you really get government help?
Good news:
- Solar panel installation at home has never been easier or more affordable.
- Government subsidies cover up to 40% of costs. Installation takes just 2-3 days.
- Most homeowners see payback in 4-5 years through massive bill savings.
This guide walks you through every step, real costs from top providers, and how to claim your subsidy money.
Step-by-Step: How Solar Panel Installation Actually Works
Solar panel installation sounds technical, but it’s straightforward. Certified teams handle everything. Here’s exactly what happens when you say yes:
1. Free Home Assessment (Day 1)
A technician visits your home. They check:
- Roof space and sunlight hours (most Indian homes get 4-6 peak sun hours daily)
- Your electricity bills (to size the perfect system)
- Shading from trees or buildings
Result: Custom quote showing exact system size (1kW, 3kW, 5kW) and subsidy eligibility. It takes 30-60 minutes.
2. System Design & Paperwork (Week 1)
Your installer designs the layout and handles approvals:
- Net metering permission from electricity board
- Subsidy application on pmsuryaghar.gov.in
- Electrical safety certificates
You do nothing, they manage all bureaucracy. Most approvals take 7-15 days.
3. Installation Day(s) (2-3 Days Total)
Morning: Team installs mounting racks (15-20° south-facing tilt for max sun capture).
Afternoon: Fix high-efficiency panels (540W each), connect wiring.
Day 2: Install inverter (converts solar DC to home AC power), net meter, safety earthing.
Professional teams use stainless steel clamps, anti-corrosion bolts, and weatherproof wiring built for Indian monsoons.
4. Inspection & Grid Connection (Day 4)
Electricity inspector verifies safety. The system switches on. You start generating free power immediately. Excess power feeds the grid for bill credits.
Total timeline: 2-4 weeks from quote to power generation.
Real Solar Panel Installation Costs: Provider Comparison
Numbers matter most. Here’s what popular providers actually charge in 2026, including subsidies:
| Provider | 3kW Cost (Before Subsidy) | After ₹78,000 Subsidy | Per Watt Cost | Warranty |
| Tata Power Solar | ₹2.25 Lakh | ₹1.47 Lakh | ₹75/W | 25 years |
| Loom Solar | ₹1.95 Lakh | ₹1.17 Lakh | ₹65/W | 25 years |
| Bluebird Solar | ₹1.85 Lakh | ₹1.07 Lakh | ₹62/W | 25 years |
| Mahindra Solarize | ₹2.15 Lakh | ₹1.37 Lakh | ₹72/W | 25 years |
| Waaree Energies | ₹2.05 Lakh | ₹1.27 Lakh | ₹68/W | 25 years |
Average solar panel installation cost: ₹60-75 per watt after subsidies. A typical 3kW home system costs ₹1.2 lakh net.
Why prices vary:
- Premium brands (Tata, Mahindra): Better efficiency (21%+), superior after-sales
- Value brands (Loom, Bluebird): Same performance, lower margins
- Location factor: 5-10% higher in metros vs Tier 2 cities
Government Subsidies: Free Money Waiting for You
India’s pushing solar HARD. The PM Surya Ghar scheme makes installation affordable:
| System Size | Central Subsidy | +State Bonus (avg) | Total Savings |
| 1kW | ₹30,000 | ₹10,000 | 40% off |
| 2kW | ₹60,000 | ₹15,000 | 40% off |
| 3kW+ | ₹78,000 (cap) | ₹20,000 | 35-40% |
3 easy steps to claim:
- Choose DISCOM-approved vendor
- Register at pmsuryaghar.gov.in with consumer number
- Subsidy hits your bank in 30 days post-inspection
Bonus: 300 units free electricity monthly = ₹3,000 bill savings.
Your Real Savings: Payback in 4 Years
3kW system example (average Indian home):
- Net cost: ₹1.3 Lakh (after ₹78K subsidy)
- Monthly savings: ₹2,800 (300 units @ ₹9/unit)
- Annual savings: ₹33,600
- Payback: 4 years
- 25-year profit: ₹7.5 Lakh+ (after costs)
Panels last 25+ years. You’re printing money after year 4.
Why Install Solar NOW (2026)
- Prices crashed 60% since 2020
- Subsidies at peak levels
- Bills rising 8-10% yearly
- Net metering = sell excess power
- EMI options: ₹2,500/month
The math works. Your neighbor’s system paid for itself. Yours can too.
FAQs
1. Customer reviews of solar panel installation companies in India?
Tata Power Solar: “Professional team, zero issues after 2 years” (4.8/5 Google). Loom Solar: “Affordable, fast install, great support” (4.6/5). Bluebird: “Best value, responsive service” (4.7/5). Most praise quick ROI and reliable power during outages.
2. What government subsidies are available for solar panel installation in India?
PM Surya Ghar offers ₹78,000 max for 3kW+ systems. States add ₹10-30K extra. Farmers get 60% under KUSUM. Apply via pmsuryaghar.gov.in. Direct bank transfer post-inspection.
3. How long does solar panel installation at home actually take?
Total process: 2-4 weeks. Day 1: site assessment. Week 1: approvals. Days 2-3: physical installation. Day 4: inspection and grid connection. You generate power immediately after approval. Professional teams complete rooftop work in 1-2 days.
4. Do I need a big roof for solar panel installation?
No, most homes qualify.
A 3kW system needs just 250-300 sq ft (north-south facing preferred). Even apartment balconies work for 1kW systems. Technician assessment confirms feasibility. Shaded roofs still viable with micro-inverters.
5. What happens during power cuts with solar panels?
Grid-tied systems stop during outages (safety feature). Add a hybrid inverter + battery (extra ₹1-1.5 lakh) for backup power. Most homes choose this for monsoon season reliability. Batteries store daytime excess for night/emergency use.