--- title: "Solar System Sizing & Pricing Guide: 1kW to 10kW (2026)" url: "https://kondaas.com/solar-system-sizing-pricing-guide/" type: "post" published: "2026-09-23T21:05:42+05:30" modified: "2026-09-23T21:05:44+05:30" author: "siva sankar" --- Quick answer: Most Indian homes need a 3–5kW solar system, costing ₹1.5–4.5 lakh before subsidy depending on type. Size is driven by your monthly electricity bill and appliance load, not roof space  divide your average monthly units consumed by about 120 to estimate the kW size you need. On this page:  - The sizing formula   - 1–3kW systems   - 5kW systems   - 10kW & commercial   - System type affects price   - Master sizing table ## **The Sizing Formula** Start from your electricity bill, not your roof. A rough formula that holds up well in practice: take your average monthly consumption in units (kWh), divide by about 120, and round to the nearest common system size a home using 350-450 units a month typically lands on 3kW, while 600–750 units a month points to 5kW. This works because a well-sited 1kW system in most of India generates roughly 4–5 units a day, or about 120–150 a month. - [**1kW vs 2kW vs 3kW: Which Size Is Right for You?**](https://kondaas.com/1kw-2kw-or-3kw-solar-what-should-you-buy/) - [**How Many Solar Panels Do You Need?**](https://kondaas.com/how-many-solar-panels-you-need-for-your-power-journey/) - [**How Much Solar Do I Need for a 3BHK Home?**](https://kondaas.com/3bhk-solar-system-size-cost-subsidy/) ## **1-3kW Systems** Suits 1–2 BHK homes or as an entry point for homes with modest consumption lights, fans, a refrigerator, and basic appliances, without heavy AC load. - [**3kW Solar Panel Price in Tamil Nadu 2026**](https://kondaas.com/3kw-solar-panel-price-in-tamil-nadu/) - [**3kW Solar Panel Price in India: Complete Pricing & Subsidy Guide**](https://kondaas.com/3-kw-solar-panel-price-subsidy-india/) - [**3kW Solar Panel Price in Kerala 2026**](https://kondaas.com/3kw-solar-panel-price-in-kerala/) - [**3kW Solar Panel Price in UP & Delhi: As Low as ₹72,000**](https://kondaas.com/3kw-solar-panel-system-in-up-delhi-as-low-as-%E2%82%B972000/) ## **5kW Systems** The primary 5kW guide, the consolidated master article with the full price breakdown, state-wise costs, and ROI calculation, is [**5kW Solar Panel Price in India: Cost, Subsidy & ROI Guide**](https://kondaas.com/5kw-solar-panel-system-price-in-india/). Related pages: - [**How to Design a 5kW Solar System: Step-by-Step**](https://kondaas.com/5kw-solar-system-design-guide/) - [**5kW Solar Panel Installation Cost in Tamil Nadu**](https://kondaas.com/5-kw-solar-panel-installation-cost-in-tamil-nadu/) - [**5kW Solar Cost in Chennai After Subsidy**](https://kondaas.com/5-kw-solar-in-chennai-cost-subsidy-tneb-savings/) ## **10kW and Commercial Systems** Suits large homes, small offices, and businesses with higher daytime load. Commercial installations follow a different cost curve than residential, largely due to three-phase equipment and different subsidy treatment above the residential slab. - [**10kW Solar System Price in India (With & Without Subsidy)**](https://kondaas.com/10kw-solar-cost-in-india-save-up-to-%E2%82%B91l-in-subsidy/) - [**Commercial Solar System Cost in India: 25kW–100kW Breakdown**](https://kondaas.com/commercial-solar-cost-in-india/) ## **System Type Affects Price as Much as Size Does** On-grid, off-grid, and hybrid systems at the same kW size can differ 40–60% in cost. See the full breakdown, including battery-type pricing and a 10-year ownership comparison, in [**On-Grid vs Off-Grid vs Hybrid Solar: Complete 2026 Cost & Buying Guide**](https://kondaas.com/on-grid-vs-off-grid-vs-hybrid-solar-cost-guide/)**.** ## **Master Sizing Table** | Size | Best For | Daily Output | On-Grid Price (Before Subsidy) | Max Subsidy | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1 kW | 1–2 BHK, light load | 4–5 units | ₹80,000 – ₹1,20,000 | ₹30,000 | | 3 kW | 2–3 BHK, medium load | 12–15 units | ₹1,65,000 – ₹1,90,000 | ₹78,000 | | 5 kW | 3–4 BHK, 2–3 ACs | 20–25 units | ₹2,50,000 – ₹3,20,000 | ₹78,000 | | 10 kW | Large home / small commercial | 40–50 units | ₹4,50,000 – ₹5,20,000 | ₹78,000 | ## **Frequently Asked Questions** ****1.How do I know what size system I need?**** Start from your average monthly electricity bill and appliance load, not your roof size. Divide your monthly units by roughly 120 to estimate the kW size see the sizing guides above for a closer match to your situation. ****2.Does a bigger system always mean a better subsidy?**** No, the PM Surya Ghar subsidy caps at ₹78,000 for any system 3kW or larger, so going from 5kW to 10kW doesn’t increase your subsidy, only your generation capacity and upfront cost. ****3.What’s the price difference between on-grid and hybrid at the same size?**** Roughly 40–60% more for hybrids at the same panel capacity, mainly due to the battery and hybrid inverter see the on-grid vs hybrid comparison linked above for exact figures by battery type. ****4.What’s included in the price shown in the sizing table?**** Panels, inverter, mounting structure, wiring, and installation labor the full turnkey system, before the subsidy is subtracted. Panel cost alone is usually a smaller share of that total than most first-time buyers expect. ****5.Do 10kW and commercial systems need a three-phase power connection?**** Usually, yes. Larger installations typically 10kW and above, and most commercial systems commonly require a three-phase electricity connection rather than the standard single-phase supply most homes have. Confirm what your connection supports with your DISCOM before finalizing a system size in this range.