Solar Panel Price 2026 in India
Prices have largely stabilized after earlier declines, with some upward pressure from rising silver costs, commodity volatility (aluminium, copper), currency fluctuations, and policy changes like stricter ALMM/DCR (Domestic Content Requirement) enforcement for subsidized projects.
Average Prices in 2026
- Solar panels (modules only): ₹22–₹45 per watt, depending on type and brand.
- Polycrystalline: ₹16–₹26/W (older, budget option).
- Monocrystalline / Mono PERC: ₹20–₹32/W (most common for homes).
- Bifacial / N-Type TOPCon (premium, higher efficiency): ₹32–₹55/W.
- Complete residential rooftop solar system (panels + inverter + mounting + installation, on-grid): ₹40,000–₹85,000 per kW before subsidy. Many sources cite a typical range of ₹55,000–₹75,000 per kW for good-quality residential setups.
Prices vary by:
- Panel technology and efficiency (higher-efficiency panels cost more but need less roof space).
- Brand (e.g., Vikram, Waaree, Loom, Jinko, Canadian Solar).
- System type: On-grid (cheapest, grid-connected), off-grid (with batteries, much higher), or hybrid.
- Installer and location (higher in remote areas due to logistics).
- DCR vs non-DCR: Subsidized systems often require India-made panels, which can add 10–30% cost in some cases.
System Cost Breakdown (Before Subsidy, 2026 Estimates)
These are approximate averages for on-grid residential rooftop systems (most popular for homes):
| System Size | Total Cost (₹) | Suitable For | Per Watt (₹) Approx. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | 55,000 – 80,000 | Small homes (1-2 BHK) | 55–80 |
| 2 kW | 1,10,000 – 1,80,000 | Small-medium homes | 55–90 |
| 3 kW | 1,60,000 – 2,50,000 | Typical 3 BHK home | 53–83 |
| 5 kW | 2,50,000 – 3,80,000 | Larger homes / higher usage | 50–76 |
| 10 kW | 5,00,000 – 7,00,000+ | Big homes / small commercial | 50–70 |
Note: These include basic installation. Off-grid or hybrid systems (with batteries) can cost 1.5–2x more.
Government Subsidy (PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana)
This is the main central subsidy for residential rooftop solar:
- ₹30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW.
- ₹18,000 per kW for additional capacity (up to 3 kW).
- Maximum cap: ₹78,000 (for 3 kW and above).
Effective cost after subsidy (examples for on-grid):
- 1 kW: ₹25,000 – ₹50,000.
- 2 kW: ₹50,000 – ₹90,000+.
- 3 kW: ₹82,000 – ₹1,47,000 (after ₹78,000 subsidy).
- 5 kW: ₹1,72,000 – ₹2,72,000 (after ₹78,000 subsidy).
Subsidy is credited directly to your bank account after installation and net-metering approval. You must use an MNRE-empanelled vendor and often DCR-compliant panels for eligibility. The current phase runs till March 2026, so check for extensions
Price Trends and What to Expect
- Prices softened in late 2025 due to global supply and falling steel/aluminium costs for structures, but some reports note modest increases or stability in early 2026.
- Potential upward pressure: Rising silver prices (used in cells), reduced Chinese export incentives, and DCR rules could add 10–15% in some segments.
- Long-term: Solar remains highly cost-effective. Payback period is typically 3–6 years (depending on electricity tariff and sunlight), with 25-year panel warranties and big savings on bills afterward.