Apart from making it energy efficient, a solar plant increases the value of one’s property. While the exact size for a home solar can only be determined post-checking the house size and energy requirements, generally, a 3kW solar system works best for a small to medium-sized home. It is not only a budget-friendly way to live sustainably but also an intelligent investment considering additional solar panels can be added later in case of an increase in requirement anytime. 

Price of a 3kW Solar System in India

Factors like the type of system, efficiency rating of solar panels, and quality of other solar components determine the price of your home’s 3000-watt (3kW) solar system in India. 

If one has to look at the long-term financial gains of a home solar system plus its benefits to the environment, the cost of getting a home solar installed does not seem much. Additionally, with subsidies in place, there is a significant reduction in home solar prices. Also, multiple financing options reduce the burden of upfront payment.

The exact 3kw solar price for a home installation will depend on location, availability, and promotions and consulting experienced home solar experts is always recommended before installing one. Here is an estimate of what 3000-watt solar panel system prices in India may look like.

Model	3kW Solar Price
3kW On-grid solar system	Rs. 2,13,300 Onwards*
3kW Off-grid solar system	Rs. 2,40,000
3kW Hybrid solar system	Rs. 2,70,000

Subsidy on a 3kW Solar System in India(2024)

The provision of government subsidies on residential solar installations makes solar even more affordable and beneficial for homes. Depending on the size and type of your solar system, you can determine your eligibility for the solar subsidy and the price of a 3kW solar system in India with a subsidy. 

MNRE (Ministry of New & Renewable Energy) offers a 40% subsidy on home solar plants of capacity up to 3kW. The subsidy is available only on the 3kW on-grid solar and off-grid systems (excluding the cost of batteries). If you purchase a solar system of above 3kW capacity, there is a 20% subsidy for units of up to 10kW size.

Rooftop Solar System Capacity	Applicable Subsidy (₹)
Up to 3 kW	18,000/kW
Above 3 kW and up to 10 kW	9,000/kW*
Above 10 kW	1,17,000**
Note: *₹18,000/kW for the first 3 kW and ₹9,000/kW for the rest of the capacity up to 10 kW. **The subsidy amount is fixed for rooftop solar systems above 10 kW capacity.

3kW Solar Panel System Installation Cost in India

The installation cost is an integral part of getting solar for your home and the significant share comes from the style of the rooftop setup of your 3kW solar panels. Putting up your solar panels on the roof requires a secure and sturdy module mounting structure (MMS), making installation an hours-long job, if not days. Installation is often easier and faster with a small-capacity solar system like a 3kW unit. Most solar vendors that sell solar photovoltaic panels (PV modules) and other components also provide installation services, and the cost is included in your 3kW solar system’s total price.

3kW Solar System Price in India with Subsidy(2024)

The CFA calculations in the table below give an estimate of what to expect when it comes to 3kW solar panel price in India with subsidy. 

Model	3kW Solar Plant Price	Subsidy Applicable	Prices After Subsidy
3kW On-grid solar system	Rs. 2,13,300 Onwards*	Rs. 18,000 X 3 = Rs. 54,000	Rs. 1,59,300 Onwards*
3kW Off-grid solar system	Rs. 2,40,000	Not applicable	No change
3kW Hybrid solar system	Rs. 2,70,000	Rs. 18,000 X 3 = Rs. 54,000	Rs. 2,16,000

 

The subsidies are available primarily for installations in neighbourhoods and houses. Anyone who wishes to install solar panels in their home can visit the National Portal for Rooftop Solar website. You can submit your subsidy application online and track the process from the comfort of your home. 

Three Types of 3kW Solar Systems for Home

If you have already begun looking into solar photovoltaic (PV) system options for your home, you’ve likely noticed that not all 3kW solar systems look or function. There are three types of home solar system options. Apart from the aesthetics, every home solar plant varies in price, capabilities, solar energy output, and overall efficiency levels. Hence, picking the right one requires careful consideration of your home’s electricity needs and budget against the characteristics of different solar PV modules.

There are three main types of home solar systems:

• Grid-connected 
• Stand-alone, off-grid
• Hybrid

On-Grid 3kW Solar System

Also known as a grid-tie or grid-feed solar system, an on-grid 3kW solar system is a typical choice for homeowners looking for a low-cost solar energy option. Solar panels and a solar inverter are the two key components you need to put together a 3kW on-grid home solar system. Solar panels perform the primary function of capturing sunlight to generate solar energy, which passes through a solar inverter to get converted into alternating current (AC) electricity that powers your household appliances and electronics. As a result, an on-grid solar structure is comparatively less costly than other types of home solar systems.

On days when your solar energy generation exceeds your daily electricity usage, the unused surplus energy is sent to the local grid for solar credits. Likewise, you can draw electricity from the grid when solar energy production falls short. This provision in on-grid solar plants is regulated under the net-metering system. The meter calculates the import and export of power between your 3kW solar panel system and the local grid and records the same in your monthly electricity bills. The flexibility of earning solar credits and drawing additional grid electricity is also an advantage of using an on-grid home solar system.

Off-Grid 3kW Solar System

The key feature of a stand-alone 3kW home solar system is that it is not connected to the conventional power framework, i.e., the government grid. Instead, your solar energy system is self-sufficient at generating electricity and is also equipped to address excess solar electricity production and your home’s unexpected high power demand. Simply put, this type of solar system can function independent of the local grid and has more components to ensure ample electricity production and availability in all situations.

Solar batteries are an added component in an off-grid 3kW solar system that stores excess solar electricity for use during night hours when your solar panels are dormant. An off-grid structure is required to give a higher solar electricity output to meet one’s daily household consumption. It is also required to maintain ample power reserve in solar batteries. Curtsy higher efficiency levels, there is apparent inflation in the price of a 3kW off-grid home solar system.

If you need electricity in a remote location where connecting to a local government grid isn’t feasible for you, the off-grid option is best for you.

Hybrid 3kW Solar System

As the name suggests, a modern hybrid solar system combines the best features of on-grid and off-grid solar power systems. A hybrid 3kW solar system is connected to the grid and offers the advantages of battery storage, ensuring 24 hours electricity supply throughout the year. The solar panels generate energy during the peak hours of sunlight to power household appliances and charge solar batteries. The unused energy is exported to the grid via the net metering system in case of surplus production. Likewise, on days when usable electricity in solar batteries is drained and the solar panels cannot generate power, one can draw additional electricity from the local grid. 

Facts & Benefits of a 3 Kilowatt Solar Panel System 

Energy output: Wonder how many units are generated by a 3kW solar panel system? The average generation capacity of a 3-kilowatt solar system is 12 units per day. Hence, you can expect your solar system to deliver 360 units (12 units x 30 days) over a month. This amounts to 4320 units per year (360 units x 12 months).

Area required: For a 3kW solar panel system, you will need a minimum roof space of 21 square meters.

Warranty: Your 3kW solar panels will be covered by 25 years of performance warranty, whereas the other critical solar components will have a product warranty of 5-10 years, depending on their brand.

Subsidy: If you search for 3kW solar panel prices in India with subsidy, it is crucial to note that solar subsidies only apply to solar systems regulated under net metering. Off-grid solar systems are not eligible for government subsidies.

Home solar systems provide environmentally-friendly, relatively low-cost electricity for residential use. Here are some of the advantages of switching to solar:

Savings on Electricity

The most obvious advantage of using solar energy is reducing your monthly electricity bills. Using the power produced by your 3-kilowatt solar panels means you don’t need to purchase electricity from the grid. Instead, when your system makes surplus power, you earn solar credits by exporting unused electricity to the grid. 

Earn Money by Transferring Surplus Solar Energy to the Grid

Depending on your location and the net-metering rates, you have an opportunity to make an additional income by transferring unused electricity to the government grid. Net-metering is an electric billing system that records your grid exports and gives you solar credits for every unit sent. You can use these solar credits to purchase grid electricity wherever your solar electricity production falls below the standard. Then, if you still have unused solar credits by the end of the year, you get paid in cash.

Long-term Financial Gains

The monthly savings on electricity will accumulate to a significant amount in a year. Depending on the mode of payment you used to purchase your 3-kilowatt solar panels and the weather conditions of your location that determine annual solar energy output, you can expect your system to pay you back on the initial installation cost in 6 to 8 years. Also, your home solar plant will continue to generate electricity for 25 to 30 years. This makes solar an excellent investment that yields high ROI. 

Help the Environment and Future of Us All

Solar energy is clean energy form derived from the Sun. As more and more homes switch to solar, this has the potential to immensely reduce our collective dependence on conventional energy sources and thus cut down greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Traditionally electricity has been and continues to be obtained from fossil fuels. Procuring fossil fuels from mines and burning them to generate electricity emits harmful gases in huge quantities- a significant contributor to air pollution and global climate change. Apart from being detrimental to our planet, they are only available in finite amounts and are not a viable option to meet our future electricity requirements.

Flexible Financing Options

Solar energy is in every homeowner’s budget with government support and favourable financing options available. If you are not ready to make an upfront payment, you can take out a solar loan to purchase a 3kW solar panel system. Solar lease and solar power purchase agreement (PPA) are other popular alternatives to avoid making the heavy initial payment. You don’t own your solar plant in both options but enjoy the benefits with an affordable payment plan.

FAQsAbout 3kW Solar Panel System

How Many Solar Panels Will I Need for 3kW?

A standard 3kW home solar system is composed of 7-10 solar panels depending on the efficiency rating of the solar panels you choose. In the case of high-efficiency ratings, fewer panels are required to capture sunlight and turn a majority of it into electricity. This means your panels will cover less surface area and give you a higher energy output per amount of light energy captured by solar cells.

What Is the Area Required for a 3kW Solar Panel?

On average, 300 square feet of area is required for 3kw solar panels. You may be able to install your 3kW solar panels in less space if you go for high-efficiency solar panels, which reduces the total number of solar panels in your system. Also, an elevated rooftop mount, like the pergola-style installation setup from HomeScape, can also help you make the most out of your limited space.

How Many Units Are Generated by 3kW Solar Panels?

A 3KW solar system gives you a daily output of 12 units of electricity. This approximately amounts to 360 units a month and an average of 3,600 units per annum. Therefore, this system’s capacity is sufficient to power an average-sized house containing a family of three to four members. 

Can 3 kW solar run an AC?

A solar power system with capacities ranging between 3kW to 10kW can run your ACs easily. Your on-grid 3kW solar system can support running an AC in a small household. You will have enough solar electricity to run a small AC capacity unit for a few hours every day.

How many ACs can run in a 3kW solar system?

In most households with low electricity demands, only one AC of small capacity can be powered using solar electricity. If down the road you feel the need to buy more ACs, you can expand your solar generation capacity by adding more panels to your system.

Is 3kW solar system maintenance costly?

Not at all. Maintaining most home solar systems is quite easy and requires minimal financial investment. With warranties, your solar installer has you covered for any unexpected damage or system failures. Also, many solar companies offer solar AMC maintenance packages wherein you receive periodic checks and servicing of your entire 3kW solar system throughout its working lifespan.

Can solar panels eliminate electricity bills?

Even if you get solar, you will continue to receive electricity bills. However, your utility cost will be reduced significantly. Suppose your 3kW solar panel system is regulated under net metering and connected to the grid. In that case, the bill will show solar credits for electricity contributed to the grid and charges for imports. However, you can eliminate monthly electricity bills only with an off-grid framework.

What All Appliances Can a 3kW Solar System Power?

A 3kW solar panel system is suitable to meet a humble household’s electricity needs. The system can generate enough power to run essential appliances like a fridge, multiple fans, LEDs, a washing machine, one AC, and more.

Who Should Purchase 3kW Solar Panels?

In much simpler times when our households had fewer appliances and technologies, a 3-kilowatt solar panel system used to be a popular choice for most residential installations. However, today it’s only suitable for small homes occupied by 3-4 members. For humble residential properties, it requires relatively less space and can cover two-thirds of the total electricity usage. If you are a homeowner living in a 1-2 BHK house, you can cut down your electricity cost significantly by switching to solar.

Where Can I Buy 3kW Solar Panels?

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has introduced a simplified solar subsidy scheme whereby residential customers can avail subsidy benefits on their grid-connected home solar system. However, certain criteria determine eligibility. It is important that you buy only made-in-India solar panels and other components to put together your system. 

Before purchasing your 3kW solar panels and components, visit the National Portal for Rooftop Solar where you can find the ALMM list of the Approved Models & Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules. Also, get your home solar system installed by empanelled solar vendors whose list is also available on the online portal. HomeScape solar is a reputed home solar company in India, providing innovative solar system designs for all types of residential installations. Our high-quality solar components complemented by a state-of-the-art mounting rack set you up for a rewarding solar ownership experience.

How much does it cost for a 3kW solar system in India?

The price of a 3kW solar system in India depends on several factors. The price of a home solar system is calculated on a per-watt basis, and a 3kW solar system can cost anywhere from Rs.47.95 to Rs.76.98. The final cost of solar for your home will require factoring in the type of solar panels, mounting structure, and other solar components you select for your home. Also, you can avail government solar subsidy if you plan to get a grid-connected plant.

Is my roof suitable for 3kW solar panel installation?

You need at least 21 square meters of shade-free area to ensure maximum solar energy output. Also, analyse if your roof is strong enough to bear the additional weight of solar panels for the next 25+ years. Better yet, get a rooftop inspection done by your trusted solar company.

Will a 3kW solar system be enough for my home?

Your home solar power system gives 80%-90% of its maximum output at a time when the Sun is out on a summer day. However, a 3kW solar system is often suitable for small and medium-size houses. The solar electricity produced can run lights, fans, microwaves, refrigerators, TV, washer and other daily electricity needs.

Will batteries keep my house powered during night and outages?

This depends on the number of batteries you use and your electricity demand. When designing a 3kW solar system for your home, your installer considers your location’s power outage frequencies and your daily energy consumption. They will add enough batteries that your solar panels will be able to charge and ensure power availability when you need it.

How do I determine my daily electricity consumption?

System sizing is the toughest solar decision. The first step to determining the right home solar system for a particular home is to check one’s monthly utility bills for at least the past year. Then, an expert solar installer can help you understand your energy requirements and match the right solar system for you.

Will I be able to expand my 3kW solar system?

Of course. Most homeowners start with a small capacity solar system as the 3kW solar system price in India with a 40% subsidy is more affordable. Eventually, you can add more solar panels to increase solar energy production as you recognise its immense potential and advantages.

On-grid vs off-grid – how do I decide?

A 3kW on-grid solar system is the most budget-friendly option compared to other solar systems. It is also connected to the grid, which allows you to export surplus solar electricity and get solar credits. However, an off-grid framework is suitable for homes in remote locations that can’t access the government grid.

Will power outages affect me after I get a home solar power plant?

It depends on what type of solar system you choose. If your 3kW solar system includes batteries, you can avoid the discomfort of unannounced and prolonged power outages. However, with a 3kW on-grid solar system, you will continue to experience outages as your system is designed to shut down whenever the local grid goes off. This happens to ensure the safety of linemen and electricians.

What is the “best” weather for solar energy production?

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology absorbs and converts sunlight into electricity and thus, any solar system maximises solar energy output on sunny days. However, solar energy production is reduced on cloudy and rainy days. Winters in India are not as adverse to solar as it is in other countries as we still receive enough sunshine. In fact, sunshine on slightly cool days enables solar panels to function at their peak efficiency level, whereas excessive heat brings it down.