Rooftop Solar Cost per kW in India (2026 Guide)
What rooftop solar costs per kW in India in 2026: price ranges for 1–10 kW, what drives the price, GST at 5%, subsidy, and how to compare quotes fairly.
Short answer: in 2026 a complete on-grid rooftop system in India typically costs about ₹46,000–70,000 per kW installed, before subsidy. A 3 kW DCR system is usually ₹1.6–2.1 lakh, and after the ₹78,000 PM Surya Ghar subsidy you pay roughly ₹0.9–1.3 lakh (check current notification). Per-kW prices fall as the system grows, and quality of structure and earthing explains much of the spread.
Typical price bands (on-grid, installed, before subsidy)
| System | Typical price per kW | Typical total | After central subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | ₹60,000–75,000 | ₹0.6–0.75 lakh | minus ₹30,000 |
| 2 kW | ₹55,000–70,000 | ₹1.1–1.4 lakh | minus ₹60,000 |
| 3 kW | ₹55,000–65,000 | ₹1.65–1.95 lakh | minus ₹78,000 |
| 5 kW | ₹50,000–62,000 | ₹2.5–3.1 lakh | minus ₹78,000 |
| 10 kW | ₹46,000–58,000 | ₹4.6–5.8 lakh | minus ₹78,000 (residential) |
Bands reflect the ₹46,000–70,000 per kW market range Sunlectric tracks for 2026 residential jobs, with DCR systems in the upper half. They are indicative, not a quote. Your city, roof and specification move the price.
Hybrid systems cost more: add the price difference of a hybrid inverter plus the battery (LFP packs carry 18% GST).
Where the money goes
We priced a typical 3 kW on-grid DCR bill of materials (6 × 550 Wp modules, 3 kW inverter, elevated galvanised structure, three earthing pits, lightning arrester, boards and cable) from our October 2026 sample catalogue. The material cost splits roughly like this:
| Component | Share of material cost (illustrative) |
|---|---|
| Modules (DCR) | about 50% |
| Inverter | about 13% |
| Mounting structure and anchors | about 12–15% |
| DC/AC cable, DCDB, ACDB, protection | about 10% |
| Earthing and lightning arrester | about 8–10% |
| Fasteners, sealant, ties, signage | about 3–5% |
Labour, transport, net-metering liaison, 5-year maintenance and the installer's margin come on top. Installers can see the full line-by-line bill of materials in our pricing guide for 3, 5 and 10 kW jobs.
What pushes the price up or down
Module type
- DCR modules (Indian cells and modules) are required for the PM Surya Ghar subsidy and cost noticeably more per watt than non-DCR. See DCR vs non-DCR.
- TOPCon modules typically produce a little more per kWp in Indian heat than PERC and degrade more slowly; prices have converged. See TOPCon vs PERC vs bifacial.
Structure
A low structure on a flat roof is cheapest. An elevated hot-dip galvanised structure (front legs about 1 m high) costs more steel but keeps the terrace usable. High-wind and coastal sites need heavier sections and a stamped design.
Safety items
Proper earthing pits, a lightning arrester with the right down conductor, DC and AC surge protection and correctly sized cable add a few thousand rupees but decide whether the system survives 25 years. Cutting them is the most common way low quotes are achieved.
Distance and access
Upper floors without a lift, narrow lanes, long cable runs and remote towns add labour and transport.
GST in 2026
From 22 September 2025, GST on solar modules and solar power devices dropped from 12% to 5%. Cables, switchgear, steel structures, meters, batteries and services are generally at 18%. Many installers bill one composite "solar power generating system" contract where 70% of value is taxed at the goods rate and 30% at the services rate, giving an effective rate of about 8.9%. GST treatment of standalone inverter sales can differ, so ask your CA.
Subsidy and state top-ups
The central subsidy is ₹30,000 per kW for 2 kW and ₹18,000 for the third kW, capped at ₹78,000. It requires DCR modules, a registered vendor and net metering. Some states add more: UP up to ₹30,000 extra, Rajasthan ₹17,000 for eligible 1.1 kW systems, Chhattisgarh, and AP for SC/ST and BC households (check current notification). Steps: how to apply for PM Surya Ghar.
How to compare quotes fairly
Ask every installer to fill the same table:
- Module make, model, wattage, type (TOPCon/PERC), DCR certificate
- Inverter make, model, rating, warranty years
- Structure: material, coating (micron), height, anchoring, wind design basis
- DC and AC cable: size, standard, length
- Earthing: number of pits, type, conductor size; lightning arrester and down conductor
- DCDB/ACDB contents: SPDs, fuses, isolators, MCB/RCCB
- Net metering, portal work, and 5-year maintenance (included under PM Surya Ghar)
Then compare price per kWp for the same specification, not just the total. Our installer checklist explains each item.
Cost vs value
Price matters, but payback matters more. A ₹10,000 cheaper system that loses 5% output to poor cabling and shade costs you more over 25 years. Run your numbers:
Costs to ask about up front
- Net-metering fees (waived in many states for scheme applicants, check yours)
- Load enhancement if your sanctioned load is lower than the system size
- Extra structure height if you want to keep the terrace usable
- Long cable runs to a distant meter, or stair carry without a lift
- Roof waterproofing repairs before installation
- Annual maintenance after the free period
A good quote lists these, or says clearly that they are excluded.
Talk to Sunlectric
Got a quote and not sure it is fair? WhatsApp it to +91 89567 89307 (wa.me/918956789307) and our Solar Desk will check the specification line by line. Installers get our daily price sheet and complete kits dispatched from the Pune hub; see for installers.
Sources
- Market cost range and assumptions: Sunlectric benchmarks, Oct 2026 (system cost ₹46,000–70,000/kW; DCR in the upper half)
- GST rate change to 5% from 22 Sep 2025 and 70:30 effective rate: Reslink; Avaada on GST for solar (accessed Oct 2026)
- PM Surya Ghar CFA: pmsuryaghar.gov.in; PIB, Aug 2024
- State top-ups: UP (GreenTax); Rajasthan (Powerline, 19 Dec 2025); AP (Swarajya); Chhattisgarh (The Week, 26 Jul 2025)
Questions people ask
What is the cost of 1 kW rooftop solar in India in 2026?
A complete on-grid residential system typically costs about ₹46,000–70,000 per kW installed before subsidy. Very small systems (1–2 kW) sit at the top of the range per kW. DCR modules, needed for subsidy, cost more than non-DCR.
What is the price of a 3 kW system after subsidy?
At about ₹55,000–65,000 per kW, a 3 kW system is roughly ₹1.65–1.95 lakh before subsidy. After the ₹78,000 central subsidy you pay about ₹0.9–1.2 lakh (check current notification and get itemised quotes).
What GST applies to rooftop solar?
Solar modules and solar power devices moved from 12% to 5% GST from 22 September 2025. Batteries, cables, switchgear, structures and services are generally at 18%. A composite supply-and-install contract is often valued 70:30, giving about 8.9% effective GST. Check with your CA.
Why do quotes for the same kW differ so much?
Module type (DCR vs non-DCR, TOPCon vs PERC), inverter brand, structure height and steel, earthing and lightning protection, cable quality, and whether net metering and service are included.