Solar Panel Installation Guide: Cost, Process & Money-Saving

 

Want to install solar panels? Many Indian families now save ₹15,000-₹45,000 every year on electricity bills. But 6 out of 10 solar systems don't work well because people make simple mistakes during installation.

This guide will help you install solar panels the right way and save money.

Why Proper Planning Matters

Solar panels are expensive. If you don't plan well, you can lose lakhs of rupees. We've seen many people make costly mistakes like buying wrong-sized systems, choosing bad equipment, hiring unqualified installers, or skipping regular solar maintenance. These errors can reduce your savings by 30-40% over 25 years.

The good news is that most problems are easy to avoid if you follow the right steps. After helping thousands of Indian families go solar over the past decade, we've learned exactly what works and what doesn't in Indian conditions.

Step 1: Check Your Electricity Usage

First, look at your old electricity bills. This helps you buy the right system size.

Average monthly usage in India:

• Small home (1-2 BHK): 150-300 units
• Medium home (3-4 BHK): 400-600 units
• Large home (5+ BHK): 600-1000 units

Action: Collect 12 months of electricity bills before talking to any installer.

Ready to see how much you could save with solar? Use our solar calculator to measure your potential ROI before making any decisions.

Step 2: Check Your Roof

Your roof must be strong and get enough sunlight. In India, south-facing roofs receive the most sunlight throughout the year, making them ideal for solar panels. However, many people skip this crucial step and end up with systems that produce 20-30% less electricity than expected.

Check for shade from trees, water tanks, or neighboring buildings between 9 AM and 3 PM when the sun is strongest. Even a small shadow on one panel can reduce the entire system's output. Also inspect your roof for any cracks, leaks, or weak spots that might need repair before installation.

Step 3: Choose the Right System Size

Don't buy too big or too small system.

Common sizes in India:

• 3kW system: Good for 150-300 units monthly usage
• 5kW system: Good for 400-600 units monthly usage
• 10kW system: Good for 800+ units monthly usage

Remember: You can always add more panels later if needed.

Step 4: Select Good Equipment

The quality of your equipment determines how much electricity your system produces and how long it lasts. Many people focus only on price and regret it later when their cheap panels start failing after 5-7 years.

Solar panel types:

• Mono panels: 19-21% efficiency, cost ₹45-55 per watt
• Poly panels: 16-18% efficiency, cost ₹35-45 per watt
• Bifacial: 20-22% efficiency, cost ₹55-65 per watt

Always buy panels with 25-year performance warranty. For inverters, choose between string inverters (good for most homes), micro inverters (better for shaded areas), or hybrid inverters (if you want battery backup). The mounting structure should be aluminum or hot-dip galvanized steel to handle Indian weather conditions.

Step 5: Find a Good Installer

This is very important. Bad installer = bad system.

Check these things:

• Experience: Minimum 3 years in solar business
• Past work: Ask for 5 customer references (call them)
• Certifications: MNRE approval, electrical licenses
• Insurance: Covers damage during installation
• Local presence: Should have office in your city

Get quotes from 3-4 installers. Compare:

• Total cost (including everything)
• Equipment brands offered
• Warranty periods
• Estimated monthly generation
• After-sales service

Step 6: Understand Total Costs

Average costs in India (2025):

• 3kW system: ₹1.8-2.2 lakhs
• 5kW system: ₹2.8-3.5 lakhs
• 10kW system: ₹5.5-6.5 lakhs

Cost includes:

• Solar panels
• Inverter
• Mounting structure
• Wiring and safety equipment
• Installation charges
• Grid connection (if needed)
• Permits and approvals

Step 7: Apply for Government Subsidies

Don't miss free money!

Central government subsidy (PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana):

• 3kW: ₹78,000 subsidy
• 4-10kW: ₹78,000 + ₹18,000 per kW above 3kW

State subsidies (examples):

• Delhi: ₹2,000 per kW (max ₹10,000)
• Gujarat: ₹10,000 per kW (max ₹20,000)
• Maharashtra: ₹19,500 per kW (max ₹39,000)

How to apply: Through National Portal for Rooftop Solar

Step 8: Installation Process

The installation typically takes 1-2 weeks depending on system size and complexity. First, the mounting structure is fixed to your roof using appropriate anchoring systems. Then solar panels are mounted and connected in series. The inverter is installed at a convenient location, usually near your main electricity meter. Finally, all electrical connections are made and the system is tested.

Grid-connected systems require permission from your local electricity board, which can add 1-2 weeks to the total timeline. Your installer should handle all paperwork and approvals.

Step 9: Regular Maintenance

Clean panels = more electricity = more savings

Solar panels need very little maintenance, but regular cleaning makes a big difference in India where dust and pollution are common. Many people think rain will clean their panels, but this isn't true in most Indian cities.

Simple maintenance:

• Cleaning: Wash panels with water every 15 days
• Inspection: Check for damage every 3 months
• Professional service: Once a year (costs ₹1,500-3,000)

Don't do these:

• Walk on panels
• Use hard brushes
• Clean when panels are hot
• Use chemicals

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most expensive mistake is choosing the cheapest quote without checking quality. We've seen ₹2 lakh systems fail within 3 years because people saved ₹30,000 on poor equipment. Another common error is installing panels facing the wrong direction - east or west-facing panels produce 15-20% less electricity than south-facing ones.

Many people also ignore the importance of proper system sizing. An oversized system wastes money on extra capacity you'll never use, while an undersized system leaves you paying high electricity bills. Getting multiple quotes helps you understand what's reasonable for your specific needs.

How Much Money Will You Save?

Your actual savings depend on your electricity usage pattern, system size, and local solar conditions. In Rajasthan and Gujarat, where sunlight is abundant, a 5kW system can generate 700-800 units monthly. In Kerala or Himachal Pradesh, the same system might generate 500-600 units due to different weather patterns.

Typical savings:

• 3kW system: Saves ₹15,000-25,000 per year
• 5kW system: Saves ₹25,000-40,000 per year
• 10kW system: Saves ₹50,000-80,000 per year

Payback period: Usually 4-6 years System life: 25+ years