3kW Solar System Price in India (2026)
| System Type | Gross Cost | Subsidy | Net Cost |
|---|
| On-grid | ₹1,56,600 – ₹1,91,400 | ₹78,000 | ₹78,600 – ₹1,13,400 |
| Hybrid (with battery) | ₹1,94,400 – ₹2,37,600 | ₹78,000 | ₹1,16,400 – ₹1,59,600 |
| Off-grid | ₹2,29,500 – ₹2,80,500 | ₹0 | ₹2,29,500 – ₹2,80,500 |
Delhi and Uttar Pradesh add ₹30,000 and Assam ₹45,000 at 3kW, which the calculator applies when you pick your state. The installed price includes six 550 W panels, the inverter, structure, wiring, earthing and installation; elevated structures and DISCOM fees can add a little.
Why 3kW Is India's Most Popular Size
Three reasons. It matches the 300 to 390 units a month of a typical one-AC household. It is the smallest size that collects the entire ₹78,000 central subsidy, the best subsidy per rupee you can buy. And most DISCOMs accept 3kW on an ordinary single-phase connection, so no phase upgrade is needed.
Can a 3kW System Run an AC?
Yes, one. A 3kW system makes about 11.5 units a day; a 1.5 ton inverter AC uses about 1.2 kW, or 9.6 units over 8 hours. In practice that means one AC for several hours a day alongside fans, lights, fridge, TV and washing machine. Running the AC in daylight uses solar power directly; night-time use is covered by net-metering credit from the day.
Is It Really 3kW? Checking the Quote
Multiply panel count by wattage on every quote. Six 550 W panels make 3.3 kW and five 620 W panels make 3.1 kW; five 545 W panels make only 2.7 kW, even if the quote says "3kW". The six panels need 240 to 300 sq. ft., roughly double their glass area once spacing and walkways are included.
Nashik Example: ₹96,000 After Subsidy
A Nashik home pays about ₹1,74,000 for 3kW on-grid; the ₹78,000 subsidy leaves about ₹96,000. With 4.9 peak sun hours it makes about 11.8 units a day (353 a month), cutting up to ₹2,700 a month at the ₹8.5 tariff, a payback of about three years.
Before You Sign a 3kW Order
- Confirm 3kW against your units with the size calculator; 450+ units a month points to 4kW or 5kW.
- Get three quotes and compare them with the gross range above; one far below it is cutting something.
- Apply on the national portal before installing and use a registered vendor.
- Budget the full price upfront: the ₹78,000 is reimbursed after inspection, not deducted on the invoice.
How the 3kW Figures Are Worked Out
Daily units = 3 kW × Peak sun hours × 0.8
Net cost = Gross cost − Subsidy
Monthly saving ≈ Monthly units × Your tariff × 0.9
Constants used
- Cost: on-grid ₹58,000/kW, hybrid ₹72,000/kW, off-grid ₹85,000/kW, ±10%
- Generation: city peak sun hours × 0.8 performance ratio
- Saving: ~90% of generation offsets billed units
