Solar Pannel in Installation : 2 kW vs 3 kW vs 6 kW—What Fits Your Home and Budget?

Thinking about going solar at home? This quick guide compares the most popular system sizes in India—2 kW, 3 kW, and 6 kW—so you can choose with confidence. We’ll cover price ranges, expected electricity generation, net metering, and how to pick a reliable installer. If you’ve been searching for rooftop solar panel installation near me, use this as your step-by-step checklist.

Is Your Roof Ready for Solar Panel Installation?

Before sizing a system, check that your roof is structurally sound, mostly shadow-free between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., and has enough usable space. As a rule of thumb, Indian homes need roughly 100–120 sq ft of clear rooftop per kW; that’s ~200–240 sq ft for 2 kW, ~300–360 sq ft for 3 kW, and ~600–720 sq ft for 6 kW depending on panel efficiency and mounting height. Reinforced concrete (RCC) roofs usually support standard ballast structures, while metal sheet roofs often use rail-mounted frames; both should be wind-rated and properly earthed.

Output depends on location and season, but a practical planning number is about 4 units (kWh) per day per kW over the year. That means a 2 kW system can average ~8 units/day, a 3 kW ~12 units/day, and a 6 kW ~24 units/day. Keep in mind that elevated structures, walkway gaps, and setbacks for water tanks or parapets can reduce the usable area, so a site survey is essential to validate space, wiring routes, and inverter placement with adequate ventilation.

2 kW vs 3 kW vs 6 kW: Price, Units, and Payback

Indicative 2 kW solar system price (pre-subsidy) for reputable, on-grid packages in major Indian cities typically starts around ₹1.7–2.0 lakh, varying by city, panel type, and BOS (balance of system) choices. For many households with ~200–250 units/month consumption, 2 kW offsets a sizable share of the bill while keeping the footprint modest. After applicable central subsidy, effective outlay can drop notably, improving payback.

For the 3 kW solar system price, expect starting tags near ₹2.05–2.35 lakh before subsidy across cities such as Pune, Delhi, and Bengaluru, with typical after-subsidy costs reduced by up to the central cap. A 3 kW plant suits homes using ~300–400 units/month and offers a strong balance of savings vs. roof space. If your daytime loads are higher—or you anticipate EV charging—step up to 6 kW.

A practical 6 kW solar system cost for on-grid residential installs often falls in the ₹3.0–4.2 lakh range before subsidy, depending on brands, structure height, and DISCOM charges. Since central support currently caps beyond 3 kW, treat ~₹78,000 as the maximum reduction available; the rest depends on any state-level top-ups. Using the 4 kWh/day-per-kW heuristic, a 6 kW array can average ~720 kWh/month—enough to slash bills for larger homes with cooling loads, induction cooking, or multiple work-from-home users.

On-Grid, Net Metering, and What to Expect from Your DISCOM

On-grid systems connect to the utility and use a bidirectional (net) meter to bank surplus daytime solar against your evening use. Nationally, policy allows residential net metering up to the lower of 500 kW or your sanctioned load, with state commissions setting detailed rules. In practice, most homes fall well within these limits. Many states and vendors report simpler paperwork and faster meter swaps than a few years ago, with timelines commonly targeted within a month once documentation and inspections are complete.

Subsidy is processed via the National Portal for Rooftop Solar under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Central support is slab-based and capped at 3 kW for individual homes, with some states offering additional top-ups that can further cut payback. Your installer should clearly explain how DISCOM application, feasibility, meter replacement, and portal milestones work, and what government fees (if any) are payable separately from your EPC quote.

Choosing the Right Partner and Warranty Essentials

Shortlist an MNRE approved solar installer that’s empanelled for your state/utility and has recent residential references in your city. Ask for a single, itemized quote that names the panel and inverter models, structure height, DC/AC cabling specs, earthing/LA (lightning arrester) plan, surge protection, and all statutory approvals. Ensure you’re getting Tier-1 or BIS-certified modules, a reputable inverter with remote monitoring, and workmanship standards documented in writing.

Look for 25-year performance warranties on modules (e.g., 80–85% output at year 25, depending on make), 5–10 years on inverters (extendable), and at least 1–2 years of free O&M site visits. Clarify what’s included: site survey, drawings, DISCOM filing, meter testing fees, generation guarantee (if offered), and first-year maintenance. Finally, ask the installer to model your bills using recent consumption data so you can compare payback between 2 kW, 3 kW, and 6 kW based on your daytime usage pattern.

Conclusion

For Indian homes, 2 kW fits light-to-moderate consumption with compact roof space, 3 kW balances savings and area for most families, and 6 kW serves higher-load homes aiming for deep bill cuts. Start with a roof readiness check, then compare a city-specific quote from two or three vetted vendors. With the right design, net metering, and a dependable installer, you can lock in lower power costs for decades. Ready to shortlist options? Share your recent monthly units and roof photos to get a tailored size and payback estimate.