1kw solar panel price
December 27, 2023
Solar energy has seen tremendous growth in India over the last decade. With increasing electricity prices and a push towards renewable energy, more homes and businesses are looking to solar power. A key consideration is the cost of solar panels. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the price of a common capacity – the solar panel Price of 1KW in India in 2023.
What is a 1 kW Solar Panel?
Before we look at 1 kW solar panel prices, let’s understand what a 1 kW solar panel means.
- 1 kW or kilowatt is a measure of power capacity
- It refers to the peak capacity a solar panel can produce under ideal test conditions
- For a 1 kW solar panel, this would be 1000 Watts (W)
In real world conditions, factors like heat, dust, orientation and sunlight intensity will reduce actual output. But the 1 kW rating gives an idea of potential capacity.
Most residential solar panels range from 250 W to 400 W. For larger home systems or commercial setups, higher capacity panels like 1 kW are used.
Determining Factors of 1 kW Solar Panel Price
The price of a 1 kW solar panel depends on several aspects:
- Type of panel – Monocrystalline, polycrystalline or thin-film
- Efficiency – Higher the efficiency, higher the price
- Manufacturer – Premium brands cost more
- Certifications – Quality certificates add to cost
- Source – Imported or locally manufactured
- Warranty – Panel and power output warranty period
Let’s look at these aspects in detail
Types of Solar Panels
There are three main types of solar photovoltaic panels:
- Monocrystalline - Made from a single crystal structure of silicon. Most efficient but relatively more expensive.
- Polycrystalline - Made from multiple silicon crystal fragments. Slightly lower efficiency than monocrystalline but cheaper.
- Thin Film - Made by depositing silicon layers on surfaces like glass or stainless steel. Lowest efficiency but also the lowest cost.
For a 1 kW panel, monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon panels are most common. Thin film may be used in very large utility-scale projects, but not typical for residential 1 kW panels.
Conversion Efficiency
This refers to how much of the sunlight falling on a solar panel gets converted to electricity.
- Monocrystalline panels – Typically 18% to 22% efficiency for commercial grades
- Polycrystalline panels – Typically 16% to 18% efficiency
Higher the efficiency, greater the power output from the same panel size. This makes them pricier.
Manufacturers
Solar panels are made by hundreds of companies worldwide. But some major manufacturers for Indian markets are:
-
- Tata Solar
- Adani Solar
- Vikram Solar
- Waaree Energies
- Rely On Solar
Reputed brands and manufacturers can command a premium for their products. Lesser known manufacturers will be priced lower, even for same capacity panels.
Certifications
Quality certifications also impact 1 kW solar panel pricing. Some important ones are:
- IEC 61215/61730 – International Electromechanical Commission certification for panel performance and safety
- IS 14286 – Indian Standards certification
Panels without proper certifications are likely to be cheaper, but have higher defect or failure rates.
Imported vs Local
Solar panels can be imported from manufacturing hubs like China or locally produced.
- Imported 1 kW panels may be priced 20% to 30% more due to customs duties.
- Locally made panels from Indian solar companies are cheaper.
Warranties
Solar panels typically come with:
- Product warranty – Covers panel defects and workmanship. Usually 10 years.
- Performance warranty – Guaranteed output capacity over years. Can be 25 years.
Better warranty coverage periods add slightly to the solar panel price but give you peace of mind.
1 kW Solar Panel Price in India in 2024
Now let’s look at the current approximate price range for 1 kW solar panels from different manufacturers:
Brand | Type | Efficiency | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Tata Solar | Monocrystalline | 18% to 19% | Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 28,000 |
Adani Solar | Monocrystalline | 18% to 19% | Rs. 22,000 to Rs. 26,000 |
Vikram Solar | Monocrystalline | 18% to 19% | Rs. 24,000 to Rs. 27,000 |
Waaree Energies | Polycrystalline | 16% to 17% | Rs. 18,000 to Rs. 22,000 |
RelyOn Solar | Polycrystalline | 16% to 17% | Rs. 16,000 to Rs. 20,000 |
Generic | Polycrystalline | 14% to 16% | Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 18,000 |
Prices are approximate and may vary based on panel variants, quality, importer etc.
As you can see, monocrystalline panels from premium brands cost the most, while generic polycrystalline panels are cheapest. On average, you can expect to pay about Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 25,000 for a good quality 1 kW solar panel from reputed brands.
Cost Breakdown of 1 kW Solar System
A complete rooftop solar system will require other components besides solar panels. Here is an estimate of total costs for a 1 kW setup:
Component | Cost |
|---|---|
1 kW Solar Panel | Rs. 22,000 |
Mounting Structure | Rs. 9,000 |
Inverter | Rs. 26,000 |
Wires, switches etc | Rs. 3,000 |
Installation & Other Costs | Rs. 8,000 |
Total | Rs. 68,000 |
So you can expect to pay around Rs. 65,000 to Rs. 75,000 for a fully installed 1 kW solar power system for your home. This can generate 4 to 5 units of electricity per day and help reduce your monthly electricity bills.
Ways to Get Best Price for 1 kW Solar Panel
Here are some tips to get the best price when purchasing 1 kW solar panels:
- Compare quotes from multiple solar installers in your area
- Ask for discounts on bulk purchases for large systems
- Look for off-season deals during summer months
- Avoid very cheap panels from unknown brands
- Check for manufacturer defects and warranty terms
- See if you can avail state/central subsidies and incentives
- Use financed models like solar leasing if available
Pro Tip: Getting a 1 kW solar panel locally manufactured in India can save you 20% to 25% compared to imported panels !
FAQs on Solar Panel Price of 1 Kw
For residential homes, a good quality 1 kW solar panel from a reputed brand generally costs between Rs. 22,000 to Rs. 28,000. The total system cost is around Rs. 65,000 to Rs. 75,000.
For a solar power system of 1 kW capacity, you would need about 3 to 4 panels of 250 W to 330W each. The number of panels depends on the wattage of individual panels.
Some of the top solar panel brands in India for 1 kW panels are Tata Solar, Adani Solar, Vikram Solar and Waaree Energies. Check reviews and warranty terms before purchase.
The average cost per watt for solar panels in India ranges from Rs. 55 to Rs. 65 currently. So a 330W panel would cost about Rs. 18,000 to Rs. 22,000. Cost per watt depends on panel capacity, type and brand.
With proper maintenance, a good quality solar panel can easily last 25 to 30 years. Reputed manufacturers offer 25-year power output warranties. Panels may degrade slightly over time but lifetimes are long.
Monocrystalline solar panels are more efficient but also more expensive. Polycrystalline panels are cheaper but generate slightly less power. For most homes, polycrystalline panels are adequate and better value for money.