3kW Solar System Price in India: Solar energy has gone from being a luxury to a smart household investment in India. With rising electricity costs and government incentives, many homeowners are now switching to solar for long-term savings. Among the different capacities, a 3kW solar system is one of the most common choices for small to medium homes.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the price of a 3kW solar system in India (2025), how the government subsidy works, real-life examples of households who installed it, and the actual ROI you can expect.
What is a 3kW Solar System?
A 3-kilowatt 3kW Solar System Price in India can generate around 12–15 units of electricity per day in most parts of India. That’s enough to power:
- 4–5 ceiling fans
- 8–10 LED lights
- 1 refrigerator
- 1 washing machine
- 1–2 small ACs or water pumps
It typically includes:
- 8–10 solar panels (depending on panel wattage)
- Inverter (for DC to AC conversion)
- Mounting structure & wiring
- Optional batteries (for backup during power cuts)
This makes a 3kW system ideal for families with a monthly electricity bill of ₹2,500–₹4,000.
3kW Solar System Price in India (2025)
The price depends on the type of system you choose:
| Type of System | Price (Before Subsidy) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| On-Grid (no batteries) | ₹1.8 – ₹2 lakh | Homes with stable electricity and net metering |
| Off-Grid (with batteries) | ₹2.2 – ₹2.5 lakh | Homes with frequent power cuts |
| Hybrid (grid + battery) | ₹2.5 – ₹2.8 lakh | Families wanting both backup and savings |
Average on-grid 3kW Solar System Price in India (2025): ~₹1.9 lakh
Subsidy on 3kW Solar System in India (2025)
The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana offers big subsidies for homeowners:
- Up to 3kW system → 60% subsidy on benchmark cost
- Above 3kW to 10kW system → 40% subsidy
For a 3kW system, the subsidy comes to around ₹78,000 – ₹1.05 lakh (depending on your state DISCOM).
Net cost of 3kW Solar System Price in India after subsidy: ~₹85,000 – ₹1.1 lakh
That’s nearly half the original price covered by the government.
Monthly Savings from 3kW Solar
A 3kW solar system can reduce your bill by ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 per month depending on usage and state tariff.
- Monthly savings: ~₹3,000 (average)
- Yearly savings: ~₹36,000
- Payback period: ~3 years
Since solar panels last 25 years, you get 20+ years of nearly free electricity after recovering your cost.
How to Apply for Solar Subsidy
- Go to the National Portal for Rooftop Solar → solarrooftop.gov.in.
- Register with your state DISCOM.
- Select an empaneled vendor for installation.
- DISCOM inspects the system after installation.
- Subsidy is credited directly to your bank account.
Real-Life Case Studies
Case Study 1: Middle-Class Family in Jaipur
Mr. Sharma, a government employee, had a monthly electricity bill of ₹3,500 – ₹4,000. In 2024, he installed a 3kW on-grid solar system.
- System cost: ₹1.9 lakh
- Subsidy received: ₹1.05 lakh
- Net cost paid: ₹85,000
- Monthly savings: ~₹3,200
- Payback time: 27 months
Today, Mr. Sharma says:
“We recovered our cost in just over 2 years. Now we hardly get an electricity bill, except for the fixed charges.”
Case Study 2: Small Shop Owner in Kerala
A bakery owner in Kochi faced ₹5,000+ monthly electricity bills due to refrigeration and baking equipment. He opted for a 3kW hybrid system with batteries in 2023.
- System cost: ₹2.6 lakh
- Subsidy received: ₹1 lakh
- Net cost paid: ₹1.6 lakh
- Monthly savings: ~₹4,500
- Payback time: ~3 years
He also enjoys uninterrupted power during Kerala’s frequent power cuts.
Case Study 3: Retired Couple in Delhi NCR
Mr. and Mrs. Verma installed a 3kW rooftop solar system in 2024 for their retirement home.
- System cost: ₹1.8 lakh
- Subsidy received: ₹90,000
- Net cost paid: ₹90,000
- Monthly savings: ₹2,800
- Payback time: ~2.7 years
They now save nearly ₹35,000 annually, which helps manage retirement expenses.
ROI Example for a 3kW Solar System
Let’s calculate ROI assuming average numbers:
- System cost (before subsidy): ₹1.9 lakh
- Subsidy received: ₹1 lakh
- Net cost (after subsidy): ₹90,000
- Monthly savings: ₹3,000
- Yearly savings: ₹36,000
Payback period = ₹90,000 ÷ ₹36,000 ≈ 2.5 years
Total lifetime savings (25 years) = (₹36,000 × 25) – ₹90,000 = ₹8.1 lakh
That’s nearly 9x return on investment.
If you’re exploring solar options for your home or business, it’s worth comparing different system sizes before making a decision. For smaller households, you can check the detailed guide on the 2kW Solar System Price in India or the slightly larger 3kW Solar System Price in India. For families with higher energy needs, our breakdown of the 5kW Solar System Price in India and the more powerful 10kW Solar System Price in India will help you understand the costs, subsidies, and savings potential.
FAQs on 3kW Solar System
How many units does a 3kW solar system generate per day?
It generates around 12–15 units daily, depending on sunlight.
How many ACs can run on a 3kW system?
It can run 1 AC (1.5 ton) plus other appliances, but usage depends on load and sunlight hours.
How much area is required for 3kW solar?
You need about 250–300 sq. ft. of shadow-free rooftop space.
What is the lifespan of a 3kW solar system?
Solar panels last 25 years, with minimal maintenance. Inverters may need replacement after 10–12 years.
Is subsidy available for commercial users?
Currently, central subsidy is only for residential rooftop users, not commercial establishments.
Key Takeaways
- 3kW on-grid solar system price in India (2025): ~₹1.8 – ₹2 lakh
- After subsidy: ~₹85,000 – ₹1.1 lakh
- Generates 12–15 units/day, enough for a small-to-medium family
- Payback in ~2.5–3 years, then free power for 20+ years
- Real-life families are saving ₹30,000–₹50,000 annually
Final Word
A 3kW solar system in India is one of the most cost-effective investments for homeowners in 2025. With government subsidy, the upfront cost is lower than ever, and the payback is as quick as 2–3 years.
If your monthly bill is around ₹3,000, installing a 3kW rooftop solar system can be the smartest financial and environmental decision you make this year.
