1kW Solar System for Home: Price, Output & Subsidy in India (2026)

The Short Answer

A 1kW solar system costs ₹60,000–₹80,000 before subsidy and ₹30,000–₹50,000 after the PM Surya Ghar subsidy of ₹30,000. It generates 4–5 units (kWh) per day — enough for a 1 BHK flat or a home with a monthly bill of ₹500–₹1,000. Needs just ~100 sq ft of shadow-free roof space and 2 standard 540W panels.

1kW Solar System Price Breakdown

ComponentCost RangeShare of Total
Solar panels (2 × 540W mono)₹18,000–₹24,00030–35%
On-grid inverter (1kW)₹15,000–₹22,00025–30%
Mounting structure₹5,000–₹8,0008–10%
Wiring, protection, earthing₹4,000–₹6,0006–8%
Installation labour₹4,000–₹6,0006–8%
Net metering & DISCOM fees₹2,000–₹5,0003–6%
GST (13.8%)₹7,000–₹9,000~13%
Total (before subsidy)₹60,000–₹80,000100%
PM Surya Ghar subsidy−₹30,000
Net cost (after subsidy)₹30,000–₹50,000

Full cost guide for all system sizes →

Daily and Monthly Output

A 1kW system generates:

PeriodOutputBill Savings (at ₹6–₹10/unit)
Per day4–5 units₹24–₹50
Per month120–150 units₹720–₹1,500
Per year1,450–1,800 units₹8,700–₹18,000

Output varies by location — western and southern India (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka) average 4.5–5.5 peak sun hours, while northern and eastern states average 3.5–4.5 hours.

→ Calculate exact output for your location

What Can a 1kW System Run?

A 1kW system is best suited for light electrical loads:

ApplianceWattageHours/dayDaily Units
LED lights (5)50W60.3
Ceiling fans (2)140W101.4
TV (LED 42")80W40.3
WiFi router15W240.4
Laptop charger65W50.3
Mobile chargers (2)20W30.06
Total2.8 units

This leaves 1–2 units of surplus per day for net metering credits. A 1kW system cannot handle heavy loads like AC, geyser, or washing machine — for those, consider a 3kW or 5kW system.

Space Requirements

A 1kW system is the most compact rooftop solar setup:

  • Panels: 2 × 540W monocrystalline panels
  • Panel dimensions: ~2.3m × 1.1m each
  • Total roof area: ~100 sq ft (with inter-row spacing and access clearance)
  • Roof type: Works on flat RCC roof, metal sheet roof, or tiled roof with appropriate mounting
  • Weight: ~30–40 kg total (panels + structure) — any standard RCC roof handles this easily

Ideal for apartments with limited terrace allocation or small independent houses. Solar for apartments guide →

Subsidy and Payback Period

A 1kW system qualifies for ₹30,000 under PM Surya Ghar (₹30,000/kW for the first 2kW).

Payback calculation:

ScenarioNet CostAnnual SavingsPayback
Low tariff (₹5/unit)₹40,000₹7,500~5.3 years
Medium tariff (₹7/unit)₹40,000₹10,500~3.8 years
High tariff (₹10/unit)₹40,000₹15,000~2.7 years

After payback, you get free electricity for the remaining 20+ years of panel life. Even the most conservative scenario recovers investment well within the warranty period.

On-Grid vs Off-Grid for 1kW

For a 1kW system, on-grid is almost always the right choice:

On-Grid 1kWOff-Grid 1kW
Cost₹60,000–₹80,000₹1,20,000–₹1,60,000
After subsidy₹30,000–₹50,000No subsidy
BatteryNone needed₹40,000–₹60,000
MaintenanceMinimalBattery replacement every 4–5 yrs

Choose off-grid only if you have no grid connection. For backup during power cuts, a hybrid setup is better value than full off-grid.

Who Should Choose 1kW?

  • 1 BHK flats with basic loads (fans, lights, TV, WiFi)
  • Apartment owners with limited rooftop allocation (~100 sq ft)
  • Low electricity bills (₹500–₹1,000/month)
  • Budget-conscious buyers wanting the lowest entry cost into solar
  • First-time solar users who want to start small and potentially expand later

If your monthly bill exceeds ₹1,500, a 2kW or 3kW system offers better value per watt and faster payback.

Get 1kW Solar Quotes

Compare quotes from 2–3 verified local installers. Solar Vipani matches you with MNRE-empanelled installers in your city who handle everything — design, installation, net metering, and subsidy paperwork.

Get your free 1kW solar quotes →

Common questions

What is the price of a 1kW solar system in India?
A 1kW on-grid solar system costs ₹60,000–₹80,000 before subsidy. After the PM Surya Ghar subsidy of ₹30,000, your out-of-pocket cost is ₹30,000–₹50,000. This includes panels, inverter, mounting, wiring, installation, and net metering fees.
How many units does a 1kW solar system generate per day?
A 1kW system generates 4–5 units (kWh) per day on average in Indian conditions. Monthly output is 120–150 units. Output varies by location — sunny states like Rajasthan and Gujarat get closer to 5 units/day, while cloudy regions average 3.5–4 units.
Can a 1kW solar system run an AC?
Not practically. A 1-ton AC draws about 1,000W — consuming the entire 1kW system output just for cooling. A 1kW system is designed for light loads: fans, lights, TV, and small appliances. For AC usage, consider a 3kW or 5kW system.
How many solar panels are needed for 1kW?
With modern 540W monocrystalline panels, you need just 2 panels for a 1kW system (2 × 540W = 1,080W). This requires about 100 sq ft of shadow-free roof space.
What is the subsidy on a 1kW solar system?
Under PM Surya Ghar, a 1kW system qualifies for ₹30,000 subsidy (₹30,000/kW for the first 2kW). The subsidy is available only for on-grid systems installed by MNRE-empanelled vendors. It is credited to your bank account after DISCOM inspection.
Is a 1kW solar system enough for a home?
For a 1 BHK with basic loads (fans, lights, TV, WiFi), yes. It generates 120–150 units/month, offsetting ₹720–₹1,500 from your bill. For larger homes or heavier usage (AC, geyser, washing machine), you need at least 3kW.

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