How Much Does an 8 kW Solar Panel System Cost in India (2025)?

Switching to solar in 2025 is one of the most practical ways to cut electricity costs and secure long-term energy independence.
But before taking the plunge, most homeowners ask a crucial question:
“How much does an 8 kW solar panel system actually cost in India today?”

This detailed guide breaks down average installation costs, subsidies, region-wise pricing, and long-term ROI using official government data and insights from real Energyspoc installations.

Is an 8 kW Solar System Right for You?

An 8 kW solar system is ideal for medium-to-large homes with higher electricity consumption. You should consider this capacity if:

Your monthly electricity bill is between ₹9,000 and ₹15,000

Your home consumes ≈900–1,100 units per month

You own a 4–5 BHK home, a small office, or a mixed-load property

You use multiple high-load appliances such as ACs, refrigerators, water pumps, home servers, EV chargers, washing machines

You have 700–800 sq ft of shadow-free rooftop area

You plan to stay long-term in the same property

You prefer long-term independence from rising grid tariffs

If your electricity usage is much lower than this range, a 5 kW system may be more suitable.

Average Cost of an 8 kW Solar System in India (2025)

Based on MNRE 2025 benchmark costs and Energyspoc project data, the typical price of an 8 kW system is:

8 kW Solar Price Range (2025)

On-Grid	4.5 – 5.2 lakh	3.1 – 3.6 lakh	Homes with stable grid
Hybrid	6.2 – 6.8 lakh	4.4 – 4.9 lakh	Areas with frequent power cuts
Off-Grid	7.0 – 7.8 lakh	— (No subsidy)	Remote or rural locations

Why These Prices Vary:

On-grid systems are simpler and cheaper because they don’t require batteries.
Hybrid and off-grid systems require additional components such as:

Battery interface

Higher-capacity inverters

Solar batteries (mandatory for off-grid)

This increases both upfront cost and installation complexity.

What Does the Cost Include?

A complete 8 kW solar installation from a professional EPC provider like Energyspoc includes:

14–15 Mono PERC panels (545 Wp each)

8 kW on-grid or hybrid inverter with at least 97% efficiency

Mounting structures (GI/Aluminium)

DC/AC cables, surge protection devices, junction boxes

Net-metering approvals & DISCOM documentation

Installation, testing, and commissioning

5-year comprehensive warranty & 25-year performance warranty on panels

Inverter Considerations

String inverters are cost-effective and suitable for most homes

Hybrid inverters allow battery connection and provide backup during outages

Higher-efficiency (97%+) inverters cost slightly more but improve long-term ROI

Choosing MNRE ALMM-approved inverters ensures DISCOM approval and faster subsidy processing

Government Subsidy for 8 kW Systems (2025)

Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, residential rooftop users can avail:

Up to 3 kW	30,000 per kW	≈ 40%
3–10 kW	18,000 per kW	≈ 20–25%
Above 10 kW	Capped at 1.8 lakh	≈ 20%

For an 8 kW system, the applicable subsidy is ₹1.8 lakh, directly credited to your bank account through the National Rooftop Portal.

Important:
Subsidy applies to panels and inverters but not to batteries, as energy storage is currently excluded from the DBT program.

City-Wise Cost Breakdown for 8 kW Solar Systems in India (2025)

Regional differences in labour, logistics, and vendor availability affect the final price of an 8 kW rooftop solar system. Based on Energyspoc’s quotation data (Q1 2025), here’s what homeowners can expect:

Delhi	4.8 lakh	6.5 lakh	7.5 lakh
Mumbai	5.0 lakh	6.6 lakh	7.6 lakh
Ahmedabad	4.6 lakh	6.3 lakh	7.2 lakh
Bangalore	4.9 lakh	6.5 lakh	7.5 lakh
Hyderabad	4.7 lakh	6.4 lakh	7.3 lakh
Kolkata	5.1 lakh	6.7 lakh	7.7 lakh

Why these prices vary:

Labour costs tend to be higher in metro cities

Transport costs are lower in western and southern regions

Roof access and height (high-rise buildings) may add BOS and safety charges

DISCOM fee variations also influence final quotations

These values provide a realistic benchmark for evaluating vendor quotes in 2025.

Factors That Influence the Total System Cost

The cost of an 8 kW solar installation depends on multiple technical and structural variables. Below is a complete list of what increases or reduces your final budget.

a. Solar Panel Technology

Monocrystalline PERC and bifacial modules offer 5–8% higher output than polycrystalline panels, but they also cost slightly more.
However, because 8 kW systems are typically installed on premium homes, most homeowners choose Mono PERC or bifacial for long-term stability.

b. Inverter Type & Efficiency

Your inverter has a direct and long-term impact on cost, system output, and ROI.

Inverter types:

String Inverter (Most common, economical)

Hybrid Inverter (Allows battery storage + grid export)

Micro-inverters (Not typical for 8 kW systems but used for shaded roofs)

Why inverter efficiency increases cost:

Higher-efficiency inverters (97–98.5%) convert more DC into usable AC, which means:

Greater savings per year

Lower losses over the 25-year system life

More accurate net-metering exports

Better battery charging (in hybrid systems)

A premium inverter may cost ₹20,000–₹30,000 more, but the improved yield over time recovers that cost easily.

c. Roof Type & Mounting Structure

Flat concrete roofs require elevated structures (higher BOS cost)

Metal sheet roofs allow simpler mounting (lower cost)

Unique layouts or obstructions increase installation time and material requirements

d. Battery Backup Requirement

Batteries significantly impact system pricing because:

On-grid systems don’t require batteries → lowest cost

Hybrid systems need optional storage

Off-grid systems must include batteries → highest cost

Typical 8 kW home requirement:

4 × 10 kWh Lithium-ion batteries

Provides 12–14 hours of backup

Low maintenance and long life (10–15 years)

Cost impact:

Lithium-ion batteries add the largest share to hybrid/off-grid systems’ final price, but provide better autonomy and long-term reliability.

e. Battery Autonomy (Integrated from Blog 3)

The more backup time you need, the more the system cost increases.

1-day autonomy → ~30 kWh storage

2-day autonomy → ~60 kWh storage

3-day autonomy → ~90 kWh storage (for remote/farm locations)

Most homeowners in urban areas choose 1-day autonomy.

f. Permits, Labour & Installation Complexity

Labour varies between ₹35,000–₹60,000, depending on roof height, wiring length, and permit requirements.

g. Brand Selection & Warranties

Premium brands like Waaree, Adani, Trina, Tata, Growatt, Sungrow increase upfront cost but guarantee long-term stability and higher output.

Annual Savings and Payback Period

Annual Generation	≈ 12,500 units
Avg Electricity Rate	₹9 per unit
Annual Savings	₹1.1 – ₹1.2 lakh
Payback (after subsidy)	3.5 – 4 years
System Lifespan	25+ years
Net Lifetime Savings	₹20 – ₹25 lakh

Additional factors affecting ROI:

Higher inverter efficiency → faster recovery of investment

Battery integration → slightly longer payback due to higher upfront cost

Optimal tilt (20–25°) and zero shading improve generation by 3–10%

How Battery Capacity Influences Cost & Performance
Battery storage is one of the biggest cost variables for 8 kW systems. While on-grid homes may not need batteries, hybrid and off-grid users rely heavily on them for power stability.

Typical Battery Setup for an 8 kW Home

4 × 10 kWh Lithium-ion batteries

Total usable storage: 30–32 kWh

Ideal for 12–14 hours of backup

Perfect for areas with frequent cuts or for users who want grid independence

Why Lithium-ion Over Lead-Acid

Higher depth of discharge (80–90%)

Longer lifespan (10–15 years vs 5–7 years)

Low maintenance

Faster charging

More efficient with hybrid inverters

Cost Impact

Lithium-ion batteries add to the upfront investment but provide:

Better autonomy

Lower lifetime maintenance

Higher safety and efficiency

This makes hybrid/off-grid systems more expensive upfront, but more resilient in the long run.

Steps to Apply for Rooftop Solar Subsidy in 2025

Applying for subsidy under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a simple, step-by-step process:

Visit the official portal: https://solarrooftop.gov.in/

Choose your vendor from the list of DISCOM-approved installers (Energyspoc is empanelled with multiple DISCOMs such as MSEDCL and Tata Power)

Install the system and upload the required documents

Your DISCOM will complete inspection and net-metering approvals

After commissioning, MNRE transfers the subsidy directly to your bank account (DBT) within 45 days

Important Notes:

Subsidy is applicable for residential rooftop users only

Your solar components must be ALMM-approved

Batteries are not covered under subsidy; only panels and inverters qualify

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is there a price difference between north and south India?

Yes. Transport and labour costs are slightly higher in northern states, making systems 5–7% costlier than in southern regions.

Q2. Does the price include GST?

Most quotes are exclusive of 5% GST. Request a break-up to avoid invoice surprises.

Q3. How much roof space does an 8 kW system need?

You need around 700–800 sq ft of shadow-free rooftop area.

Q4. Can an 8 kW system run 3 ACs and a fridge?

Yes. With proper load planning, an 8 kW setup easily supports high-load appliances like multiple AC units, refrigerators, pumps, and more.

Q5. Do I need battery backup for an 8 kW system?

Only if you choose hybrid or off-grid systems. On-grid setups do not require batteries.

Q6. How long does installation take?

Typically 5–7 days depending on roof type and documentation.

Q7. Are commercial 8 kW systems eligible for subsidy?

No. Commercial, industrial do not get subsidy under the PM Surya Ghar Rooftop Solar Yojana.

Q8. What warranties will I receive?

Panels come with a 25-year performance warranty, and inverters typically have a 5-year product warranty.

Q9. Can I upgrade my existing solar installation to 8 kW later?

Yes. You can add panels or upgrade the inverter capacity with DISCOM approval.

Environmental Impact of an 8 kW Solar System

Investing in solar is not just a financial decision it benefits the environment significantly.

An 8 kW system helps reduce:

≈14 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year

Equivalent to planting around 230 trees annually

Saves fuel by reducing dependency on diesel generators during outages

This makes your home both greener and more energy independent.

Conclusion

An 8 kW rooftop solar system is one of the most cost-effective, future-ready solutions for Indian homeowners with higher energy usage. With prices in the range of ₹4.5–₹5 lakh (before subsidy) and ₹3.1–₹3.6 lakh after subsidy for on-grid systems, the payback is quick generally 3.5 to 4 years.

Whether you choose a simple on-grid system or a hybrid setup with battery backup, an 8 kW configuration can help offset up to 90% of your electricity bill, boost property value, and protect you from rising grid tariffs for the next 25 years.

With MNRE subsidies active and component prices stable, 2025 is the best time to make the switch to solar and lock in long-term savings.