India's ambitious transition to a greener future is also shifting how households access electricity. The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which was launched on February 15, 2024, and aims to solarize 100 million homes, provides households with 'up to' 300 units free electricity per month. For Indian families, the 3kW solar panel rooftop system is by far the best entry point - it is cost-effective, user-friendly and provides significant savings. As a trusted leader in solar, Orient Solar is the latest in solar technology with a wealth of experience and national footprint to provide high-performing solar systems for the scheme. More than just modifying your household's acquisition of electricity, this guide provides an overview of costs, subsidies, benefits, and how to take the next steps to have a 3kW solar system, and a commitment to clean energy.

Why a 3kW Solar System is Perfect for Indian Homes

A 3kW solar rooftop system is suitable for households (3-5 family members) with modest energy use, of around 300-500 units per month. With an output of 12-15 units of electricity daily (around 360-450 units per month, based on available sunlight), it will cover essential household energy loads, which would generally include: 

• Lighting – Full home lighting, LED bulbs and tube lights.
• Cooling – Multiple ceiling fans and a 1-ton air conditioner (sometimes used).
• Appliances – 1 refrigerator, 1 washing machine, TVs, laptops and small kitchen devices (i.e., mixer, microwave).
• Charging – Smartphones, tablets and other gadgetry.

This system will cover between 60-80% of normal households energy requirements, in doing so it allows households to use appropriately less grid electricity, and in turn, reduces their electricity bills! The only requirement is - the solar rooftop system needs around 250-300 sqft of shadow-free rooftop space, a better combination for most urban and rural households from apartments to independent houses.  

Real-World Example

Imagine a family in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, is paying ₹4,000 per month for electricity (400 units at ₹10/unit). A 3kW solar rooftop system could produce 360 units per month and save ₹3,600 (90% worth) of the overall electricity bill. And if your area has net metering then when you share surplus solar rooftop energy with the grid, you also get credits back and your costs decrease further.

Cost of a 3kW Solar System in India (2025)

A 3kW rooftop solar system cost varies by system type, quality of components in quality of components, and state location. As noted above, Orient Solar, with its high-quality panels and customer-friendly options, in addition to being competitively priced, is a reliable source. Here is an overview of costs as of April 2025:

Factors Affecting Costs

System Type: 

• On-Grid: Connected to the utility grid, with net metering to receive credits for excess capacity. This system requires no battery and is subsidized, making it the least expensive option.
• Off-Grid: This is an independent system with battery storage that is used in remote areas; it is the most expensive alternative and does not qualify for subsidy assistance. 
• Hybrid: This combines grid-tied with battery backup; a premium option that is the most flexible option for the client.
• Components: Costs related to high efficiency monocrystalline panels (most are, but check), inverter type (string and micro-inverters), and the mounting structure - they all tend to be heavier duty, which adds to the cost, but some of it also increases performance.
• Location: The costs will be higher in an urban area such as Bengaluru (₹2,35,000) when compared to a city like Ahmedabad (₹2,05,000).  For example, labour and DISCOM charges are higher.
• Customization: Roof height, the type of mounting structure (even though they are similar, there is a little bit of creativity involved), and the type of After-Sales Service Package (i.e., your savings guaranteed) could account for a higher price.

City-Wise Cost Estimates (On-Grid 3kW System)

These indicative prices for Orient Solar’s 3kW on-grid system are based on high-efficiency panels. Final prices will depend on panel type, inverter, roof height and DISCOM charges.

UP Benefit: In UP, ₹30,000 additional government subsidy effectively takes net cost down to ₹72,000 in places such as Lucknow, hence making it one of the cheapest states for residents to invest in solar.

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: A Game-Changer for Solar Users

The PM Surya Ghar Scheme is fundamentally changing how people utilize rooftop solar. The scheme has a budget of ₹75,021 crore. As of July 2025, 15.45 lakh households are now included in the scheme, which targets collective participation of 100 million households by 2026-27. 

Subsidy Details

• Up to 2kW: 60% of system cost (₹30,000 per kW, or ₹60,000 for 2kW).
• 2–3kW: 40% of additional cost, capped at 3kW (₹78,000 for a 3kW system).
• Special States: An Additional 10% subsidy per kW for states like Uttar Pradesh, Northeast, and hilly regions.
• Uttar Pradesh Bonus: ₹30,000 state subsidy, totaling ₹1,08,000 for a 3kW system in UP.

Eligibility Criteria

-You must be an Indian citizen and have a valid electricity connection

-Customer must own a house with a suitable rooftop minimum 250 (square ft.) and there should be no shadow formed on it

-Customer has not benefited from any prior subsidies

-Customers must purchase ALMM or DCR-compliant rooftop solar panels (for example: Orient Solar high-efficiency solar panels).

Application Process

• Register: Visit pm Suryaghar.gov.in website along with your state, DISCOM, consumer no., mobile, and email.
• Apply: Choose a registered vendor, for example, Orient Solar, for the installation of your 3kW system.
• Feasibility Approval: Your application will be reviewed by your DISCOM in 15 days.
• Installation: Orient Solar will install your system with panels that comply with ALMM; they follow the regulations for the scheme.
• Net Metering: Once installed, apply for a net meter and be credited for surplus power you are not using.
• Subsidy Disbursal: You will receive ₹78,000 or, if UP, ₹1,08,000 directly into your bank account after your DISCOM inspections.

Orient Solar handles the entire process and assists you every step of the way, making the documentation, approval, and compliance simple and seamless.

Key Benefits

• Free Electricity: Up to 300 units for a month, which saves you ₹15,000-₹18,000 annually today.
• Net Metering: You can claim credits when you feed excess power into the grid for future power bills.
• Environmental Impact: A 3kW system reduces CO² emissions by about 3.6 tons per year, but multiplying and averaging over the lifetime of the system, 243 tons over 68 years equals planting 117 trees!
• Energy Independence: Decrease your dependency on changing grid tariffs and outages.
• Economic Growth: The scheme sustains 17 lakh jobs in solar manufacturing, installation, and maintenance creating and holding wealth in local economies. 

Why a 3kW System is Ideal for Indian Homes

A 3kW system strikes a balance of affordability, performance and practicality:

• Small Footprint: A 3kW system can fit in only 250–300 sq ft, allowing for space on most roofs, from urban balconies to newly built detached homes.
• Quick Payback: With subsidies, the 3kW system can pay for itself in 3–5 years, providing free electricity for the next 25+ years.
• Minimal Maintenance: Solar panels have minimal maintenance (for example, occasional washing), while an inverter lasts approximately 8–12 years.
• Flexibility for Expansion: You can start small with 3kW and add another system later if your energy consumption grows. Net metering protects surplus energy production for later use and eats into your electricity bill.

Case Study: Solar Success in Jaipur

In Jaipur, a 3kW system was installed with Orient Solar for ₹1,47,000 (after subsidizing ₹78,000 from the government of Rajasthan). The system produces, on average, 400 units of energy per month and saves the customer ₹4,800/month (i.e., cost at ₹12/unit) to reclaim their cost in less than 3 years.  As well, during high-use months, the net metering credits cover the extra surplus production.  Finally, the customer reported a "dramatic decline" in their carbon consumption footprint.

Why Choose Orient Solar?

Orient Solar has established credibility in India’s solar industry due to its reliable technology and strong business model focused on its customers' needs.

• High efficiency panels: Orient Solar's monocrystalline panels are BIS and UL certified, and they provide the highest efficiency and durability among all solar panels, while being designed for varying weather conditions across India. 
• Next generation manufacturing: Orient Solar uses the latest technology, leveraging vast manufacturing capacities to produce ALMM panels so every panel installed under the Ministry of Power’s PM Surya Ghar scheme is optimised for the projects at hand.
• End-to-end support: Orient Solar helps its customers from start to finish, providing free consultations and system design, facilitating subsidy processing, and offering after-sales service all ensure Orient Solar's customers a hassle-free service.
• Commitment to sustainability: Orient Solar prides itself on promoting a circular economy by maximising manufacturing and recycling processes which fits with India’s renewable energy aspirations.
• Nationwide installations: Orient Solar’s manufactured on site in Delhi NCR and have been supplied to communities and households across India in their vast network reach, including in Uttar Pradesh, with additional subsidies.

Financing Your 3kW System

Orient Solar makes solar adoption affordable with:

Orient Solar helps you adopt solar energy in a way that is financially accessible by providing:

• Zero-Investment Options: Simply use the ₹78,000 subsidy (or ₹1,08,000 in UP) as your down payment, and for the loan EMIs, you simply use the Monthly savings as a payment (1–60-month tenure).
• Fast Loan Approvals: Our partner banks and NBFCs will process your loan within 1–2 days and can package it to your budget.
• Transparent Pricing: Our detailed quotes break down the costs based on your city's DISCOM charges, the type of panels, and the installation needed.

Environmental and Economic Impact

Investing in a 3 kW system would not only save you money but also help reduce your carbon footprint:

• Carbon Neutrality: Installing a 3 kW system would negate 90 tons of CO₂ emissions over 25 years - 90 tons is the equivalent of taking 20 vehicles off the road for a year.
• Increase Property Value: Is your house equipped with solar? Homes with Solar are worth 3 - 4% more on the market.
• Community Development: The PM Surya Ghar scheme includes the Model Solar Village initiative (with ₹800 crores allocated for rural development), offering each village ₹1 crores toward financing local solar infrastructure.

Take the Solar Leap with Orient Solar

A 3kW system on your roof opens the door to more energy independence, considerable savings, and a greener tomorrow. With the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana ₹78,000 subsidy (or ₹1,08,000 in Uttar Pradesh), solar has never been easier. Orient Solar has the most efficient panels on the market. They provide a frictionless installation experience supported by a dedicated service team. They will be your best partner.

So are you ready to harness the sun? Visit Orient Solar's website or reach out to their team for a free consultation. Apply for the PM Surya Ghar scheme at pmsuryaghar.gov.in and make the move to clean energy in your home today.