Key Summary

  • Solar panels convert sunlight into clean electricity and help lower power costs for homes and businesses.
  • India offers several types of solar panels, such as Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline, Thin Film, PERC, and Bifacial, to suit different needs and budgets.
  • Choosing the right wattage, layout, and professional installation ensures high efficiency and long system life.
  • With government subsidies, quick return on investment, and low maintenance, solar energy offers lasting savings and energy independence.

Solar energy is one of the cleanest and most dependable power sources available today. With sunlight abundantly available across India, installing solar panels has become a smart and sustainable choice for homes, businesses, and industries. Modern solar technologies enable the efficient conversion of sunlight into electricity, thereby reducing electricity bills and promoting energy independence. 

Understanding how solar panels work and what type suits your needs will help you make the right decision for long-term performance and savings.

What Are Solar Panels and How Do They Work?

Solar panels, also called photovoltaic (PV) panels, are devices designed to convert sunlight into electricity. They are made using PV cells, usually composed of semiconductor materials like silicon. When sunlight strikes these cells, the energy from photons is absorbed and releases electrons, creating an electric current. Because a single solar cell produces only a small amount of power, many cells are connected to form a panel that can generate a practical amount of clean energy. Solar panels are commonly used in homes, businesses, remote locations like cabins or telecom towers, and off-grid power systems.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

  • Solar panels generate electricity when sunlight falls on their PV cells.
  • The cells absorb the sunlight and release tiny particles called electrons.

  • These moving electrons create direct current (DC) electricity.

  • The DC power flows through metal strips on the panel and moves toward an inverter.
  • Since homes use alternating current (AC), the inverter converts the DC into AC.

  • The converted AC electricity can then power your lights, appliances, and other devices.

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Top Benefits of Installing Solar Panels

Switching to solar energy is one of the best investments you can make for your home or business today. It helps lower electricity costs, provides energy independence, reduces reliance on the grid, increases long-term savings, and supports a cleaner, more sustainable environment.

Key factors of cloudy day solar performance:

  • Clean and Green Energy: Solar energy is currently the only energy source that is pollution-free and reduces carbon emissions. This makes solar power one of the most sustainable choices available.

  • Energy Independence: Solar energy reduces your reliance on coal, oil, and grid electricity, and promotes self-sufficiency and stability in your energy usage.
  • Low Maintenance: Solar energy systems are relatively low maintenance and only require the occasional clean and inverter replacement every few years, and they will last for over 20 years.

  • Safe and Reliable: Solar energy systems are much safer and more reliable than traditional energy systems because they have no moving parts and require no fuel.

  • Lower Electricity Bills: You can reduce your monthly electricity bills by generating your own electricity, and you will be able to recover your purchase in a few short years.
  • Versatile Uses: Solar energy systems support everything from homes and factories to water heating and agriculture, and even rural electrification.
  • Government Subsidy Support: In India, the government gives up to a 40% subsidy on all residential rooftop projects and income tax benefits on all commercial projects to help lower the costs of solar energy and make it more affordable.

 Different Types of Solar Panels in India

There are many different kinds of solar panels for a variety of needs and budgets. In India, the three most common types are Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline, and Thin-Film solar panels, as well as a few new types, such as Bifacial panels, PERC panels, and Concentrated PV panels.

  • Monocrystalline solar panels: Made from one piece of pure silicon crystal (the black solar panels), these are the most efficient and longest-lasting type of solar panel. They are a bit more expensive, and if you need limited space, if you are in a hot climate, and particularly if you have a high need for reliability, these work really well.

    • Efficiency: 20–25% 
    • Lifespan: 30–40 years 
    • Material: single-crystal silicon 
    • Best for: homes, offices, streets, and parks

  • Polycrystalline solar panels: Polycrystalline solar panels are formed by silicon melted and formed into fragments for use (the blue-speckled panels). They are cheaper to produce, plus they are slightly less efficient than monocrystalline, so they can be more advantageous financially for larger projects, such as home solar systems. 

    • Efficiency: 14–18% 
    • Lifespan: 20–25 years 
    • Material: silicon fragments 
    • Best for: solar farms, traffic systems, off-grid homes.

  • Thin-film solar panels: Thin-film panels consist of super-thin sheets of photovoltaic material laid on surfaces such as silicon and cadmium. They are light-weight, flexible in application, and easy to install, and can be used in situ on large area projects or in portable applications. They are less efficient and have lower life expectancy than the crystalline panels mentioned above.

    • Efficiency: 11-12% 
    • Lifespan: 10-20 years
    • Best for: Portable applications, vehicles, industry, or temporary projects

  • Bifacial Solar Panels: Bifacial solar panels have innovative features that harness energy from above and capture light illuminated from the ground, generating power from each side of the panel. When installed on a reflective surface, bifacial panels can produce 30% more energy than traditional panels at the same location.

    • Efficiency: Up to 30% more than traditional panel installations
    • Best For: Large-scale or commercial installations

  • PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) Panels: PERC solar panels have a special rear layer designed to reflect sunlight into the cell so they absorb more power. PERC gains efficiencies when combined with traditional monocrystalline technologies, referred to as Mono-PERC panels. These panels are some of the best-performing solar photovoltaics available in India. 

    • Efficiency: More efficient than standard panels.
    • Best For: Residential, office, and industrial applications.

  • Biohybrid Solar Panels: Biohybrid solar panels are experimental energy technologies inspired by nature. Scientists are attempting to replicate the electric conversion of photosynthesis to generate electricity. Biohybrid solar panels are not currently available commercially, as they are still in development.

    • Inspired by: the electric conversion of photosynthesis 
    • Status: Currently in research phase

  •  Concentrated PV (CPV) Solar Panels: Concentrated PV panels use lenses or mirrors to focus sunlight onto highly efficient solar cells. This technology allows them to achieve up to 38% efficiency, making them the most powerful panels, though mainly used for industrial or large solar farms.

    • Efficiency: Up to 38%
    • Best for: Industrial and utility-scale projects

Simple Guide to Solar Panel Wattage and Sizes

In India, the solar panel sector uses standard sizes from around the globe, which work for residential or commercial rooftops. Residential panels have around 60 cells or 120 half-cells; they are one meter wide and about 1.6-1.7 meters tall, and generate 250-400 watts of electricity. A 1kW system will require approximately 8-10 square meters of rooftop space.

Commercial and industrial panels are typically a larger size, having 72 cells or 144 half-cells and roughly 1 meter by 2 meters, and generating around 400-600 watts per panel. The larger size allows for fewer panels to be used, easier wiring to be used, and easier mounting when doing a large number of panels.

Solar Panel Size Chart

FeatureResidential solar panelsCommercial solar panels
Overall sizeEach module stands roughly 1.6–1.7 m high and about 1 m wide.Each module measures around 2 m long and a little over 1 m wide.
Cell countA module packs 60 full cells (or 120 split cells) in its frame.A module packs 72 full cells (or 144 split cells) in its frame.
Output per module300–400 watts of electricity.450–600 watts of electricity.
Handling on-siteLight enough for two people to carry and can nestle between roof features such as chimneys or vents.Bigger and heavier, but you need fewer modules to reach high system power, cutting down touchpoints.
Ideal mounting surfaceWorks best on sloped/flat residential roofs.Suited for wide, flat industrial roofs or on-ground racks.

The chart below compares solar panel sizes with their power output, featuring the latest P-type Mono PERC and N-type TOPCon technologies.

TechnologyWattage Range (W)Panel Dimensions (mm)
P-Mono PERC500–5552278 × 1134
P-Mono PERC555–6002456 × 1134
N-Type TOPCon570–5902278 × 1134
N-Type TOPCon590–6302384 × 1134

Solar Panel Installation Process

Solar panels turn sunlight into clean electrical energy and help you reduce reliance on fossil fuels, as well as save on energy costs. Taking advantage of government incentives and improving prices, solar power has never been more affordable. The solar installation process consists of 6 simple steps:

  • Site Survey: Review roof condition and orientation, shading, and energy consumption.

  • System Design: Determine the layout of panels, inverter selection, and wiring location.

  • Permits: Apply for building and electrical permits from the city and utility companies.

  • Installation: Install/attach solar panel, wiring, inverter, and battery. 

  • Testing & Inspection: Testing for safety and systems performance to safety standards.

  • Activation: Final sign-off of the system. Now you can begin monitoring and utilizing clean energy.

Solar Panel Maintenance and Performance Tips

Regular care and simple maintenance help solar panels stay efficient, last longer, and deliver maximum value from your investment.

  • Keep Panels Clean: Dust, dirt, and bird droppings block sunlight and reduce energy output. Clean your panels gently every few months to maintain maximum efficiency.

  • Avoid Shade: Ensure your panels receive full sunlight by trimming nearby trees or removing anything that casts a shadow. Even small patches of shade can lower performance.

  • Monitor Energy Output: Use your solar monitoring app to track daily energy generation. A sudden drop in output could signal a maintenance issue that needs quick attention.

  • Schedule Annual Check-ups: A professional inspection once a year ensures that panels, wiring, and inverters are all working safely and efficiently. It also helps detect hidden issues early.

  • Maintain the Inverter: The inverter converts sunlight into usable power. Keep it clean, dry, and in a well-ventilated area. Regular checks ensure consistent and reliable energy conversion.

Solar Panel Cost, ROI, and Subsidies in India

In India, the cost of a solar panel system generally ranges from ₹45,000 to ₹65,000 per kW. A 5 kW system usually costs between ₹2.5 and ₹3.5 lakh before subsidies. With support from the central government’s PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the price of a 5 kW residential system can be reduced to around ₹1.25 to ₹2 lakh, making solar installations much more affordable for households.

  • Return on Investment (ROI):

    • Residential solar systems offer an annual ROI of 18–25%.
    • Expected payback period is 4 –7 years, depending on electricity usage.
    • After payback, users enjoy 20–25 years of low-cost or free electricity.
    • Maintenance costs remain minimal, averaging ₹2,000– 4,000 per year.

  • Subsidies for Panels:

    • Household (Residential) Subsidy: Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, homeowners can receive financial support that reduces the upfront cost of installing a solar system. Smaller residential systems receive a higher level of support, while larger systems receive slightly lower assistance. This subsidy helps make solar energy more affordable and encourages more households to switch to clean power.
    • Commercial Subsidy: Commercial and industrial solar systems do not receive central government subsidies. However, businesses can still save significantly through benefits such as accelerated depreciation at 40 percent, reduced electricity expenses, and additional incentives provided by certain state governments.

Overall, these provisions form the core of the solar panel subsidy structure, ensuring that different user groups receive benefits suited to their needs. This helps make solar adoption more accessible and financially viable across sectors.

Choosing the Right Solar Panel for Your Place

Regular care and simple maintenance help solar panels stay efficient, last longer, and deliver maximum value from your investment.

  • Check sunlight availability: Observe how much direct sunlight your roof receives. Avoid shaded areas caused by trees or nearby buildings.

  • Assess your load needs: Estimate your daily energy use to decide the right system size and capacity.

  • Evaluate roof space: Small roofs work best with high-efficiency panels like Monocrystalline or Mono-PERC, while larger roofs can use Polycrystalline panels.
  • Plan your budget: Choose panels that balance cost and long-term savings. Premium panels often deliver better efficiency and lifespan.
  • Avoid common mistakes: Don’t ignore efficiency ratings, inverter quality, or certified installation. Oversizing or undersizing systems can reduce performance.
  • Get expert help: A professional site visit ensures the system design matches your location, roof, and power goals accurately.

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Conclusion

Switching to solar energy is a smart step toward long-term savings and sustainability. With the right technology, expert installation, and reliable support, homes and businesses can enjoy clean, efficient, and cost-effective power for years to come. For those ready to begin their solar journey, trusted industry leaders like Alpex Solar can help make the transition smooth and rewarding.

FAQs

For India’s climate, monocrystalline panels like Mono-PERC and N-Type TOPCon offer high efficiency and reliable performance in heat and low light. Bifacial panels are also ideal, generating extra power from reflected sunlight for better ROI.

Solar panels usually last 25 to 30 years and can still generate power beyond that, though with lower efficiency. Their performance declines gradually at about 0.5% to 0.8% per year, operating around 85% capacity after 25 years.

Yes, solar panels can power an entire home or business with a properly sized system that includes panels, an inverter, and batteries. The system size depends on energy use, space, budget, and appliance type.

Solar panels need very little maintenance, mainly cleaning two to four times a year to remove dust and debris. In dusty areas, clean more often. The inverter may need replacement after about 15 to 20 years.

The payback period for a solar system is the time it takes for electricity bill savings to match the installation cost. In India, it usually ranges from 3 to 10 years, depending on sunlight, cost, and usage.

Author : Gaurav Bector

Gaurav Bector, Vice President of the EPC division at Alpex Solar, is an Electrical Engineer with 32+ years of experience in the energy sector. He has led business development in smart energy systems, grid automation, and green solutions with top firms like ABB, Siemens, and Alstom. With global expertise across Europe, South Asia, and the Middle East, Gaurav excels in leadership, operations, sales, engineering, and project management.

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