Solar Panel Installation Price in Kerala- 2023

Solar Energy has now become synonymous with renewable energy. In the foreseeable future, solar energy is poised to replace conventional energy sources. Hence, installing solar panel systems for your home and office would be a pragmatic choice. Worry not. Installing a solar panel system won’t cost you a fortune. Moreover, it is an asset that nullifies your electricity bill.

The main part of a solar panel system is a solar panel that converts solar energy into electrical energy.   Depending on the type of panels, the solar panel installation price varies. In solar panel installation, we use both domestic and foreign-manufactured solar panels. Both enjoy popular acceptance. Nevertheless, when it comes to subsidies, the Kerala government provides a subsidy for Indian-made brands only.  

 The requirement and potential of the state in solar panel installment play a key role in determining the price of solar power installation. There are four basic parts to a solar energy system that together determine the efficiency. It includes a Solar Panel, Solar Inverter, Solar Battery, Charge Controllers, and Panel Stand. Further, the cost of installing solar panels varies depending on the type and quality of the panels. Before delving deep into the panels and prices, let us understand the basic components of a solar energy system

The main components of a solar energy system

 As we know, solar panels alone will not harness solar energy and electrify our appliances. Other components make the installation complete. Let’s sum up the important ones. 

• Solar Panels– A solar panel is made up of several solar cells connected in parallel and series to convert solar energy into electrical energy.
• Inverter-The DC to AC conversion is made possible through inverters. Thus it powers your electrical appliances.
• Batteries– Batteries store backup charges.
• Charge controllers– It  manages the voltage and current flowing from solar panels attached to batteries
• Panel stand– Made strong with an iron framework built of mild steel.

However, the solar panel installation cost varies according to the type and quality of the panels. So let’s analyze the solar installation cost in Kerala based on various panels.

Monocrystalline Solar Panels –Features and Price

Monocrystalline solar panels use single silicon crystalline cells made of silicon. The octagonal shape of the silicon wafers gives them a unique appearance. Silicon gives them black or dark blue color. Thus due to their uniform black appearance and spherical shape, you can quickly identify them. Let’s get more familiar with it through its distinct features.

• They usually possess high efficiency and take up the least amount of space. They also have the longest lifespan. Consequently, they are the most expensive solar panels.
• They are less susceptible to high temperatures. Due to this heat resistance, they produce electricity more efficiently and with less heat-related capacity loss.
• Due to their higher conversion efficiency, monocrystalline solar panels generate more kW/hour of power. Thus, they have a high efficiency of approximately 20%.
• As single-crystal silicon cells require a sophisticated manufacturing process. Therefore, monocrystalline panels are more expensive than conventional panels. They typically cost between Rs.43 and Rs.63 per watt. Thus, for a grid-connected solar system, it costs between Rs. 2,25, 000 and Rs.3,00,000 to outfit a 3kW solar panel. When it comes to a standalone solar system, the cost ranges between Rs.2, 50,000 to 3,50,000.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels – Features and Price

 There are many silicon cells involved in polycrystalline solar panels. The square cell shape with sparkling blue color and straight edges make them easily identifiable. Let us understand its primary features.

• Due to numerous silicon cells, electrons have less space to move. As a result of this restricted movement of electrons, Polycrystalline panels are less efficient than their monocrystalline counterparts. Its efficiency is 13–16% lower than the monocrystalline Solar Panels
• Due to the simpler production process and lower silicon waste overall, these panels are cheaper than monocrystalline solar panels.
• Despite being less effective, most people still favor this type because it is far less expensive than monocrystalline solar panels. It costs Rs.30 to Rs.36 per watt. So, it would be more cost-effective to outfit a 5kW solar panel system, which would cost between Rs.2,90,000 and Rs. 3,00,000. 

Thin-film Solar Panels -Features and Price

Thin-film solar panels, as opposed to monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels, are produced utilizing photovoltaic materials. It makes the installation easier. Its appearance depends upon the variants used. Let’s examine its attributes.

• In comparison to monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar cell types, thin-film solar panels are less efficient and have lower power capabilities.
• These kinds of panels work best on expansive rooftops or in locations with lots of open space. they are less impacted by high temperatures and only slightly decrease in performance when it gets too hot.
• The most affordable variety of solar panels is one with thin-film PV cells. This is because they are considerably simpler to build and use less raw materials and waste to produce. Thus, the cost of thin-film solar cells is lower than that of conventional crystalline silicon solar cells. Hence, they are the most affordable and accessible solar panels in today’s market.
• Costs for a typical 1 kW rooftop installation range from Rs60,000 to Rs 80,000.

Concentrated photovoltaic solar panels – Features and Price

Concentrated photovoltaic solar panels employ specialized lenses to focus the sun’s rays on the panels for great efficiency. Similar to traditional photovoltaic technology, concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) systems transform light energy into electrical energy. Having said that, in concentrated photovoltaic solar panels, a huge area of sunlight is focused on each cell. This feature distinguishes it from traditional photovoltaic solar panels.  

There are many competitive advantages resulting from this technology’s ability to concentrate sunlight on a tiny region. Let’s find out about them.

• With a 41% efficiency, these panels are the most effective kind of solar panels.
• Although this installation method is pricey, it is incredibly eco-friendly. The technology is still not as well-known in India as it is in other countries because it is so new.
• The average market price for concentrated solar power is Rs.27,000 per kilowatt.

Bifacial Solar Panels – Features and Price

Bifacial solar panels are the most advanced version in the group. Although solar panels normally get their energy from the side facing the sun, solar panels can also use the tiny amount of light that bounces back off the ground. The Bifacial solar panel is the best example. Its significant characters are given below.

• It increases overall electricity generation by producing power from both sides. It can produce up to 25% more electricity than other conventional solar panels.
• Solar panel installation using bifacial technology produces more electricity with a small installation space.    
• The starting price for a bifacial solar panel in India is Rs.21, 750. And, they typically cost between Rs.37 and Rs.52 per watt. Thus within the range of Rs.2, 00, 000 and Rs.2, 10,000, you can outfit a 3kW Bifacial solar panel system.

Let’s compare

 A glance at solar panel installation prices in Kerala  

 Solar panels typically cost around Rs.7 per watt to install. Below is a summary of how much it will cost to install solar panels based on their size.

The bottom line.

The average installation cost in Kerala stands between Rs.60,000 to Rs.62,000. Also, it may vary depending on the grade and quality of the solar installation components employed. However, the government of Kerala offers a 40% subsidy for solar panels up to 3kW. Consequently, solar panel installation in Kerala now will allow you to stop worrying about your electricity bills. Lastly, It is worth mentioning that proper installation of solar panels is crucial in increasing the life span and efficiency. Hence, we have to ensure the installation’s quality, the items’ durability, and the warranties offered.