Choose the Best – A Complete Guide to Home Solar Systems in India

Learn, Compare, and Decide with Confidence

Installing a home solar system is a 25-year decision, not a short-term purchase.
Yet many homeowners are pushed into choices without fully understanding technology, costs, brands, regulations, or long-term impact.

The purpose of this page is simple:

To help you choose the best residential solar system by understanding every important angle — technically, financially, and legally.

At www.newsolarpanel.com, operated by AOS, we act as an independent intermediary and educator, not a seller. This guide is written to empower you with clear, unbiased knowledge, so you can make the right decision for your home.

1. Understanding Residential Solar Systems – The Basics

A residential solar system converts sunlight into electricity using solar panels, manages power using an inverter, and safely distributes electricity to your home and the grid.

Every home solar system has four core parts:

  1. Solar Panels

  2. Solar Inverter

  3. Electrical & Safety Components

  4. Mounting Structure

Choosing the “best” system depends on how these parts are selected, sized, and installed, not just the brand name.

2. Types of Solar Systems for Residential Homes

Not all solar systems are the same. Choosing the wrong type can result in poor savings or dissatisfaction.

2.1 On-Grid Solar System (Grid-Connected)

Most popular choice for Indian homes

How It Works

  • Solar panels generate electricity

  • Power is used directly in your home

  • Excess power is exported to EB grid

  • Net meter records import/export

Advantages

✔ Eligible for government subsidy
✔ Lowest cost per kW
✔ No batteries required
✔ High efficiency & low maintenance

Limitations

✘ Does not work during power cuts

Best Suited For

  • Homes with reliable EB supply

  • Urban and semi-urban locations

  • Customers aiming for maximum savings

2.2 Off-Grid Solar System

How It Works

  • Solar panels charge batteries

  • Inverter supplies power from batteries

  • No EB dependency

Advantages

✔ Works during power cuts
✔ Complete energy independence

Limitations

✘ Higher cost
✘ Battery replacement required
✘ No subsidy

Best Suited For

  • Rural homes

  • Farmhouses

  • Remote areas

2.3 Hybrid Solar System

How It Works

  • Combines on-grid + battery backup

  • Stores power and exports excess

Advantages

✔ Backup during power cuts
✔ Net metering benefit

Limitations

✘ Higher cost than on-grid
✘ Complex system design

Best Suited For

  • Homes needing uninterrupted power

  • Premium residential users

3. Understanding Solar Panel Technology

3.1 Types of Solar Panels Used in Homes

Monocrystalline Panels

  • Higher efficiency

  • Better performance in low light

  • Requires less roof area

Polycrystalline Panels

  • Lower cost

  • Slightly lower efficiency

  • Larger roof area required

👉 Today, most residential systems use monocrystalline panels due to better long-term performance.

3.2 Panel Technologies Explained

  • PERC

  • TOPCon

  • Half-cut cells

  • Multi-busbar technology

These technologies improve: ✔ Efficiency
✔ Heat tolerance
✔ Long-term generation

4. Difference Between Solar Panel Brands in India

Choosing a brand is not about logo — it is about consistency, warranty, and service network.

Top Residential Solar Panel Brands in India

  • Adani Solar – Premium, high efficiency, strong Indian manufacturing

  • Waaree Solar – Trusted, MNRE approved, good residential performance

  • UTL Solar – Reliable for home-scale systems

  • Other MNRE-approved Tier-1 brands

👉 AOS helps compare brands without bias, based on:

  • Efficiency

  • Warranty

  • Price per watt

  • Service support

5. DCR vs Non-DCR Solar Panels

What is DCR?

DCR (Domestic Content Requirement) panels are manufactured using Indian-made cells and modules.

DCR Panels

✔ Mandatory for subsidy projects
✔ Higher cost
✔ Limited brand options

Non-DCR Panels

✔ Lower cost
✔ Higher efficiency options
✔ Wider brand availability

👉 Important:

  • Subsidy requires DCR panels

  • Non-DCR panels are allowed for non-subsidy projects

AOS helps customers choose based on subsidy eligibility and ROI, not just price.

6. Understanding Solar Inverters – The Brain of the System

6.1 Types of Inverters

String Inverters

  • Most common for homes

  • Cost-effective

  • Suitable for shadow-free roofs

Hybrid Inverters

  • Supports batteries

  • Backup power

  • Higher cost

Micro Inverters

  • Installed per panel

  • High efficiency

  • Higher cost (rare in India)

6.2 How a Solar Inverter Works

  • Converts DC to AC

  • Synchronizes with grid

  • Manages safety shutdowns

  • Tracks power generation

Choosing the wrong inverter can cause: ❌ Lower generation
❌ Frequent tripping
❌ Safety risks

7. kW vs Solar Panel Capacity vs Inverter Capacity

This is one of the most misunderstood topics.

Solar System Size (kW)

This refers to total panel capacity.

Example:
10 panels × 550 W = 5.5 kW system

Inverter Capacity

Usually:

  • Equal to or slightly lower than panel capacity

Example:

  • 5.5 kW panels → 5 kW inverter

👉 Oversizing panels is common and safe within limits.

AOS ensures: ✔ Correct DC-AC ratio
✔ EB-approved configuration

8. Cost-Wise Analysis of Home Solar Systems

Approximate Cost in India (Without Subsidy)

System Size Approx Cost
1 kW ₹50,000 – ₹75,000
3 kW ₹1.5 – ₹2.2 Lakhs
5 kW ₹2.5 – ₹3.5 Lakhs
10 kW ₹5 – ₹6 Lakhs

Costs vary based on:

  • Panel brand

  • Inverter type

  • Roof structure

  • Location

9. Government Subsidy – What You Must Know

MNRE Rooftop Solar Programme

Capacity Subsidy
Up to 3 kW Up to 40%
3–10 kW 20% (additional)

✔ Only for residential on-grid systems
✔ Requires DCR panels
✔ Net metering mandatory

AOS provides guidance only; approval is by authorities.

10. Solar Loan & Bank Process Explained

How Solar Loans Work

  1. System cost estimation

  2. Loan application

  3. Credit evaluation

  4. Sanction & disbursement

Typical Loan Features

  • 1–10 kW systems

  • EMI ≈ electricity savings

  • Tenure: 3–7 years

Loan approval depends entirely on banks.

11. Installation Quality – The Hidden Difference

A good system can fail due to poor installation.

Quality Installation Includes

✔ Proper structure alignment
✔ Correct cable sizing
✔ Earthing & lightning protection
✔ DCDB & ACDB installation
✔ Safety labeling

AOS connects only with verified installers, but does not execute work.

12. Installation Process – Step by Step

  1. Site survey

  2. Design & layout

  3. Material selection

  4. Structure installation

  5. Panel mounting

  6. Electrical connection

  7. Testing & commissioning

  8. Net meter coordination

13. Best Solar Brands in India – Not Just Panels

Solar quality depends on the entire ecosystem:

  • Panels

  • Inverters

  • Installer skill

  • After-sales service

There is no single “best” brand for everyone.
There is only the right combination for your home.

14. Common Mistakes Homeowners Make

❌ Choosing cheapest quote
❌ Ignoring roof shadow
❌ Wrong inverter sizing
❌ Fake subsidy promises
❌ Unapproved installers

This page exists to help you avoid these mistakes.

15. Why “Choose the Best” Matters

Solar is not an expense.
It is a long-term energy asset.

Choosing correctly means: ✔ Higher savings
✔ Fewer problems
✔ Longer system life
✔ Peace of mind

16. AOS Disclaimer & Role Clarity

AOS acts only as an intermediary and advisory platform.

  • We do not sell equipment

  • We do not guarantee subsidy or loans

  • Final decisions rest with customers and third parties

Our responsibility is honest guidance.

Final Thought – Choose Knowledge Before You Choose Solar

Before you choose a brand…
Before you choose a price…
Before you choose an installer…

👉 Choose understanding.

That is what New Solar Panel – Choose the Best stands for.

New Solar Panel

An AOS Initiative – Independent Solar Guidance for Indian Homes