Why there is no one-size-fits-all price
A rooftop solar system is an engineered installation, not an off-the-shelf product. The final price depends on your roof, your electricity connection, the components you choose and the paperwork involved. A quotation you can trust is always based on a site assessment, not a phone guess.
The 7 factors that decide solar cost
- System size (kW). Bigger systems cost more in total, but usually less per kW. The right size depends on your monthly consumption and the shadow-free roof area available.
- Solar panels. Panel technology, brand, wattage and warranty all change the price. Panels used for subsidy-linked installations must meet the scheme requirements, so always ask which models are being quoted.
- Inverter. The type (single-phase or three-phase), brand and warranty matter, and so does whether it comes with Wi-Fi monitoring.
- Mounting structure. A flat RCC terrace, a sheet-metal roof and an elevated structure each need different material and labour. Galvanised structure quality directly affects how long the plant lasts.
- Cables, earthing and protection. The cable run from the roof to the inverter and meter, the earthing pits, lightning arrestor and surge protection all add to the scope.
- Approvals and net metering. Application, inspection and meter charges, plus the effort of dealing with the electricity utility, are part of a complete quote.
- Subsidy eligibility. For eligible homes, the PM Surya Ghar subsidy reduces the net cost. How much depends on your capacity and the scheme rules at the time, so confirm it before you decide.
How much roof space and what size?
As a rough rule of thumb, each kW of solar needs around 100 sq ft of shadow-free roof, and a good system generates several units per kW on a sunny day. Your exact size depends on how much electricity you use, so we size it from your last few bills rather than guessing.
How to compare two solar quotations fairly
- ·Are the panel make, model and wattage written down, or just "Tier-1 panels"?
- ·Is the inverter brand, capacity and warranty clearly stated?
- ·Is the structure material and thickness specified, and is it suitable for your roof type?
- ·Does the quote include net metering and subsidy paperwork, or are those extra?
- ·What are the warranty terms, and who do you call after installation?
- ·Is there an annual maintenance option?
The cheapest quotation is not always the lowest cost. A thin structure, a weak inverter or missing paperwork can cost you far more over 25 years than the saving on day one.
How to get an accurate quote in Salem
Keep your last two or three electricity bills ready and take a few photos of your terrace or shed. Our engineers will visit, check shading and structure, size the system and give you a written quotation with all components listed. There is no obligation, and we do not quote prices without seeing your requirement.
Talk to a SolarQube engineer
Get a free site assessment and a written quotation. We are a solar company in Salem serving Salem, Erode, Coimbatore and across Tamil Nadu.