Installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system is the best way for Indian households to utilize clean, renewable solar energy and reduce high electricity bills. A 1 kilowatt (1 kW) solar system has become very popular for domestic use as it can effectively meet the basic electricity needs of a small family at an affordable price.
As per industry estimates, the current price range for a 1kW solar system in India is between Rs. 65,000 to Rs. 1,05,000. The final cost varies primarily based on whether you opt for an on-grid, off-grid, or hybrid solar system.
What Does a 1kW Solar System Include?
A complete 1kW solar system kit consists of the following components:
- 2-4 solar PV panels of 250-550W each to harness sunlight and produce DC electricity
- A 1kW solar inverter to convert DC output from panels to AC current
- Sturdy mounting structures to securely fix panels on the roof
- Electrical cables and connectors
- For off-grid/hybrid systems, 2 batteries for energy storage
Higher-wattage solar panels above 250W help reduce the total number of panels required.
Solar Panel Output Needed for 1kW System
To size your 1 kW solar system correctly, you need to determine the total solar panel wattage (or capacity) required. The thumb rule is that at least 1 kW or 1000 W total panel capacity is needed for a 1 kW solar system.
However, it’s recommended to add 20–25% extra panel capacity to account for efficiency losses, ensuring sufficient power output even on cloudy days or in very hot weather when panel performance may dip slightly.
So for a 1 kW solar system, installing solar panels with a total capacity of 1.2 kW to 1.25 kW is ideal. This is easily achieved with 3 panels of 250W each or 4 panels of 300W each.
How much rooftop area is needed?
To install a 1 kW solar panel system, you need approximately . 70 to 100 square feet of free south-facing roof space without any shadows. The exact area requirement may vary depending on:
- Efficiency of the solar panels: lower efficiency means more area needed
- Tilt angle and orientation of panels
Always remember to account for future shading by trees/buildings while selecting the installation site.
Average Solar Power Generation
Once your 1kW solar system is professionally installed, you can expect an average daily generation of 4-5 kWh units, depending on location, climate conditions, and orientation.
Southern states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana receive abundant sunlight, so they achieve higher solar output.
With ideal conditions, annual generation can reach 1500–1600 kWh from a 1 kW solar system.
What appliances can a 1 kW solar system run?
To determine this, you need to calculate the total connected load in watts that your solar system will need to handle. A 1 kW solar system has a rated capacity of 1000 watts.
As a rule of thumb, it’s recommended to stay within the 80% rated capacity to prevent overloading and allow a safety buffer.
So for a 1 kW solar system, the maximum connected load should be limited to 800 watts. This allows running appliances like:
- LED lights, ceiling fans (50–100 watts each)
- TV, laptop (100–200 watts)
- Refrigerator (100–250 watts)
- Water pump (500–800 watts)
High-power consumption appliances like ACs (1500+ watts) cannot be directly run on a typical 1 kW domestic solar system.
Types of 1kW Solar Systems
There are 3 interconnection configurations for a 1 kW residential solar system:
1. On-Grid Solar
An on-grid or grid-tied solar system is designed to work in tandem with the electricity grid supply. It uses the grid as a virtual battery to export excess solar power and draw power when needed. This is the most popular and affordable 1 kW solar option.
2. Off-Grid Solar
An off-grid solar system with battery backup works independently without any connection to the grid. Batteries store excess solar energy for use at night or on cloudy days. Suitable for remote areas.
3. Hybrid Solar
A hybrid solar system combines the best of both on-grid and off-grid systems. You can either use grid power or solar batteries, depending on demand and supply. Provides 24×7 power access.
In summary, a 1 kW solar system in India costs between Rs. 65,000 and Rs. 1,05,000 and can effectively meet the basic electricity needs of Indian households while reducing expenditure on expensive grid power.
Careful sizing of the solar system components is vital to maximizing returns on your investment over the system’s 25+ year lifetime.
Solar Exporters is a leading manufacturer of solar panels in China with over 12 years of expertise. They supply high quality solar panels customized for your system requirements at affordable prices.
You can request a quote for solar panels from their team of experts for your home/office solar project.