How Many Solar Panels Do You Need for a 3 kW Solar Panel System in India?
Sep 11
3 min read
With electricity bills rising across India, more and more homeowners are turning to solar panel systems on rooftops as a reliable and cost-effective solution. One of the most popular choices for households is the 3 kW solar panel system, big enough to cover the power needs of a small to medium family, yet affordable with government subsidies.
But before you invest, a common question arises: “How many solar panels do I need for a 3 kW system?” The answer depends on factors like panel wattage, roof space, and your daily power consumption.
We’ll break down everything you need to know about a 3 kW solar panel system for a home, including how much power it generates, the number of panels required, cost, and subsidy benefits in India.
How Much Power Does a 3 kW System generate in India?
A 3 kW rooftop solar panel system is one of the most popular choices for households in India. Here’s what you can expect in terms of power generation:
Daily Generation - Produces around 12–15 units (kWh) of electricity per day.
Monthly Generation - Totals to about 350-450 units per month (≈ 375 kWh on average).
Yearly Generation - Delivers 4,000–5,500 units annually under normal conditions.
At ₹8 per unit, that translates to approximately ₹36,000-₹43,000 in annual savings.
Despite this estimation, actual energy generation figures may differ significantly across different regions due to variations in weather, solar panel type and efficiency, and the angle at which the solar panels are installed.
Roof Space & Layout Planning for 3 kW Solar Panels
Planning roof space for a 3 kW rooftop solar panel is essential for efficient performance. Here’s what to keep in mind:
How Many Panels Do You Need?
With new high-efficiency panels (545W bifacial, mono-PERC), you need only 6 panels.
With older technology panels, you may need 7–10 panels.
Roof Space Requirement
A 3 kW system generally requires 300–400 sq. ft. of shadow-free roof space.
A typical solar panel is around 2.2m x 1.1m (~2.42 m²).
Example: 10 panels × 2.42 m² = ~24.2 m² panel area + extra spacing for cleaning and maintenance.
Key Layout Planning Considerations
Orientation: South-facing roofs (in India) capture the most sunlight.
Shading: Avoid trees, chimneys, water tanks, or nearby buildings that cast shadows.
Panel Placement: Keep spacing between rows for airflow and maintenance.
Roof Structure: Panels must be distributed evenly to maintain structural safety.
Regulations: Layout must comply with local building codes and rooftop solar norms.
Professional Assessment is Essential
Site Survey: Experts assess usable roof space and structural soundness.
Shadow Analysis: Tech-based studies ensure minimal shading year-round.
Custom Design: A solar provider tailors panel placement to maximize generation.
In short, a 3 kW rooftop solar panel system typically needs 6 solar panels and around 300-400 sq. ft. of clear roof space, with proper planning ensuring maximum efficiency and long-term performance.
Cost Estimation & Subsidy Benefits for a 3 kW System in Gujarat
Switching to solar in Gujarat has become more affordable thanks to the MNRE Rooftop Solar Programme Phase 2 and the National Portal for Rooftop Solar, which makes subsidy applications simple and transparent.
Cost of a 3 kW Rooftop Solar System in Gujarat
Estimated Price (before subsidy): ₹1,45,000
Subsidy Available: ₹78,000 (fixed for systems of 3 kW and above)
Final Cost After Subsidy: ₹67,000
Other System Sizes (for context)
1 kW: ₹75,000-85,000 → ₹45,000-55,000 after subsidy
2 kW: ₹1,50,000-1,70,000 → ₹90,000-1,10,000 after subsidy
5 kW: ₹3,15,000-3,57,000 → ₹2,37,000-2,79,000 after subsidy
Key Points About the Subsidy
Applies only to grid-connected residential rooftop solar systems (not industrial/commercial).
Fixed subsidy: ₹78,000 for any 3kw solar panel system and above.
Subsidy is credited after successful inspection, commissioning, and integration with net metering by the local DISCOM.
RWAs and housing societies can also avail subsidies for common facilities up to 500 kWp (₹18,000 per 10 kWp).
With subsidies in place, the cost of rooftop solar panels in Gujarat becomes significantly lower, giving households an affordable way to save ₹3,000-₹6,000 per month on electricity bills. The investment pays back in just 4–5 years, while the system continues to generate free electricity for 20–25 years.
JJ PV Solar – Powering Gujarat’s Solar Future
With over 15+ years of expertise and more than 20,000 successful installations, JJ PV Solar has been at the forefront of India’s solar journey. From residential solar rooftops to industrial solar plants, we provide end-to-end solutions - from site survey and design to hassle-free installation and maintenance. Our systems are built to deliver maximum savings, reliable performance, and long-term ROI, all while supporting a cleaner and greener India.
If you’re planning a 3 kW rooftop solar panel installation in Gujarat, JJ PV Solar is the trusted partner to help you switch to solar with confidence.
