Commercial vs Residential Solar
Compare system sizes, costs, subsidies, and ROI to choose the right solar solution for your property.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Residential | Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| Typical System Size | 3 - 10 kW | 50 kW - 100 MW |
| Cost per Watt | ₹60 - ₹80 | ₹48 - ₹55 |
| Central Subsidy | Up to ₹78,000 | None |
| Tax Depreciation | Limited | 40% in Year 1 |
| Payback Period | 3 - 5 years | 2.5 - 4 years |
| Net Metering | Individual | Individual + Group |
| Installation Time | 1 - 3 days | 2 weeks - 6 months |
| Annual Maintenance | 1 - 2% of cost | 0.5 - 1% of cost |
| Warranty | 25 years | 25 - 30 years |
| Monitoring | App-based | SCADA + App |
Residential Solar
- Save up to 70% on electricity bills
- Get up to ₹78,000 government subsidy
- 3-5 year payback with net metering
- 25-year warranty for peace of mind
Commercial Solar
- Reduce operational costs by 40-60%
- 40% accelerated depreciation benefit
- 2.5-4 year payback at scale
- ESG compliance and green credentials
Common Questions
Q Which is more cost-effective: commercial or residential solar?
Commercial solar is generally more cost-effective per watt due to economies of scale. However, residential systems benefit from up to ₹78,000 government subsidy, making them very attractive for homeowners.
Q Can a business claim solar subsidies in India?
Direct capital subsidies are primarily for residential consumers under PM Surya Ghar. Businesses can claim 40% accelerated depreciation in the first year and various tax benefits.
Q What is the minimum system size for commercial solar?
Commercial solar systems typically start at 50 kW for small businesses and can scale up to 100 MW for large industrial facilities.
Still Not Sure?
Talk to our solar experts for a personalized assessment. We will recommend the best solution based on your property, budget, and energy needs.