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A 3kW solar system saves over ₹13.78 lakh compared to an inverter+battery setup over 25 years. Zero running cost, 25-year lifespan, and government subsidy of up to ₹1,08,000.
Yes, for long-term savings. A 3kW solar system costs ₹72,000 after PM Surya Ghar subsidy with ₹0/month running cost. An inverter+2 batteries costs ₹25,000 upfront but ₹3,000–5,000/month to charge from the grid. By month 12–18, solar becomes cheaper. Over 5 years, solar saves ₹1,73,000. Over 25 years, solar saves ₹13,78,000+. Solar also lasts 25+ years vs 3–5 years for batteries, requires no fuel, and qualifies for government subsidy.
Source: BL Solar Solutions cost analysis | Last updated: March 2026
Break-even
12–18 months
Solar pays for itself
5-Year Savings
₹1,73,000
Solar vs inverter+battery
Subsidy
Up to ₹1,08,000
PM Surya Ghar + UPNEDA
Lifespan
25+ years
Solar panels warrantied
| Feature | Solar System | Inverter + Battery |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | ₹72,000 (3kW after subsidy) | ₹25,000 (inverter + 2 batteries) |
| Monthly Running Cost | ₹0 (free sunlight) | ₹3,000–5,000 (grid electricity to charge) |
| Monthly Electricity Bill | ₹0–200 (net metering) | ₹3,000–5,000 (unchanged or higher) |
| Government Subsidy | Up to ₹1,08,000 (PM Surya Ghar) | No subsidy available |
| Net Metering / Export | Yes — sell excess to grid | No — just stores grid electricity |
| Battery Replacement | Not needed (on-grid) | Every 3–5 years (₹15,000–25,000) |
| Lifespan | 25+ years | 3–5 years (batteries), 7–10 years (inverter) |
| Power During Outages | No (on-grid) / Yes (hybrid) | Yes — primary purpose |
| Environmental Impact | Clean energy — zero emissions | Uses grid electricity (coal-based) |
| Installation Time | 2–3 days | 2–4 hours |
Total cost of ownership including purchase, running cost, and battery replacements
Solar (Total Cost)
₹72,000
₹6,000/month avg.
Inverter+Battery (Total Cost)
₹85,000
₹7,083/month avg.
₹13,000 saved with solar
Solar (Total Cost)
₹82,000
₹1,367/month avg.
Inverter+Battery (Total Cost)
₹2,55,000
₹4,250/month avg.
₹1,73,000 saved with solar
Solar (Total Cost)
₹92,000
₹767/month avg.
Inverter+Battery (Total Cost)
₹5,50,000
₹4,583/month avg.
₹4,58,000 saved with solar
Solar (Total Cost)
₹1,22,000
₹407/month avg.
Inverter+Battery (Total Cost)
₹15,00,000+
₹5,000+/month avg.
₹13,78,000+ saved with solar
* Solar cost includes system purchase (after subsidy) + 25 years minimal maintenance. Inverter+battery cost includes purchase + grid electricity to charge (₹3,000–5,000/month) + battery replacements every 3–5 years + inverter replacement every 7–10 years.
You do not need to throw away your existing inverter. There are multiple ways to upgrade to solar.
Replace your regular inverter with a solar hybrid inverter. Uses your existing batteries + new solar panels. Charges batteries from sunlight instead of the grid.
If your inverter is compatible, add solar panels + a solar charge controller. Low-cost upgrade that eliminates grid charging costs and adds solar benefits.
Install a complete on-grid solar system with net metering. Keep your inverter as backup for outages. Save ₹3,000–5,000/month from day one.
Common questions about choosing between a solar system and an inverter with battery
Yes, for long-term savings. A 3kW solar system costs ₹72,000 after subsidy with ₹0/month running cost. An inverter+2 batteries costs ₹25,000 upfront but ₹3,000–5,000/month to charge from the grid. By month 12–18, solar becomes cheaper. Over 5 years, solar saves ₹1,73,000.
A hybrid solar system (with battery) can completely replace a home inverter — it provides both daytime power and battery backup during outages. An on-grid solar system without battery provides power only when the grid is available, so you may still want a small inverter for outages.
The break-even point is approximately 12–18 months. Solar: ₹72,000 one-time cost. Inverter+battery: ₹25,000 + ₹3,000–5,000/month running = ₹61,000–85,000 in year 1. By month 18, cumulative inverter costs exceed solar costs, and the gap widens every month after.
Main reasons: (1) Lower upfront cost (₹25,000 vs ₹72,000), (2) Renters cannot install rooftop solar, (3) Insufficient roof space, (4) Lack of awareness about solar subsidies. However, for homeowners with roof access, solar is always the better long-term investment.
A typical 150Ah battery stores about 1.5 kWh. Charging 2 batteries daily from the grid at UP residential rate (₹7/unit) costs approximately ₹20/day or ₹600/month. Adding the electricity consumed during the charging process (15–20% losses), actual cost is ₹700–750/month per battery pair.
Yes! You can add solar panels and a solar charge controller to your existing inverter (if compatible), or upgrade to a solar hybrid inverter. This eliminates the grid charging cost and adds net metering benefits. Many customers save ₹3,000–5,000/month immediately after adding solar.
Our solar experts are here to help you make an informed decision
Stop paying ₹3,000–5,000/month to charge your inverter. Start generating free electricity. UPNEDA registered vendor serving 12 districts in UP.