# 3kW vs 5kW Solar System: Cost, Savings, Subsidy

> Compare a 3 kW and 5 kW rooftop solar system in Indore — generation, price, PM Surya Ghar subsidy, savings, payback, roof space and who each suits.

Canonical: https://geniussolarservices.com/learn/3kw-vs-5kw-solar-system

A 3 kW system suits Indore homes using about 250–400 units a month; a 5 kW system suits homes using about 520–700 units. 3 kW generates around 4,377 units a year and receives the maximum ₹78,000 PM Surya Ghar subsidy. 5 kW generates around 7,295 units a year but gets the same ₹78,000, so the extra 2 kW is paid in full. Both typically pay back in about 3–5 years when sized to consumption.

- **3 kW generation:** 4,377 units/yr
- **5 kW generation:** 7,295 units/yr
- **Subsidy (both):** ₹78,000
- **Roof:** 270 vs 450 sq ft


## Comparison table

| | 3 kW | 5 kW |
|---|---|---|
| Suits monthly use of | 250–400 units | 520–700 units |
| Annual generation | ~4,377 units | ~7,295 units |
| Daily average | ~12 units | ~20 units |
| Panels (545 W) | 6 | 10 |
| Roof area | ~270 sq ft | ~450 sq ft |
| Typical price before subsidy | ₹1.74 lakh – ₹2.04 lakh | ₹2.9 lakh – ₹3.4 lakh |
| PM Surya Ghar subsidy | ₹78,000 | ₹78,000 |
| Estimated monthly savings | ~₹2,736 | ~₹4,559 |
| Payback (if fully used) | ~3.3 years | ~4.2 years |
| Subsidised loan (≤3 kW) | Eligible | Standard solar loan |

Prices are indicative for DCR modules and a standard structure; elevated structures cost more.

## Choose 3 kW if…

- Your average bill is roughly ₹2,000–₹3,500 a month.
- Roof space is limited.
- You want the collateral-free, low-interest PM Surya Ghar loan (up to 3 kW).

## Choose 5 kW if…

- You run two or three ACs through summer.
- You plan to add an EV or a home office soon.
- You have 450+ sq ft of shadow-free roof and a suitable sanctioned load.

## The mistake to avoid

Buying 5 kW for a home that only uses 300 units. Under net metering, the surplus beyond your consumption earns far less than the units you replace, so the extra 2 kW barely pays back. Size to your real consumption — our [calculator](/solar-calculator) does this from your bill.


Updated: 2026-09-29

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**Genius Solar Services** · G-1, Swarna Palace, Plot No. 1108, Scheme No. 114, Part 1, Vijay Nagar, Near MP Gramin Bank, Indore, Madhya Pradesh 452010 · Phone +91 98267 12299, +91 78288 12299, 0731 400 4499 · geniussolarservices@gmail.com · Mon – Sat · 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Source: https://geniussolarservices.com