Over the years, you can see an exponential increase in the adoption of rooftop solar panels. It is important to note that this ongoing shift has now become a decisive factor when it comes to Kerala’s promising solar strategy. Rising electricity costs are the main reason most households in the state are switching to solar panel installations. The monthly grid-based energy costs are indeed becoming increasingly high. At the same time, the positive aspect is that Kerala’s mostly humid climate favours the increased usage of solar energy and solar panel installation services. Availability of unlimited solar power is a true boon in terms of cost savings on all your utility expenses. This is why urban rooftop demand for solar installation services is rising. 

Is Kerala Suitable for Solar Panel Installation?

Yes, without an iota of doubt, you can say that our state is very much suitable for solar panel installation. The actual feasibility of rooftop solar power in urban regions is generally good because of the favourable climatic conditions and ample availability of sunlight. Also, with the Kerala Government’s incentives and the growing need for sustainability, solar installation is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Now, if you look at the power consumption patterns of residential solar panel installation, they are influenced by the efficiency of solar panels, too. So, with professional solar energy service providers, sunlight availability and perfect climate conditions, our state is ideal for solar panel installations. 

Types of Solar Panel Installation in Kerala

When you look at the different types of solar panel installation, they are:

Grid-tie installation, aka on-grid solar installation 

This type of panel installation for solar power is directly connected to the Kerala Electricity Board. Grid-tie installation is mostly ideal for both businesses and homes that intend to save substantial money, especially with net metering benefits. The benefits include ample support for renewable energy. When you generate and sell excess power back to the grid, you are able to curb the dependency on energy from fossil fuels that creates carbon footprints. You can also earn extra credits for the surplus energy that you generate and reduce your electricity expenses.

Off-grid solar panel installation

With off-grid installations, you don’t have to stay connected to the utility grid and require battery storage for backup power. An off grid solar installation is ideal for remote regions that have no direct grid-access or face frequent power outages.

Hybrid solar installation

Now, with hybrid solar installation systems, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of both on-grid and off-grid systems. You can use the stored energy and the backup power from your grid as you require. Hybrid solar installation systems are mostly suitable for regions with varying power availability.

Step-by-Step Solar Panel Installation Process in Kerala

Given below are the step-by-step installation procedures for both commercial solar installation and residential solar installation work:

  1. Site inspection & load analysis

For conducting site inspection and load analysis, the following are to be done:

  • Proper site assessment

This is for evaluating shading from the nearby structures and the overall orientation of the building to ensure you have ample exposure to sunlight.

  • Roof inspection

This is to check and confirm that there is no damage and the roof is strong enough for installing the solar panels. 

  • Permits & documentation

You need to get the required permits and ensure proper compliance with the local regulations before proceeding with the installation. 

  1. System design & quotation

By getting the right system design and quotation from the best Solar companies in kochi, you will be able to ensure performance, safety, efficiency, compliance and long-term savings.

  1. Government & KSEB approvals

By getting the Government and KSEB approvals, you can rest assured regarding eligibility, project completion, financial assistance and net metering benefits. 

  1. Installation & commissioning 

With proper installation and commissioning procedures, you will be able to get a smooth transition to solar energy. You also don’t have to worry about any technical failures or fear of rising energy expenses in the future. 

  1. Net meter installation

To enjoy all the benefits of net metering for an industrial solar panel installation, it is highly recommended to handover the job to highly experienced service providers. 

Solar Panel Installation Cost in Kerala

The cost of solar panel installation in Kerala primarily depends on several factors, such as solar brand and installation quality. Given below is the breakup of solar panel installation work in Kerala:

  • 1 Kw- Rs 75,000-Rs 85,000
  • 2 Kw- Rs 1,50,000- Rs 1,70,000
  • 3 Kw- Rs 1,89,000-Rs 2,15,000
  • 5 Kw -Rs 3,15,000-Rs 3,57,000
  • 10 Kw-Rs5,31,000-Rs 6,07,000

Residential solar panel installation usually ranges from Rs 36,000 to Rs 44,000. The factors that influence the costs are panel type, system size and installation complexity. Commercial solar panel installation generally ranges from Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,000 per Kw. The factors that influence commercial solar panel installation are Government subsidies, types of solar panels installed and the complexity of installation. 

Net Metering & Solar Subsidy in Kerala

Net metering is simply a billing system that credits renewable energy or solar energy from the consumers for the excess energy that is returned to the grid and offsets the cost. Net metering in Kerala permits you to generate your own electricity, use it, and send back the excess energy to the grid. However, this process has a lot of procedures, such as getting registered on the KSEB solar portal, uploading the important documents, and getting the system inspected and approved. The process for getting approval from KSEB involves site survey, system design, installation, subsidy application and subsidy disbursement.

Residential vs Commercial Solar Panel Installation

Given below are the different types of solar panels:
Solar Panels for Homes & Villas

  • Typical system sizes

The various system sizes are 60-cell panels, 72-cell panels and high-efficiency panels. 

  • Monthly savings

The monthly savings you can make by using solar panels for homes and villas can vary based on your energy consumption and system size. Given below are a few important estimates:

  1. With a 3 Kw system, you can approximately save up to Rs 2,500 to Rs 4, 000 every month.
  2. With a 5 Kw system, you can approximately save up to Rs 4,500 to Rs 6,500 every month.

Solar Panels for Offices, Factories & Shops

The yearly ROI for solar panel installations can range from 10% to 35%. However, this depends on location and specific use case. Also, keep in mind that most solar projects will have a payback period of 3 to 5 years. The higher capacity of the solar panel installation services can provide you with numerous benefits such as cost savings, energy independence, brand value and sustainability goals. 

How To Choose the Right Solar Installer in Kerala

The advantages of switching to solar power are enormous, as are the benefits of choosing the right solar installer in Kerala. Always look for a reliable service provider such as Alternative Energy Corporation (Aeco Solar) when you want reliability, good quality of the components and excellent after-sales support. 

FAQS

Solar panel installation cost in Kerala depends on system size, subsidies, and whether it’s residential or commercial.
At Aeco Solar, prices start from ₹45,000 after applicable subsidies, making solar an affordable and long-term solution for homes and businesses in Kerala.

Yes, absolutely. Solar is highly profitable in Kerala’s climate due to abundant sunlight throughout the year. Even with monsoons, modern solar panels generate enough power to significantly reduce electricity bills and deliver strong long-term savings for both residential and commercial users.

The complete panel installation procedure generally takes about 2 to 6 months. However, the actual installation process can be completed in 1 to 3 days. 

Regular maintenance is central when you want to ensure the efficiency and longevity of your solar panel installations.

Yes, apartments can install solar panels through rooftops, balconies or through direct installation or by taking part in community solar power projects. 

Author

  • Reviewed by Peter Thettayil
    Peter Thettayil is the Executive Director of Alternative Energy Corporation (Aeco Solar) and a seasoned renewable energy professional with over 19 years of experience in the solar industry.