Is India Ready For Online Rooftop Solar Deals?

As Amazon (and Flipkart with its own Big Billion days sale), one of the top two e-commerce sellers in India prepare for yet another Prime day sale this July, readers might be surprised with some of the solar deals on offer. On Amazon, you can currently get solar modules from reputed brands like Waaree, Adani, Microtek, Luminous and others at costs that look truly attractive. Other smaller players have also ventured into the game of online sales, directly to the consumers.

For instance, a pack of 2 Mono Perc 540 W modules from Waaree can be had for just Rs 23,199, or more simply, 1 Kw solar at that price. Keep in mind that module costs are usually about 50% of the total project cost on rooftop solar, and you are looking at a price well within Rs 50,000 possibly for a one Kw set up. And this is today, perhaps the actual prime day sale might bring better solar deals.

There are similar options from Adani Solar as well. Moving on to a higher grade of modules, Waaree’s 540 W Bi facial solar panels in a pack of 10 can be had for around 115,000. That is solar modules for a 5.4 KW system. For perspective, you will be lucky to get a quote under Rs 350,000 for a similarly sized system from most installers in India.

So should you rush to book your panels online?

Not so fast. Setting up solar rooftop systems in India take a while, thanks to the nature of the work, and the involvement of local discoms. If you want the benefit of government subsidies under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, you should be even more careful, as your vendor might not be willing to work for you if you buy the modules yourself. So, make sure to keep your selected vendor in the loop if you are going to consider online buying. Similarly, watch out for the DCR (Domestic Content Requirement) content clause in the government scheme, as modules offered online may not necessarily have DCR certification.

Today, your solar will be set up, in the best case, in 45-60 days. That means, chasing an attractive deal might not look such a great idea if get stuck subsequently, on any of the issues listed above. What these online prices will help you understand is hopefully negotiate a better deal with your solar installer for a rooftop installation.

What you can seek is deals on smaller, sub kW sizes, where no subsidy is available or sought by you. These are cases where a single panel or two will meet a need like some solar lighting, or charge a battery that can in turn charge mobiles, and other small electronic items. Or the many recreational use cases of solar that are already listed on these sites.

Of course, if you have plans for a solar setup larger than 3 kW (The government limit for subsidies under PM Surya Ghar), then you might just find a deal that lowers your project cost significantly.  But in all cases, stick to the known and tested brands, as online attracts many operators out to make a quick buck.