A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Solar Setup

Swaraj Bhatnagar
Nov 7
3 min read

Updated: Nov 12

Thinking about going solar? You’re not alone. Across India and around the world, thousands of households and businesses are switching to clean, renewable power every day. But with so many options — panels, inverters, batteries, and installers — how do you choose the right solar setup for you?

This beginner’s guide by Ikaya Earth will walk you through everything you need to know before you make the switch.

1. Understand How Solar Energy Works

At its core, solar power is simple: solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells. That electricity can then power your home directly or be stored in batteries for later use.

A complete solar system typically includes:

Solar panels – to capture sunlight
Inverter – to convert DC (from panels) into usable AC (for your home)
Mounting structure – to secure panels on your roof
Battery (optional) – to store excess energy
Net meter – to track energy you export or import from the grid

2. Know Your Energy Needs

Before installing solar, assess your electricity usage.

-Check your monthly power bills for average kWh consumption.

-Identify high-usage appliances (ACs, water heaters, pumps).

-Decide if you want to partially offset or fully cover your power needs with solar.

Example: If your household consumes 300 units (kWh) per month, a 2–3 kW system may be ideal.

3. Evaluate Your Roof

Your rooftop is your solar canvas — but not every roof is the same.

Direction: South-facing roofs get maximum sunlight in India.

Shade: Avoid trees, water tanks, or other obstructions.

Angle: A tilt of 10–30° usually works best, depending on your location.

Space: Each kW of solar typically needs 100 sq. ft. of space.

If you’re unsure, Ikaya Earth’s solar experts can conduct a free site assessment and design the perfect layout for your roof.

4. Choose the Right Type of Solar System

There are three main types of solar setups:

Type	Description	Best For
On-Grid	Connected to the main electricity grid. You can sell excess power back.	Urban homes & businesses
Off-Grid	Works independently using batteries for backup.	Remote areas with unreliable power
Hybrid	Combines grid + battery benefits.	Homeowners seeking reliability & savings

Pro tip: Hybrid systems are gaining popularity in 2025 for their flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

5. Calculate Cost & ROI

The cost of a solar system in India (as of 2025) typically ranges between ₹45,000 – ₹65,000 per kW.

But the good news? You’ll start saving from day one — and most systems pay for themselves in 4–6 years.

Plus, you can benefit from:

Government subsidies (up to 40%)
Net metering credits
Low maintenance costs

Example ROI: A 3 kW system can save ₹25,000–₹35,000 per year on electricity bills.

6. Pick a Reliable Solar Partner

Your choice of installer matters as much as your panels. Look for:

MNRE-approved vendors
Warranty (25 years for panels, 5–10 years for inverters)
After-sales service and monitoring support

At Ikaya Earth, we don’t just install solar panels — we help you build a sustainable energy future that fits your budget and lifestyle.

7. Monitor & Maintain Your System

Solar systems require minimal maintenance — just regular cleaning of panels and annual servicing. Modern systems come with real-time monitoring apps, so you can track performance, savings, and grid exchange anytime.