Yes, for most homes. With PM Surya Ghar ₹78,000 subsidy, a 3 kW system costs ₹97K–₹1.32L after subsidy and pays back in 3–5 years. Over 25 years (assuming 5% annual tariff hike), you save ₹8–15 lakh compared to grid. Solar panels come with 25-year performance warranty.
What if electricity prices don't rise?
Even at 0% tariff increase, a 3 kW solar system paying ₹1.2L (after subsidy) and saving ₹2,000/month pays back in 5 years and saves ₹3.6L over 25 years (₹2,000 × 180 months). With 5% annual increase, savings are nearly double.
Does solar panel efficiency degrade over time?
Yes — solar panels degrade at ~0.5–0.7% per year. Premium mono PERC panels from Waaree, Tata and Adani come with 25-year linear performance warranty (minimum 80% output at year 25). This degradation is already factored into long-term savings calculations.