What’s a Solar Array For Home? Explore Cost, Working, Benefits, and the Right Size

A solar array, also known as a photovoltaic array, refers to multiple solar panels connected together to supply the direct current (DC) power generated by the interconnected panels to a solar inverter for conversion into alternating current (AC). The way solar panels are connected in a PV array to achieve the desired system capacity depends on whether the system is small or large.

• A photovoltaic array for smaller installations: For smaller solar systems, multiple solar panels are connected in series to form a string. This raises the voltage, but the current remains constant. A small system, such as a 3 kW solar array, may have just one string with solar panels connected in series. 
• A solar power array for larger solar systems: In larger systems, such as a 10 kW solar system, multiple strings may be connected in parallel. It maintains the string voltage but increases the current. 

The main components of a typical solar array for homes include solar panels, mounting structures, wiring that connects the panels, and a solar inverter. The placement of the solar array is extremely critical because the more solar radiation that falls directly on the PV array, the more electricity it will generate.  

Usually, rooftops are great places to mount solar arrays, and they should be positioned in such a way that they’re facing the south direction, which is the direction that receives the maximum sunlight in India. 

The final cost and efficiency of a solar array also depend on the type of solar panels used. For instance, a bifacial solar panel with mono-PERC half-cut solar cells will generate the maximum power as they’re one of the most efficient solar panels for homes. 

In this blog, we will explain what a solar array is, how it generates electricity, how to install one at home, how to determine the right PV array size for your home, and the solar array cost in India in 2025.

TL;DR Summary Box: What is the Purpose of a Solar Array for Home?

The purpose of installing a solar array for homes is to achieve energy independence and reduce hefty electricity bills, as solar systems use solar energy to generate electricity, which is free and non-polluting. 

When sized properly to take care of all your household’s energy requirements, a solar power array can reduce electricity bills by 90% or more. Many homeowners receive zero bills after installing a solar array on their home.

Here are the main topics covered in this blog in detail:

*Please note: The above-mentioned solar plate price is indicative as of 25th September 2025 for the SolarSquare Blue 6ft variant. The final cost of installing an on-grid rooftop solar panel system at home depends on your DISCOM charges, product variant opted for, panel type, inverter type, mounting structure height, type of after-sales service, savings guarantee, roof height, etc. Prices are subject to change.

What is a Solar Array?

A solar array comprises multiple solar panels that are wired together to generate electricity using the photovoltaic effect. The DC power generated by all the interconnected solar panels is taken to a solar inverter, whose primary job is to convert DC power into AC power. Multiple panels are connected together to make a string. Whether a solar array has one string or multiple strings depends on the size of the solar system.

On-grid solar arrays usually consist of solar panels, a solar inverter, mounting structures, and wiring. An off-grid solar array, on the other hand, comprises an additional lithium battery bank and a solar charge controller. The off-grid solar system, which includes the off-grid solar array, will not be connected to the grid, as excess solar energy will be stored in lithium batteries. 

On-grid solar arrays are cheaper than off-grid arrays because they do not require lithium batteries to store excess solar energy. They send the excess current to the grid instead.

That being said, both on-grid and off-grid solar arrays configure solar panels based on the size of the solar system. 

• For small solar systems that require fewer panels to reach the desired system capacity: A solar power array is usually composed of just one string.
• For larger solar systems that require many panels to reach the desired system capacity: A solar power array consists of multiple strings connected to each other in parallel.

What Are the Main Components of a Photovoltaic Array?

The main components of a PV array are solar panels, wires used to connect the solar panels, a solar inverter, solar mounting structures, a lithium battery bank and a charge controller (only for hybrid and off-grid solar arrays). 

Let’s check out the role of all the main components of a solar array for homes: 

• Solar panels: These modules are made up of silicon solar cells that absorb sunlight and convert it into direct current.
• Solar mounting structures: These are sturdy mounts on which the panels are positioned to face the south direction, allowing them to absorb as much solar energy as possible.
• Solar inverter: The inverter receives DC power and converts it to AC, the form of electricity used by home appliances. 
• Electrical components: These include wiring to interconnect the panels, safety switches, and monitoring systems necessary for solar array installation. These components ensure safe operation and also allow you to track your system’s performance.
• A lithium battery bank and a solar charge controller: These are used only in hybrid or off-grid solar arrays. The excess solar energy generated by the panels is sent to the solar charge controller, which tames the DC and sends it to the battery for storage. 

How Does a Solar Array for Home Work?

Multiple components of the solar array come together to make the conversion of sunlight to electricity possible. The operation begins as soon as sunlight hits the solar cells present inside the solar panels. It kickstarts the photovoltaic effect, which converts sunlight into DC power. Let’s check out how a solar panel array works in detail:

• Step 1 – Sunlight falls on solar cells: Solar panels are made of solar cells. These solar cells absorb photons present in the sunlight. 
• Step 2 – Photons transfer their energy to electrons: The electrons in the solar cells get excited when they receive the energy from photons. They leave their place empty in an excited state and begin to move.
• Step 3 – The displaced energized electrons create a positive charge: The place they leave empty is known as a hole, which acts like a positive charge.
• Step 4 – The built-in electric field at the p-n junction stops holes and electrons from recombining: This field pushes electrons in one direction and holes in the opposite direction.
• Step 5 – Electrons flow in one direction: The metal contacts on the solar cell collect the freed electrons and send them through the wires to do useful work before they return to the cell’s back contact. This closed loop flows in a single direction, known as direct current (DC).
• Step 6 – DC from all solar cells on multiple panels is taken to the inverter: The DC cables feed direct current into the inverter, which changes DC to AC. 
• Step 7 – The resulting AC is used to power the home appliances: Inverters send AC power to the distribution box, which supplies it to the home.  
• Step 8 – Excess current is either sent to the grid or stored in batteries: In on-grid solar systems, the excess charge that isn’t used by appliances is sent to the grid for storage. In off-grid or hybrid solar systems, the excess energy is used to charge the lithium batteries through an MPPT solar charge controller. 

Where Can You Install a Solar Array in a Home?

While solar arrays can be placed on open ground, the most practical and cost-effective option for homeowners in India is the installation of a rooftop solar panel array. Not only is rooftop installation simpler than setting up a ground-mounted system, but it also saves you a significant amount of money. 

Ground-mounted solar arrays require large, shadow-free land areas and don’t qualify for government subsidies available for on-grid rooftop solar systems for housing societies and homes. This makes them less attractive for residential use. 

Let’s check out the multiple reasons why installing a solar array for homes on a roof is the best choice: 

• You do not need empty land to install your solar array: Your unused roof space is more than enough to install a solar PV array. You don’t have to sacrifice precious land.
• You will receive financial help from the government: The Indian government offers homeowners a maximum subsidy of Rs. 78,000 for installing on-grid rooftop solar systems.
• Your panels will rest on higher ground, naturally receiving more sunlight: Being elevated, rooftops naturally get more direct sunlight. When the roof is south-facing and the panels are tilted at the correct angle, the rooftop solar array receives the maximum amount of sunshine. As a result, it generates a significant amount of solar electricity, ensuring you receive maximum returns on your investment.

How to Install a Solar Array for Homes?

You must always seek professional help to install a solar array at your home. Solar panels need to withstand storms, heavy monsoon rains, and extreme heat. If they’re not mounted and wired correctly, you risk electrical hazards, water seepage, or even panels being torn away during cyclones. 

Professional installers are essential because they bring the right tools, engineering skills, and safety measures to ensure your rooftop solar system lasts for decades.

A reputable solar installer, such as SolarSquare, would follow a chain of steps to ensure the solar array is mounted properly so you get maximum returns on your investment: 

• Step 1 – Roof survey and shade check: Professionals begin with a thorough survey of your roof, evaluating the amount of sunlight it receives throughout the year. This includes studying trees, nearby buildings, and other obstructions that might cast shadows and reduce solar output.
• Step 2 – Mounting frame installation: Next comes the placement of strong mounting structures to secure your photovoltaic array. These frames are designed to maintain the panels at the correct tilt and secure them firmly, even in high winds. Proper sealing methods are also used to prevent any water leakage into the roof.
• Step 3 – Placing the solar panels on the mounts: Once the mounts are ready, the solar panels are carefully placed and fastened. Experts use specialized tools and follow strict handling practices to avoid any hidden cracks in the panels.
• Step 4 – Inverter setup and wiring: The inverter is installed and connected to the solar panel array using high-quality solar-grade wiring. This ensures the electricity generated can be safely converted into usable power for your home.
• Step 5 – Net meter installation: For grid-connected solar systems, your standard energy meter is swapped with a net meter or smart meter. This device tracks both the electricity you draw from the grid and the surplus you send back through the solar power net metering process.
• Step 6 – Earthing and lightning protection: To keep the PV array and your home safe, earthing is done for all critical components. A lightning arrester is also installed to shield the system from sudden voltage surges during thunderstorms.
• Step 7 – Testing and commissioning: Finally, every connection is inspected, voltages are checked, and the system is powered on. The inverter is linked to the internet so that real-time performance can be monitored. Once this step is complete, your solar energy system is ready to generate clean electricity.

If you’re still wondering how to install solar panels on your home by yourself, solar array kits are available in the market. These come with pre-assembled parts and basic instructions. While such kits might seem tempting, remember that rooftop solar panel installation involves working at heights, handling high-voltage wiring, and ensuring structural stability. Professional help is recommended as it ensures safety and the best returns. 

What’s the Right PV Array Size For Homes?

Determining the right size of a solar array for homes is crucial because only when sized correctly can a PV array meet all the home’s energy requirements. If sized small, it won’t be able to generate enough electricity to meet all your electricity needs. If sized too large, you’ll unnecessarily produce more electricity than your household can consume. 

Professionals follow a meticulous method based on your current and future energy requirements to determine the optimal solar array size that meets all your needs. However, there’s a simple way to estimate the solar panel array size that will meet your needs at home. All you need to do is determine your annual electricity consumption. 

Here’s what you can do to find out how many electricity units you usually use in a year:

• Review your electricity bills from last year. 
• Calculate the average number of units consumed in a year.
• Divide the yearly units consumed at your home by the number of units a 1 kW solar system generates (1,400* units/year).

*On average, a 1 kW solar system produces 1,400-1,450 units per year.

Here’s a tabulated snapshot of the estimated solar PV array size based on the units consumed: 

How Many Panels Are Needed in a Solar PV Array?

The number of solar panels required depends on the module capacity you use and the desired system capacity you want to achieve. 

Here’s a simple formula which can be used to calculate the number of solar panels required: 

Let’s suppose that you’re using a 540Wp bifacial solar panel with mono-PERC half-cut cells. Based on the formula above, here’s the total number of solar panels you’ll need to build different sizes of solar photovoltaic arrays:

What’s the Solar Array Cost in India in 2025?

When an installer quotes a solar array cost, they usually refer to the cost of installing the entire solar system. The cost of installing an on-grid rooftop solar system in India with subsidy ranges from ~Rs. 90,000* in Lucknow to ~Rs. 1.40 lakh* in Bengaluru for a 2 kW solar system and ~Rs. 4.77 lakh* in Lucknow to ~Rs. 5.62 lakh* in Bengaluru for a 10 kW solar system.

*Please note: The above-mentioned solar plate price is indicative as of 25th September 2025 for the SolarSquare Blue 6ft variant. The final cost of installing an on-grid rooftop solar panel system at home depends on your DISCOM charges, product variant opted for, panel type, inverter type, mounting structure height, type of after-sales service, savings guarantee, roof height, etc. Prices are subject to change. 

Is There Any Subsidy for Installing a Solar Power Array in India?

The Indian government offers homeowners and housing societies a subsidy for installing a residential solar array. However, you will be eligible for the subsidy under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana only if you install an on-grid rooftop solar system. It won’t be offered if you install off-grid solar systems, ground-mounted solar systems, or commercial rooftop systems.

Let’s check out the subsidy amount you’ll receive on rooftop solar panel systems for homes:

Now that you know how much subsidy you can get for installing a residential solar array for homes, let’s check out the before and after subsidy price of a solar array installation in India in 2025:

*Please note: The above-mentioned solar plate price is indicative as of 25th September 2025 for the SolarSquare Blue 6ft variant. The final cost of installing an on-grid rooftop solar panel system at home depends on your DISCOM charges, product variant opted for, panel type, inverter type, mounting structure height, type of after-sales service, savings guarantee, roof height, etc. Prices are subject to change. 

Which Are the Best Panels for a Solar Array For Homes?

Mono-PERC bifacial solar panels with half-cut cells are the current favorite modules for Indian homes as their efficiency reaches up to 22.5%. Another emerging technology that’s slowly becoming mainstream is TOPCon solar panels, with an efficiency of 25% to 26%. These are the two latest types of monocrystalline solar panels that are the best for residential and commercial solar installations in India.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of both types in detail:

What Are the Benefits of a Solar Array for Homes?

Installing a solar array for homes offers relief from hefty electricity bills, which increase by 3% to 6% annually in India. Since an appropriately sized photovoltaic array takes care of all your electricity requirements, your electricity bills will be reduced by 90% or more, saving tens of lakhs of rupees.

Let’s check out all the benefits of installing a solar array for homes:

• You can receive a subsidy and install solar panels at lower rates: The Indian government is currently offering a subsidy for residential solar installations. If you go for an on-grid rooftop solar system, you can receive this financial assistance and install solar at cheaper rates: 
• Your bills will be reduced by 90% or more: Since your solar PV array will take care of all your energy requirements, you won’t rely fully on expensive grid electricity. Many homeowners receive zero bills after installing solar systems.
• You will save tens of lakhs of rupees: Not only will your solar array generate free electricity and reduce your bills by 90%, it will continue to do so for 25 years at least, because that’s how long a solar system lasts. All the money you would have otherwise spent on electricity bills will now be saved.

To give you an idea of how much money going solar actually saves, we’ve created this table. It compares the cost of installing a 5 kW solar system in India with the money that same solar system saves in its 25-year life: 

*Please note: The 5 kW solar panel price in India with subsidy mentioned above is indicative as of 25th September 2025 for the SolarSquare Blue 6ft variant. The actual solar plate price depends on your DISCOM charges, city, product variant opted for, panel type, inverter type, mounting structure height, type of after-sales service, savings guarantee, roof height, etc. Prices are subject to change. Additionally, when calculating savings, we have considered an annual tariff escalation of 3% and an annual degradation of 1%. The actual final savings from a 5 kW solar system depends on the types of solar panels you’ve installed and their efficiency, intensity of sunlight your rooftop receives, orientation of the panels and tilt angle, the pollution level and weather conditions in your city, the temperature, shadow on the roof, impact of dirt/dust, and how well you maintain your panels after installation.

You can also use SolarSquare’s free solar energy estimator to find the approximate cost of installing a solar array for homes in your city, vs the savings you will receive in 25 years. 

Conclusion

Installing a rooftop solar array is extremely beneficial, as homeowners can do so at lower rates due to the financial assistance offered by the government. When sized properly, a photovoltaic array can reduce electricity bills by 90% or more and offer massive savings over the system’s 25-year lifespan. 

If you’re planning to install a solar array for your home and have any questions about it, you can book a free solar consultation call with SolarSquare. 

Calculate your savings

Forecast your savings with solar on your investment on the SolarSquare’s plant

Pin code *

Please enter a valid pincode.

Oh! We haven’t reached your location yet

We are not yet servicable at your location but we will soon!

City

Avg electricity bill

Min. 500 Max ₹10,000

Calculate now

FAQs

Q1. What is a PV array made of?

Ans. A PV array is made of multiple solar panels wired together to produce electricity. The main components of a solar array for homes are solar panels, wires, a solar inverter, solar mounting structures, and batteries (only for hybrid or off-grid solar arrays).

Q2. How long do solar arrays last?

Ans. Well-maintained solar panels can easily last for 25+ years. Even after 25 years, high-quality panels continue to work at 80% efficiency.

Q3. How much energy can a solar array produce?

Ans. This depends on the array size and the sunlight your roof receives. On average, a 1 kW solar array can generate 1,400 to 1,450 units of electricity annually.

Q4. What is a portable solar array?

Ans. A portable solar array is a small and lightweight set of solar panels, often foldable, that you can carry and set up anywhere there’s sunlight to make electricity. It’s handy for camping, road trips and RVs, boats, and outdoor work sites.

Q5. Can a residential solar array power an entire house?

Ans. Yes, a residential solar array can easily power an entire house when appropriately sized to accommodate all the energy requirements based on the annual energy consumption at a home.