Panels make up the largest part of a solar system’s cost and decide how much power your roof produces for the next 25 years. Most panels sold in India today look alike, so the differences are in the specs, the warranty and, for homes, whether they qualify for the subsidy.
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| PowerWatts one panel makes in full sun | 540 W | 540 W | 575 W (series 550 to 575 W) | 540 Wp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EfficiencyHigher means more power from the same roof | 20.98% | 20.92% | 22.4% | Not listed |
| Cell typeMono PERC, TOPCon and so on | Mono PERC, bifacial, half-cut cells | Mono PERC, bifacial, 144 half-cut cells | N-type TOPCon, bifacial, 144 half-cut M10 cells | N-type TOPCon bifacial |
| Made in India cells (DCR)Needed for the PM Surya Ghar subsidy | Yes (listed as DCR by the seller) | Yes (listed as DCR by the seller) | Yes (made with Indian cells) | Manufacturer lists DCR |
| ALMM listedGovernment-approved model list | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| WarrantyProduct and power output years | Not listed | 30-year power warranty | 12 years product, 30 years power (87.4% at year 30) | 12-year product, 30-year power output |
| Dimensions | 2272 × 1133 × 35 mm | 2278 × 1133 × 30 mm | 2266 × 1133 mm | Not listed |
| BIS approved | Yes | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Country of origin | India | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Weight | Not listed | 31.3 kg | 28 kg | Not listed |
| Open circuit voltage | Not listed | 49.32 V | Not listed | Not listed |
| Yearly degradation | Not listed | 0.45% | Not listed | Not listed |
| Temperature coefficient | Not listed | Not listed | -0.31% per °C | Not listed |
| First-year degradation | Not listed | Not listed | 1% | Not listed |
Every product we have checked
- Adani Elan Shine 540 W bifacial (DCR): A 540 W Mono PERC bifacial panel with Indian-made cells, sold as DCR for subsidy-eligible home and business rooftops.
- Adani Shine TOPCon 575 W bifacial (DCR): A higher-output N-type TOPCon bifacial panel made with Adani's own Indian cells, for roofs where space is tight.
- Waaree 540 W bifacial half-cut (DCR): A 540 W bifacial half-cut panel from India's largest module maker, listed as DCR and BIS approved.
- Waaree 540 Wp N-Type DCR Bifacial Panel: 540 Wp module. Compare its dimensions, cell technology and warranty with the installer quote. Confirm the exact delivered model and scheme eligibility rather than relying on a general DCR label.
Related: DCR panels and ALMM, how much solar fits on your roof and system price by size.
What to compare
Power (watts)
The power rating is what a panel produces in full sun under test conditions. Higher-wattage panels mean fewer panels for the same system size, which helps on small roofs.
Efficiency
Efficiency is the share of sunlight a panel turns into electricity. Two panels with the same wattage but different efficiency differ in size: the more efficient one needs less roof.
Cell type
Mono PERC has been the common choice for years. Newer TOPCon and similar cells usually produce a little more in heat and low light. Ask for the cell type in writing, not just the brand. How to check it on the datasheet is in types of solar panels.
DCR and ALMM
For the PM Surya Ghar subsidy, panels must use Indian-made cells (DCR) and the model must be on the government’s approved list (ALMM). A non-DCR panel can cost you the full ₹78,000 subsidy. Read more in DCR panels and ALMM.
Warranty
Look for two warranties: a product warranty against defects, and a performance warranty that guarantees output for 25 years or more. The performance warranty matters more over the system’s life. How the main brands compare on cell factories, testing and warranty is in best solar panel companies in India.
Which panel fits
- Home with the subsidy: any DCR, ALMM-listed panel from a registered vendor. The subsidy outweighs small differences in efficiency.
- Small or shaded roof: higher-efficiency panels, so you fit more kW in less space.
- Business rooftop: compare cost per watt and the performance warranty, since the system has to earn back its price.
Checklist before you buy
- Panel model and cell type written on the quote
- DCR certificate and ALMM listing, if you are claiming the subsidy
- Performance warranty length and yearly output guarantee
- Serial numbers on the invoice matching the panels installed
Frequently asked questions
Do I need DCR panels for PM Surya Ghar?
Yes. The subsidy requires panels made with Indian cells, from a model on the ALMM list.
Does higher efficiency mean more savings?
Only if roof space is limited. On a large roof, a cheaper panel with slightly lower efficiency can give the same output for less money.
How long do solar panels last?
Most carry a performance warranty of 25 years or more, and panels often keep working beyond that at slightly reduced output.
Sources
Figures last checked on 26 September 2026.