Not all solar panels are equal. The type you choose affects how much power you get per square foot, what you pay, and whether you qualify for a subsidy. Here's a plain-language buyer's guide for India.
The main types
| Type | Efficiency | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polycrystalline | Lower | Cheapest | Tight budgets, ample roof space |
| Monocrystalline (mono PERC) | Higher | Mid | Most homes — the current default |
| Bifacial | Highest (site-dependent) | Higher | Elevated/ground mounts with reflective surfaces |
| TOPCon / newer mono | Higher still | Higher | Maximising output in limited space |
Polycrystalline
The older, cheaper technology — bluish, multi-crystal cells. Slightly lower efficiency, so it needs more roof area for the same output. Being gradually phased out in favour of mono.
Monocrystalline (mono PERC)
The current default for Indian rooftops — black, single-crystal cells with higher efficiency and better low-light/heat behaviour. More power per square foot than poly, at a moderate premium. If your roof is limited, mono is usually the right pick.
Bifacial
Generates from both faces — front from direct sun, back from reflected light. Can yield more where the rear sees a bright surface (elevated mounts, light-coloured ground), but the gain depends heavily on installation. Best for ground-mount or commercial setups, less so for a flush rooftop.
The India-specific bit: ALMM & DCR
For most subsidised residential/government solar, panels must be from the ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) and often DCR (Domestic Content Requirement) compliant. If you're claiming a subsidy (see PM Surya Ghar & net metering), confirm your installer uses ALMM-listed panels — otherwise the subsidy can be denied.
What actually matters when buying
- Efficiency vs roof space — limited roof → higher-efficiency mono/TOPCon; ample roof → poly can save money.
- Warranty — product warranty (build) and performance warranty (e.g. ~80–90% output at 25 years).
- BIS / ALMM compliance — for quality and subsidy eligibility.
- Reputable installer — the mounting, wiring and inverter matter as much as the panel.
Don't chase the highest-efficiency panel blindly. Match the panel to your roof area, budget and subsidy — an ALMM mono panel from a good installer beats an exotic panel poorly fitted.
Once you've sized the system (rooftop solar basics) and picked a configuration (on/off-grid/hybrid), the panel choice is the last piece. If upfront cost is the barrier, IndiaCard helps arrange clean-energy financing through regulated lenders.