500W Solar Panel: Price, Power Generation, and Benefits

A 500W solar panel is the most popular choice for home solar systems in India right now. It is powerful, takes up less roof space compared to older lower-wattage panels, and is available from most major brands at a price that fits a wide range of budgets.

• A single 500W solar panel generates 2 to 2.5 units of electricity per day, which adds up to around 650 to 700 units per year
• It measures approximately 6.5 feet by 3.5 to 4 feet, roughly the size of a single bed
• A 500W panel costs between Rs. 12,000 and Rs. 18,000 in India in 2026, depending on the brand and panel type
• It is available in three types: Mono PERC, TOPCon, and Bifacial, with Mono PERC being the most widely used in homes
• For a typical 3 BHK home using 300 units per month, you need around 6 panels of 500W each for a 3kW system
• 500W panels are ALMM-listed and DCR-compliant options are available, making them eligible for the PM Surya Ghar government subsidy when installed as part of a full rooftop system

A 500W solar panel is a large, high-output solar module that converts sunlight into 500 watts of electricity under ideal conditions. It is the most commonly used panel size for home and small business solar systems in India today because it produces more power from a smaller roof area compared to older 330W or 400W panels. A single 500W panel generates around 2 to 2.5 units of electricity per day. Most Indian home solar systems are made up of 6 to 14 of these panels, depending on how much electricity the household uses each month.

A 500W solar panel packs high output into a compact size, making it a practical and efficient choice for most Indian rooftops. Here is what you get with a quality 500W panel:

Features 

• More power, less roof space: A 500W panel produces more electricity per square foot of roof area than older 330W or 400W panels. This means you need fewer panels to reach the same system size, which saves roof space and reduces the number of mounting stands and cables needed
• Half-cut cell design for better performance: Most 500W panels sold in India today use a half-cut cell design. Imagine taking a regular solar panel and cutting each cell into two smaller halves that work together. This makes the panel less sensitive to shadows. So even if a small part of the panel is shaded by a water tank or parapet wall, the rest keeps working normally
• Works well in Indian heat: Good quality 500W panels are tested to work in temperatures from -40 degrees to +85 degrees Celsius and come with IP65-rated junction boxes, which means the electrical connections at the back of the panel are sealed and protected from rain, dust, and humidity
• DCR versions available for government subsidy: DCR stands for Domestic Content Requirement, which means the solar cells used in the panel are made in India. If you want to claim the Rs. 78,000 PM Surya Ghar subsidy, your system must include DCR-compliant panels. Most top Indian brands like Adani, Tata, Waaree, and Vikram offer 500W DCR panels
• Long warranty on performance: Most branded 500W panels come with a 25 to 30 year performance warranty, meaning the manufacturer guarantees the panel will still produce at least 80 to 87 percent of its original output even after 25 years of use

Specifications

How many units a 500W panel produces each day depends on how much sunlight your city receives. Cities in Rajasthan and Gujarat get the most sun and produce the highest daily output, while cities in the east and north-east produce slightly less. The table below shows what a single 500W panel generates across different Indian cities:

These numbers are based on panels that are clean, face south, and are tilted at the right angle. Dust on the panel surface can reduce output by 10 to 20 percent, so rinsing the panels with water every 6 to 8 weeks is important, especially in cities with high pollution like Delhi and Kanpur.

A 500W solar panel costs between Rs. 12,000 and Rs. 18,000 in India in 2026, depending on the panel type, brand, and whether it meets the government's domestic content requirement for subsidy eligibility. Mono PERC panels are the most affordable option, while TOPCon and Bifacial panels are priced slightly higher because of their higher efficiency. Here is a simple price breakdown:

These are prices for individual panels only. They do not include the inverter, mounting stand, wiring, or installation charges. The PM Surya Ghar subsidy of up to Rs. 78,000 applies to the full system, not to individual panels bought separately.

Disclaimer: Each model's features, availability, and pricing are subject to change and may vary. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official website.

Before you decide, explore the latest offers. You may find a great deal on a model that matches your needs.   

Both panel types last 25 years or more, but monocrystalline panels hold up better in Indian conditions, especially in hot and humid climates. Here is a simple side-by-side comparison to help you decide:

In 2026, polycrystalline 500W panels are becoming rare in the Indian market because monocrystalline panels now offer better value per rupee spent. Most installers and brands have shifted fully to mono PERC and TOPCon for 500W panels.

The number of 500W panels you need depends on how many units of electricity your household uses every month. A simple way to estimate is to divide your monthly consumption by 75, since one 500W panel produces roughly 60 to 75 units per month depending on your city.

• 1 BHK home using 100 to 150 units per month: A 1kW system with 2 panels of 500W each is sufficient for basic loads like fans, lights, a small refrigerator, and mobile charging
• 2 BHK home using 150 to 250 units per month: A 2kW system with 4 panels of 500W each covers lights, fans, a refrigerator, a television, and a washing machine used during the day
• 3 BHK home using 250 to 350 units per month: A 3kW to 4kW system with 6 to 8 panels of 500W each covers most household loads including one air conditioner used during solar hours
• 3 to 4 BHK home with 2 ACs using 350 to 500 units per month: A 5kW system with 10 panels of 500W each handles two air conditioners, a geyser, and all other appliances comfortably during the day
• Large home or joint family using 500 to 700 units per month: A 6kW to 7kW system with 12 to 14 panels of 500W each covers the full load of a large household and brings the monthly bill close to zero

Pro tip: Look at your last six electricity bills, find your average monthly consumption, and ask your installer to design a system that covers 80 to 100 percent of that number. Oversizing wastes money; undersizing leaves your grid bill largely unchanged

Bajaj Finance offers Solar Finance to help you manage the upfront cost of solar panels and complete solar systems at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities in India.

How to choose? Solar Finance can help you spread the cost of your solar system into manageable monthly instalments instead of paying the entire amount upfront. Choose a repayment tenure based on your monthly budget and overall financing cost.

Installing solar panels for your home is easier to manage with Bajaj Finance’s flexible financing options. Follow these steps to plan your solar purchase and spread the cost into convenient instalments:

• Explore solar panel options: Compare solar panels and systems based on capacity, panel technology, efficiency, power generation, warranty, and installation requirements to find the right setup for your home.
• Visit a partner store: Once you shortlist a solar system, visit one of Bajaj Finance’s 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities in India. Compare available options and understand the installation and financing requirements. 
• Choose the Solar Finance option: Select the Solar Finance option to finance your solar panel purchase and installation. Choose a suitable repayment tenure and split the cost into manageable monthly instalments.
• Check your loan eligibility online: Check your Solar Finance eligibility online before making a purchase. Enter your mobile number and OTP to view your eligible loan amount and plan your budget accordingly.
• Complete your solar purchase: Finalise your solar system, complete the required documentation, and use the approved financing amount to manage the upfront cost of your solar installation.