Which Solar System is Best in Kerala? A Complete Guide for Homeowners and Businesses
When planning to install solar power, one question comes up almost every time: Which solar system is best in Kerala?
The answer isn’t the same for everyone. It depends on your energy needs, location, budget, and whether you want to stay connected to the electricity grid.
In this guide, we’ll break down the on-grid vs off-grid solar system comparison, explain when hybrid systems make sense, and help you choose the right option for your home or business.
Why Choosing the Right Solar System Matters
Kerala enjoys abundant sunlight for most of the year, making it ideal for solar energy generation. But your solar investment should be tailored to your specific requirements.
The wrong choice can lead to higher costs, less efficiency, and missed opportunities for subsidies or net metering.
That’s why working with an experienced solar company in Calicut is important—to assess your needs and design a system that maximizes savings and performance.
Understanding the Main Types of Solar Systems
Before deciding which solar system is best in Kerala, you need to know your options:
1. On-Grid Solar System
How it works: Connected directly to the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) grid. Any excess electricity you generate is sent to the grid, and you get credit through net metering.
Best for: Areas with reliable grid power and customers who want to reduce monthly electricity bills without investing in batteries.
Advantages: Lower cost than off-grid, eligible for government subsidies, low maintenance.
Learn more in our detailed On-Grid Solar System in Calicut guide.
2. Off-Grid Solar System
How it works: Works independently from the grid. Energy is stored in batteries for use at night or during cloudy days.
Best for: Remote areas without reliable grid connection or locations with frequent power cuts.
Advantages: Complete energy independence, works even during outages.
Considerations: Higher cost due to batteries, more maintenance needed.
Read our overview of the Off-Grid Solar System in Calicut for more details.
3. Hybrid Solar System
How it works: Combines the benefits of on-grid and off-grid. It can store energy in batteries and also connect to the grid for extra flexibility.
Best for: Users who want an uninterrupted power supply but still benefit from net metering.
Advantages: Energy security plus savings.
Considerations: Higher upfront cost compared to purely on-grid systems.
See our complete hybrid solar system in Calicut breakdown.
On-Grid vs Off-Grid Solar System: Key Differences
Understanding On-Grid vs Off-Grid Solar System is the first step to making the right choice.
Feature | On-Grid Solar System | Off-Grid Solar System |
Grid Connection | Yes | No |
Battery Storage | Optional | Required |
Cost | Lower | Higher (due to batteries) |
Power During Outages | No (unless with backup) | Yes |
Best For | Urban & semi-urban areas | Remote locations |
Which Solar System is Best in Kerala?
The answer depends on your situation:
If you have a stable electricity supply: An on-grid solar system is the most cost-effective and offers maximum savings through net metering.
If you live in a remote area or face frequent power cuts: An off-grid solar system ensures continuous power, though it costs more.
If you want both independence and savings: A hybrid solar system is ideal, offering backup power and grid benefits.
Most homeowners in cities and towns choose on-grid systems because they’re affordable, easy to maintain, and eligible for subsidies. If you’re considering this option, you may also want to check out our detailed blog on Solar Subsidies and Rooftop Incentives in Kerala to understand how government support can reduce your installation cost.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing
Electricity Usage – Check your monthly bill to know your average consumption.
Budget—On-grid is cheaper upfront; off-grid and hybrid require more investment.
Location & Grid Reliability – Rural or unreliable grid areas benefit from off-grid or hybrid systems.
Subsidy Eligibility – Residential on-grid systems usually qualify for Kerala’s solar subsidies.
Space Availability – Roof size and direction affect panel placement and output.
Subsidies and Incentives in Kerala
If you choose an on-grid solar system for residential use, you may qualify for government subsidies under MNRE guidelines via KSEB.
This reduces your installation cost significantly and shortens your payback period.
Our team can guide you through the process, ensuring you get the maximum benefit available for your setup.
Why Work with Professionals?
A professional solar installer doesn’t just put panels on your roof—they design a complete energy solution tailored to your needs.
At String Solar, we:
Evaluate your site and energy needs.
Recommend the best system type.
Handle subsidy application and paperwork.
Offer long-term maintenance and support.
We also provide complementary products like lightning arrest systems to protect your investment during Kerala’s monsoon season.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been wondering which solar system is best in Kerala, the decision boils down to your electricity usage, budget, and power reliability in your area.
For most urban homes, on-grid is the most practical and cost-effective. For rural or high-outage zones, off-grid or hybrid systems bring better value.
Whichever you choose, investing in solar is a long-term decision that can save you thousands over the years while contributing to a cleaner, greener Kerala.