Short answerChoose on-grid if power cuts are rare: it is 35–45% cheaper and pays back fastest. Choose hybrid if you face regular cuts or need backup for work-from-home, medical equipment or a fridge. Both qualify for the PM Surya Ghar subsidy on the panel capacity.
Side by side
| On-grid | Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (3 kW) | ₹1.85–2.1 lakh | ₹2.6–3.1 lakh |
| Works in a power cut | No | Yes, for chosen loads |
| Net metering | Yes | Yes |
| Subsidy | Up to ₹78,000 | Up to ₹78,000 (batteries not covered) |
| Maintenance | Panel cleaning | Panel cleaning plus battery care |
| Payback | 4–5 years | 6–8 years |
A simple rule
- Fewer than four cuts a month, mostly short: on-grid.
- Daily cuts, or cuts longer than an hour: hybrid.
- Already own an inverter-battery for backup: on-grid plus your existing UPS is often enough.
How much battery?
Add up what must run during a cut. Fans, lights, Wi-Fi and a fridge in a typical home draw about 400–600 W; three hours of backup needs roughly 2–3 kWh of usable battery. Running an AC on battery needs far more and is rarely worth it.
Compare both prices for your bill in the calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Does on-grid solar work during a power cut?
No. Grid-tied inverters shut down when the grid fails so that no power flows back to lines under repair. This is a safety requirement.
Can I add batteries later?
Yes, if you choose a hybrid-ready inverter at the start. Otherwise a separate battery inverter can be added, at higher cost.
Which battery is best?
Lithium (LiFePO4) lasts longer and needs no maintenance; tubular lead-acid is cheaper upfront but needs water top-ups and replacement in four to six years.