Walk into any solar market and you'll hear three words: Mono PERC, TOPCon, Polycrystalline. Here's what they actually mean, what they cost in 2026, and which one belongs on your Rajasthan roof.
The three types in plain language
- Polycrystalline (older): Blue, speckled panels with 16–17% efficiency. Cheap, but fading from the market — most brands have stopped making them.
- Mono PERC (current standard): Black panels with 21–22% efficiency. The sweet spot of price and performance — this is what 90% of rooftop systems use today.
- TOPCon (new generation): The next step up — 22–23% efficiency, better output in heat and low light. Priced only slightly above Mono PERC in 2026.
2026 price per watt — what's fair
| Panel Type | Wholesale (JMK, April 2026) | Retail (branded, with warranty) |
|---|---|---|
| Mono PERC | ≈ ₹13.8 / Wp | ₹16 – ₹21 / W |
| TOPCon | ≈ ₹14.2 / Wp | ₹17 – ₹22 / W |
| DCR Mono PERC | ≈ ₹22.3 / Wp | ₹22 – ₹25 / W |
Wholesale prices are factory-gate for bulk buyers; retail includes margin, freight and warranty support.
ALMM and DCR — the two rules that matter
- ALMM (Approved List of Models & Manufacturers): Only ALMM-listed modules are allowed on grid-connected rooftop plants in India. Every panel Raavi Solar sells is ALMM-listed.
- DCR (Domestic Content Requirement): PM Surya Ghar subsidized plants must use DCR panels made from Indian cells. ALMM-DCR listed panels are slightly costlier but mandatory for the ₹78,000 subsidy.
⚠️ If a quote seems too cheap, check the panel against the ALMM list. Non-listed panels disqualify you from subsidy AND net metering — a very expensive "saving".
What to look for beyond the type
- Wattage per panel: 540–600 W is today's standard. Fewer, larger panels = lower structure and cable cost.
- Temperature coefficient: Rajasthan roofs touch 60°C+. Panels with a lower temperature coefficient (TOPCon wins here) lose less output in peak summer.
- Degradation warranty: Look for ≤0.55%/year linear degradation with an 80% output guarantee at year 25.
- Bifacial: Glass-on-glass panels that capture reflected light — excellent for light-coloured or ground-mounted setups.
- Brand service network: Tata Power, Adani, Waaree, Vikram, Goldi and RenewSys all maintain Rajasthan service presence.
Our honest recommendation for Rajasthan
Budget pick: Goldi / RenewSys Mono PERC — genuine ALMM quality at ₹16–18/W. Best value: Adani / Waaree Mono PERC 560W+. Premium & heat-optimized: TOPCon from Tata Power or Vikram — worth the small premium for 45°C summers and 25-year peace of mind.
Still unsure? Send us your roof size and budget on WhatsApp — we'll recommend the exact panel and show you the generation difference in writing.