Solar panels
Mono PERC and polycrystalline modules from UTL, from 40 W panels for a single light to 400 W modules for rooftop systems. What the numbers on a datasheet mean, and the one check that decides whether you get the subsidy.
Updated 11 September 2026
Reading a panel datasheet
- Maximum power (Pmax), in watts, measured at standard test conditions: 1000 W/m² of sunlight at a cell temperature of 25 °C. Punjab rooftops in May are far hotter than 25 °C, so real output is lower at midday. Our calculator allows for this.
- Module efficiency. The share of sunlight turned into electricity. Higher efficiency means more watts per square foot of roof, which matters when the roof is small.
- Voc and Isc, open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current. The installer uses these to match the panel strings to the inverter.
- Power tolerance. A positive tolerance means a panel will not produce less than its rating at test conditions.
- Warranty. UTL lists a 25-year performance warranty on its panels; the product warranty for defects is separate. Check both on the datasheet of the model you buy.
The check that decides the subsidy
PM Surya Ghar pays only for systems built with ALMM-listed modules. The inspector checks the model. If it is not on the list, the subsidy is lost and cannot be recovered after installation. Ask for the exact model number on your quote and check it against the current ALMM list before the panels go up.
Panels alone, or a complete system?
If you are replacing or adding panels to an existing system, match the voltage and current to your inverter or charge controller. If you are starting fresh, buy a matched system: panels, inverter, mounting structure and wiring designed together. It avoids the mismatches that waste generation.
Questions we are asked
Mono PERC or polycrystalline?
For rooftop systems, mono PERC. It gives more watts from the same roof area and handles heat slightly better. Small polycrystalline panels still make sense for lighting kits and small off-grid loads where cost matters more than space.
How much roof does a panel need?
A 72-cell module of 390 to 400 W is roughly 2 m long and 1 m wide. For a complete system, allow about 100 sq ft of shade-free roof per kW, including the gaps between rows for access and to avoid shading.
Do the panels need to be ALMM-listed?
For the PM Surya Ghar subsidy, yes. Only models on the government’s ALMM list qualify. We confirm the listing of the exact model on your quote before installation.