How to Choose a Solar Installer in India

# How to Choose a Solar Installer in India — 10 Questions to Ask Before Signing **Last Updated:** February 10, 2026 India's solar market is booming — and with it, the number of solar installation companies. The good ones have installed thousands of systems with excellent service. The bad ones take your money, install subpar panels, and disappear when you need warranty support. Before you sign any contract or pay any money, ask every installer these 10 questions. --- ## Why Choosing the Right Installer Matters Your solar installer is responsible for: - Designing the right system for your home - Procuring genuine panels and inverters (not fakes) - Doing safe, high-quality installation - Getting net metering approved from your DISCOM - Providing after-sales service for 5–10 years - Helping you claim the PM Surya Ghar subsidy A bad installation can be dangerous (fire risk from poor wiring), underperform (wrong panel orientation), or leave you with no recourse for warranty claims. --- ## 10 Questions to Ask Every Solar Installer ### 1. Are you empanelled with my DISCOM? **Why it matters:** Only DISCOM-empanelled vendors can submit net metering applications and PM Surya Ghar subsidy claims on your behalf. **Good answer:** "Yes, we are registered with [Your DISCOM name]. Here is our vendor registration number." **Red flag:** "We'll handle it, don't worry" without giving specifics. Ask them to show you their empanelment certificate or look it up on your DISCOM's website. --- ### 2. What brands of panels and inverters do you supply? **Why it matters:** Your panels will generate electricity for 25+ years. Brand matters for quality and warranty support. **Good answer:** Names like Waaree, Adani Solar, Tata Power Solar, Vikram Solar (for panels), and Sungrow, Growatt, SMA, ABB/FIMER (for inverters). **Red flag:** "Our own brand" or unfamiliar Chinese brands with no Indian presence, or vague answers like "good quality panels." Ask for the make and model number, then look it up on the MNRE ALMM list to confirm it's subsidy-eligible. --- ### 3. How many systems have you installed in my city? **Why it matters:** Local experience means faster DISCOM approvals, familiarity with local structural requirements, and an existing reference network. **Good answer:** Specific numbers — "We have done 200+ installations in Pune, here are some references you can call." **Red flag:** Vague claims like "thousands across India" with no local references. If they can't give you 2–3 local customer references, be suspicious. --- ### 4. Can I see your GSTIN and company registration? **Why it matters:** Fly-by-night operators often have no formal company registration. If they disappear, you have no legal recourse. **Good answer:** Shares GSTIN number immediately. Invoice will have GST breakup. **Red flag:** "We prefer cash transactions" or "we can give you a cheaper rate without GST." This is a scam warning sign — if they hide from GST, they'll hide from warranty obligations too. --- ### 5. What is your workmanship warranty? **Why it matters:** The panel brand gives a performance warranty (25 years). But installation defects (wrong wiring, loose mounts, water ingress) are the installer's responsibility, not the panel brand's. **Good answer:** "We provide 5 years workmanship warranty on installation, all our work is insured." **Industry standard:** 2–5 years workmanship warranty from installer **Minimum acceptable:** 2 years **Red flag:** "We don't have workmanship warranty" or "panels have 25-year warranty so you're covered" — installation defects are not covered by the panel brand. --- ### 6. What does your after-sales service include? **Why it matters:** Solar systems need periodic inspections, cleaning, and occasionally component replacement. You need a responsive service team. **Good answer:** "We have a dedicated service team in your city. AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract) is available at ₹X/year which includes 2 annual inspections and priority response for faults within 48 hours." **Red flag:** "Just call us if there's a problem." No structured service commitment is a warning sign. --- ### 7. Will you handle the net metering application end-to-end? **Why it matters:** Net metering application involves technical documentation, DISCOM submissions, and follow-ups. An experienced installer handles this without you lifting a finger. **Good answer:** "Yes, we handle the complete net metering application including all documentation, site visits for meter change, and follow-up until the meter is installed. Expected time: 30–60 days." **Red flag:** "You'll need to go to the DISCOM office yourself." This suggests limited DISCOM experience. --- ### 8. What are the payment terms? **Why it matters:** Advance payment before work starts is a scam vector. Reliable installers accept payment in milestones. **Standard payment structure:** - 20–30% advance on signing - 40–50% after material delivery at site - 20–30% after commissioning and meter installation **Red flag:** 100% advance demanded before any work starts. Or "cash only, no receipt" terms. --- ### 9. What monitoring system will I get? **Why it matters:** You should be able to monitor your daily solar generation on your phone. Good inverters come with free apps. **Good answer:** "Your Sungrow inverter comes with the iSolarCloud app, and you'll get real-time generation data. We'll help you set it up." **Red flag:** No monitoring provided, or only a basic analog display at the inverter. --- ### 10. What is the expected payback period for my system? **Why it matters:** A reputable installer should calculate your estimated payback period honestly. Beware of unrealistic promises. **Realistic range (2025 India):** 3–7 years depending on city, consumption, and tariff rate **Red flag:** Claims of 1–2 year payback, or refuses to discuss financial returns at all. --- ## Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away - No physical office address or registered company - Pressure to sign within 24–48 hours ("offer expiring soon") - Dramatically cheaper quote than everyone else (panel brand compromise) - No written contract or very vague contract - Won't share references of completed projects - Asks for full payment before installation --- ## Getting Multiple Quotes Always get quotes from at least **3 installers** before deciding. Compare: - Panel brand and model - Inverter brand and model - Total system cost and cost per watt - Warranty terms (workmanship + product + performance) - Payment milestones - Timeline for completion + net meter installation [Find verified solar installers in your city and compare quotes →](https://gosolarindex.in)

How to Choose a Solar Installer in India — 10 Questions to Ask Before Signing

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