# Solar Panel Installation Process in India — What to Expect Step by Step **Last Updated:** March 1, 2026 Going solar is a significant decision, and the installation process involves multiple stages spread over weeks to months. Knowing what to expect at each stage helps you plan, ask the right questions, and avoid delays. Here is a complete walkthrough of the typical solar installation process in India from start to finish. --- ## Overview: Total Timeline | Phase | Duration | What Happens | |-------|----------|-------------| | Site Survey | 1–3 days | Installer assesses rooftop | | Quotation and Agreement | 1–7 days | You compare and sign | | DISCOM Application | 7–30 days | Installer gets approval | | Procurement | 7–14 days | Equipment sourced | | Installation | 1–3 days | Physical work on roof | | Inspection | 2–5 days | DISCOM visits | | Net Meter Installation | 7–30 days | DISCOM changes meter | | Commissioning | 1 day | System goes live | | Subsidy Disbursement | 30–60 days | Money hits your account | **Total: 45–120 days** depending on your state and DISCOM. --- ## Phase 1: Site Survey (Day 1–3) After you contact a solar installer, the first step is a free site survey. ### What the installer assesses: - **Rooftop area:** Usable flat space, after deducting water tanks, staircase structures, shading objects - **Roof orientation:** South-facing roofs give maximum output in India; east-west is acceptable; north-facing is suboptimal - **Shadow analysis:** Trees, neighboring buildings, water overhead tanks that shade panels during peak hours - **Structural integrity:** Can the roof support the weight of panels and mounting structure? (Typically 15–25 kg/m²) - **Electrical infrastructure:** Existing distribution board, main cable size, grounding system - **Distance to distribution board:** Longer cable runs increase cost ### What you should have ready: - Last 3–6 electricity bills (to confirm consumption pattern) - Layout of the house/rooftop if available - Clear access to rooftop for the surveyor ### What you receive: - Recommended system size - Panel layout design (how panels will be placed) - Preliminary quotation --- ## Phase 2: Quotation Comparison and Contract Signing After getting quotes from 3+ installers, compare: - **System design** (panel brand, inverter brand, capacity) - **Cost per watt** (good indicator of value) - **Warranty terms** (workmanship + product + performance) - **Timeline** promised for installation and net meter - **Payment milestones** (avoid paying 100% upfront) ### Contract must include: - Exact make and model of all components - Total capacity (kW) - Projected annual generation (kWh) - Payment schedule tied to milestones - Workmanship warranty duration - AMC terms (if purchased) - Timeline commitment --- ## Phase 3: DISCOM Application for Net Metering (Days 7–37) For grid-connected systems, your installer applies for DISCOM approval before installation can begin. ### Application includes: - Single Line Diagram (SLD) of proposed system - Load details and sanctioned load from your connection - Technical specifications of panels and inverter - Site photos ### DISCOM review process: 1. Technical team reviews application 2. If any query, they contact installer (common — expect 1–2 rounds) 3. Feasibility letter issued (approves the capacity and site) **Timeline:** 7–30 days. Faster in Maharashtra (MSEDCL portal is digitized), slower in some states where it's manual. **Note:** In some states, DISCOM approval comes after installation. The installer knows local practice. Ask them to clarify the exact sequence in your state. --- ## Phase 4: Equipment Procurement (Days 14–28) After DISCOM approval (or in parallel, depending on state practice), the installer procures equipment. ### For a standard 3 kW system, components ordered: - 8–10 monocrystalline solar panels (depending on wattage) - 1 string inverter (3 kW) - Mounting structure (aluminum rails, L-feet, clamps) - DC cables (6 mm²), AC cables (4–6 mm²) - MC4 connectors, junction boxes - DC/AC isolator switches, MCBs, surge protection devices - Earthing rods and cables **Delivery to site:** 7–14 days for branded equipment. Locally sourced structure may come faster. ### What you should check when equipment arrives: - Ask for invoice/challan showing panel and inverter brand + model number - Match with what was agreed in the contract - Report any visible damage before work begins (photograph everything) --- ## Phase 5: Physical Installation (Day 1–3 at your site) The actual installation work usually takes 1–3 days for a residential system. ### Day 1 — Mounting Structure: - Marking of panel positions on roof (based on SLD) - Drilling and fixing of anchor bolts into roof (sealed with waterproof compound) - Aluminum rail installation (horizontal and vertical) - **Key check:** Ensure sealant is properly applied at all drill points — poor sealing causes roof leakage later ### Day 2 — Panels and Inverter: - Panels placed on mounting structure and clamped - DC cables run from panels to inverter (usually through conduit or clipped along structure) - Inverter mounted on wall near DB (inverter needs ventilation — should not be in direct sunlight) - Earthing system connected ### Day 3 — Electrical and Testing: - AC connection from inverter to distribution board - Safety devices installed (DC/AC isolators, MCBs, surge protectors) - Grounding completed and tested - Pre-commissioning testing: open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, insulation resistance test - Inverter powered on — system should show generation ### Electricity supply during installation: - The AC supply to the inverter is briefly disconnected during installation - This takes 30–60 minutes maximum - Rest of house supply remains unaffected --- ## Phase 6: DISCOM Inspection After installation, the DISCOM sends a team to inspect: - Verify installed capacity matches approved design - Check safety compliance (isolators, earthing) - Verify inverter model matches application **Timeline:** 3–14 days for inspection appointment. Can be longer in busy states. --- ## Phase 7: Net Meter Installation After inspection approval: - DISCOM team visits to replace existing meter with bi-directional net meter - Takes 1–2 hours on the day of visit - **Timeline:** 7–30 days after inspection clearance Once net meter is installed, your system is officially commissioned. --- ## Phase 8: Going Live and Monitoring Setup On commissioning day: - Installer helps you set up monitoring app (Sungrow iSolarCloud, Growatt ShinePhone, etc.) - Verify real-time generation is showing correctly - Review how to read your new bi-directional meter **What to monitor:** - Daily generation (kWh) - Monthly generation vs expected - Export vs import units --- ## Phase 9: PM Surya Ghar Subsidy Disbursement If you registered under the PM Surya Ghar scheme: 1. Upload commissioning certificate on pmsuryaghar.gov.in 2. Submit bank account details 3. Subsidy credited within 30–60 days via DBT --- ## Common Installation Delays and How to Avoid Them | Delay Cause | Solution | |-------------|---------| | DISCOM application rejection | Use experienced installer who knows your DISCOM | | Equipment supply delay | Confirm procurement timelines before signing | | Roof access issues | Clear roof before installation day | | Transformer overload in area | Check with DISCOM before committing to large system | | Meter replacement takes long | Follow up weekly with DISCOM after inspection | --- [Find verified solar installers in your city who can manage this entire process for you →](https://gosolarindex.in)