Solar Buyer’s Guide and Installation Checklist
Use this checklist before signing and again at handover to avoid common problems.
Before you sign
- Get at least two itemised written quotations
- Confirm panel, inverter and battery brand and model numbers
- Check warranties and who honours them
- Ask how subsidy and DISCOM paperwork are handled
- Verify registration where schemes require it
At handover
- Test generation display and monitoring
- Receive warranty cards, manuals and invoices
- Get earthing and protection details
- Know the cleaning and maintenance plan
- Confirm net meter commissioning where applicable
Red flags
- Pressure to pay fully upfront
- Vague or missing equipment details
- Guaranteed bill-free promises
Documents to keep after installation
- Final invoice and itemised equipment list with serial numbers
- Warranty cards for panels, inverter and batteries
- Single-line diagram and earthing details
- Net metering approval and commissioning certificate where applicable
- Service contact details and maintenance schedule
Quick comparison method
Place two quotations side by side and tick each item: capacity, panel model, inverter model, structure, cables, earthing, paperwork, warranty and payment schedule. Missing items are where hidden differences usually sit.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pay in stages?
Stage-wise payment tied to milestones is common. Agree this in writing.