Before we start
- Your last 6–12 electricity bills (they show real consumption and sanctioned load).
- Shadow-free roof or ground area — a rough measure is enough for the first visit.
- Your electricity connection details (consumer number, phase, sanctioned load).
- Society or owner permission if the building is shared or rented.
The installation process
- 1
Site survey and energy assessment
1 visit, 1–2 hours
An engineer visits to see what your property can actually support, and to understand how you use power.
- Roof type, usable area, tilt, orientation and shading from trees, tanks and neighbouring buildings.
- Structural check — can the roof carry the added load of panels and mounting structure.
- Review of your bills to size the system to your consumption, not a generic number.
- Inspection of the main panel, earthing and cable routes to the inverter location.
- 2
System type and design
2–5 days
The system is chosen to fit your goal: lower bills, backup during outages, or independence from the grid.
- On-grid: lowest cost, exports surplus to the grid, stops during a grid outage.
- Hybrid: grid-connected with battery backup for essential loads.
- Off-grid: fully independent with batteries, for places without reliable supply.
- Panel count and layout, string design, inverter rating, cable sizes and protection devices are drawn up, with an expected generation estimate.
- 3
Quotation and agreement
1–3 days
You receive an itemised quotation so you can compare it like for like.
- Panel make and wattage, inverter make and rating, mounting structure material, cables and protection.
- Warranty terms for panels, inverter and workmanship, stated in writing.
- What is included: approvals support, net-metering paperwork, transport, installation and commissioning.
- Payment milestones tied to delivery, installation and commissioning.
- 4
Approvals, subsidy and net-metering application
1–4 weeks (runs in parallel)
Grid-connected systems need the distribution utility's permission before they are switched on.
- Application for a net-metering or grid-connection agreement with your utility (in Kerala, KSEB).
- Eligible residential systems may qualify for a government subsidy under central or state schemes — eligibility, caps and deadlines change, so we confirm current rules with you before you apply.
- Documents typically needed: ID, latest bill, property proof, roof ownership or consent, and system details.
- Installation can usually be scheduled while the application is processed, but the system is not connected to the grid until it is approved.
- 5
Material delivery and mounting structure
1 day
Equipment is checked against the quotation on delivery, then the structure that holds the panels is fixed.
- Galvanised or aluminium structures anchored to the roof with waterproofed fixings so the roof does not leak.
- Tilt and spacing set for generation and for safe maintenance access.
- Structure earthed and checked for wind load before any panel is placed.
- 6
Panel installation and DC wiring
1–2 days
Panels are mounted and connected in strings, then routed to the inverter.
- Panels clamped to the structure and cleaned; strings wired with UV-rated solar cable and MC4 connectors.
- DC isolators and surge protection fitted; cable runs tidied, clipped and protected from sun and rodents.
- String voltages and polarity are measured and logged before connection to the inverter.
- 7
Inverter, AC wiring and earthing
1 day
The inverter converts DC to usable AC and ties the system into your wiring safely.
- Inverter mounted in a ventilated, shaded, accessible spot; battery bank installed if the design includes one.
- AC breakers, a dedicated metering/isolation point, and proper earthing and lightning protection.
- Monitoring Wi-Fi or data logger connected so you can see generation on your phone.
- 8
Testing, inspection and commissioning
Half a day to 2 weeks (utility dependent)
Everything is tested, then the utility inspects and installs or reprograms the meter.
- Insulation, earthing and voltage tests, followed by a trial run under load.
- Utility inspection and bi-directional meter installation for net metering.
- Once cleared, the system is switched on and you start generating and exporting.
- 9
Handover and training
1 hour
You are shown how to read the monitoring app, what normal looks like, and what to do if something does not.
- As-built drawings, warranty cards, test reports and approval documents handed over.
- Safe shutdown procedure and who to call for service.
After installation
- Clean panels every few weeks in dusty seasons — soft water and a soft wiper, never at midday on hot panels.
- Keep the area around the panels clear of new shade, such as growing branches.
- Check the monitoring app monthly; a sudden drop in generation is the earliest sign of a fault.
- Book an annual inspection of connections, earthing and structure fixings.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a solar installation take?
The physical installation of a home system usually takes 2–4 days. The overall timeline is mostly the approval and meter work, which can add a few weeks, and depends on the utility.
Will solar work during a power cut?
A plain on-grid system switches off during a grid outage for safety. A hybrid system with batteries, or an off-grid system, can keep chosen loads running.
Does the roof need to be south-facing?
South-facing is ideal in India, but east or west roofs still generate well. Shade matters far more than direction, which is why we check it at the survey.
Do I need to maintain it?
Very little. Periodic cleaning, a monthly look at the generation figures and a yearly inspection are usually enough.
Is subsidy guaranteed?
No. Eligibility, amounts and deadlines depend on current government schemes and your category. We check the current position with you before you commit.
Timings are typical ranges. Your site survey confirms the actual schedule. See our Solar solutions