Ever felt that odd mix of excitement and nervousness when thinking about going solar? Like, you’re thrilled about cutting your electricity bill, but also… “How do I know I’m picking the right installer?”
Totally normal.
India’s solar market is booming; everyone from seasoned engineers to someone who once fixed inverters during summer vacations is now “doing solar.” And hey, good business is good for the country — but picking your vendor does matter. A lot.
Because honestly? Panels don’t fail as much as vendors do.
It’s the wiring, the after-sales support, the approvals, the roof work — the things you don’t see in Instagram promos.
So, here’s a simple, real-world checklist. Not intimidating. Not jargon-heavy. Just the things smart homeowners quietly verify.
1. Do They Have Valid Registrations & Govt Approvals?
You don’t need a magnifying glass like Sherlock Holmes — just basic proof:
- GST registration
- MNRE-empanelled or DISCOM-approved (where required)
- Basic service documentation
No fancy talk, no “bro trust me.”
If a vendor hesitates when you ask for paperwork, imagine how they’ll react when you ask for service after two years.
A dependable vendor proudly shows credentials. They don’t “see later.”
2. Real Experience… Relevant to Your Roof
See, a vendor may have installed 2MW in a factory.
Looks impressive — except your home isn’t a steel shed with flat RCC and no neighbors throwing shade (both literal and metaphorical).
For homes, you need someone who knows:
- Shaded rooftops
- Tin sheet mounts
- RCC anchor safety
- Aesthetic wiring
- Net-metering queues (yes, patience game)
If they say, “Residential is easy,” smile politely — and pick someone else. Homes need finesse, not ego.
3. Brand Transparency
A good installer doesn’t hide brands like it’s a family secret.
Ask clearly:
- Which panel brand? (Tier-1 like JA, Adani, LONGi, Waaree, Vikram)
- Which inverter? (SMA, Solis, Growatt, Enphase for hybrid, etc.)
- Battery tech? (If hybrid — lithium LFP preferred)
And please — no unnamed Chinese panels with stickers.
If you hear “same factory only sir,” your mental alarm bell must ring. Loudly.
4. Warranty Clarity — Not Just Numbers
Everyone says “25-year warranty.”
But is it performance warranty? Product warranty?
Who claims it — vendor or manufacturer?
Quick rule:
If they can explain warranty like they’re explaining how to book a movie ticket — they know what they’re doing.
If they talk in circles, hmm… probably not.
5. Quality of Rooftop Survey
A proper survey isn’t someone squinting at your roof and saying “haan ho jaayega.”
You should see:
- Compass or phone solar path tool (like SolarEdge SetApp, PVGIS, or simple SunPATH apps)
- Tape, measuring tools
- Shade mapping
- Wiring route planning
- Load analysis (past bills + load list)
If they don’t visit your home and send a quote “just roughly,” you know they’ll also “roughly” support you later.
6. Mounting & Wiring — The Unsung Heroes
Here’s the thing — your panels create power, but wiring protects your home.
Ask about:
- DC/AC cable brand quality (Finolex, Polycab, Havells)
- Earthing & SPD safety devices
- Aluminium or GI structures with anti-rust treatment
- Conduits that don’t crack in summer
No one brags about neat wiring.
But six years later, you’ll be grateful for it.
Or you’ll be searching “burnt inverter smell meaning” at 11:30pm.
Let’s avoid that.
7. Net-Metering Support
Solar without net-metering is like buying an AC and never turning it on.
You want a vendor who:
- Understands your DISCOM process
- Provides document support
- Tracks status and follows up
- Doesn’t say “sir government delay not my fault” and vanish
Yes, paperwork in India moves like a slow dosa batter on winter mornings — but a responsible vendor guides you patiently.
8. After-Sales Culture
Maintenance isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential.
Ask:
- Response time commitment
- AMC options
- Who handles service — company team or “sub-contract friend”?
A simple test:
Send them a query on WhatsApp at 8pm.
If they reply next day without attitude, that’s a good sign.
Service isn’t a department — it’s a habit.
9. Transparency and Human Vibe
Sounds soft, but trust me — this matters.
Notice:
- Do they explain in simple language?
- Do they pressure you to decide fast?
- Are they okay answering “silly” questions?
- Do they note your specific concerns (like balcony shading or kids on terrace)?
Some vendors talk like gods.
Others talk like partners. You know which one to pick.
10. Real Guarantees, Not WhatsApp Promises
Ask for:
- Written proposal
- Warranty documents
- Site photos from past installs
- Timeline for delivery and commissioning
A professional gives clarity.
Not “we’ll see as it comes.”
Tiny Red Flags Most People Miss
- Quote without site visit
- “Sir panels are same everywhere”
- Only talking price, not quality
- No company email — only WhatsApp
- 100% advance request (big no)
Trust your gut.
Usually, the first five minutes tell the story.
🌱 Final Thought
Solar is one of those decisions you make once — like buying a home appliance that quietly works for 25 years. So take your time. Ask questions. Enjoy the process.
The sun isn’t running away.
Neither should your peace of mind.
And hey — if you ever want a steady, professional team that treats your roof like their own terrace during Sankranti (careful feet, neat ropes, and absolute respect) — AltiSun Solar is right here.
No over-promising. No vanishing.
Just honest solar, done right.
