Solar installation and handover checklist

Before installation

1. A site survey has checked the roof’s direction, shade through the day, strength, and the cable route to your meter board.
2. The size fits your sanctioned load, or the load increase has been approved by PSPCL.
3. For the subsidy: your portal application is in and PSPCL’s feasibility approval has arrived.
4. The vendor is registered on the PM Surya Ghar portal.
5. You have the quote in writing, itemised, with the panel and inverter make and model.
6. The panels being delivered match the quote: make, model, wattage and DCR status on the label.
7. You know where the inverter and the distribution boxes will go.

On installation day

8. The mounting structure is fixed firmly and the roof is sealed at every fixing.
9. Panels sit in the planned layout with room to reach them for cleaning.
10. No panel is shaded by a tank, a parapet or the structure itself in the middle of the day.
11. DC cables are in conduit or tray, clipped, and not lying on the roof surface.
12. The DC distribution box has an isolator and surge protection.
13. The AC distribution box has a breaker and surge protection.
14. Earthing pits are dug and connected, the number agreed in the quote.
15. A lightning arrester is fitted where agreed.
16. The inverter is in a shaded, ventilated spot, out of the rain.
17. The site is cleaned up and packaging taken away.

Testing and the net meter

18. The installer shows you the inverter starting and making power.
19. The monitoring app or display is set up, and you can see today’s units.
20. The plant details, photos and serial numbers are submitted on the portal.
21. The net meter application is filed.
22. PSPCL fits the bi-directional net meter and inspects the system.
23. The portal issues the commissioning certificate.
24. Your bank details are submitted for the subsidy.

Papers to collect at handover

25. The invoice.
26. The manufacturer’s warranty cards for the panels, inverter and any battery.
27. The panel and inverter datasheets.
28. A list of the panel and inverter serial numbers.
29. The commissioning certificate.
30. The installer’s service number, and who to call for a warranty claim.
31. A simple drawing of the layout and where the isolators are.

In the first month

32. Note the inverter total and the net meter’s import and export on the same date each week.
33. Check the units against the estimate in your quote, allowing for the weather.
34. Watch the first bill: it should show the import and export readings.
35. The subsidy arrives in your bank account, typically 30 to 45 days after the inspection.