Chennai has no shortage of solar companies knocking on doors and running ads right now — the PM Surya Ghar subsidy has brought a wave of new installers into the market alongside established EPC firms. That's good for competition, but it also means quality varies enormously. A rooftop system is a 25-year investment; getting the installer choice wrong is far more costly than paying a little more upfront to the right one. Here are the 8 questions that actually separate reliable installers from risky ones.
The 8 Questions to Ask Before Signing
Are you an empanelled vendor under the PM Surya Ghar scheme?
This is the single most important filter question. Empanelled vendors are registered with the national portal and DISCOM system, which means they have real experience navigating feasibility approvals, subsidy submissions, and net-metering coordination. A vendor who can't answer this clearly, or who tells you to handle the subsidy application yourself, is signaling limited process experience.
What exact panel and inverter brands will you install — and can you name them right now?
A confident installer names specific Tier-1 brands immediately, along with wattage and model details. A vague answer like "high-quality imported panels" without a brand name is a signal the installer may swap in whatever is cheapest at procurement time — worth pinning down in writing before you sign.
What warranty do you provide — separately for panels, inverter, and workmanship?
These are three different warranties, and it matters that all three are stated separately in writing. Panel manufacturer warranties, inverter manufacturer warranties, and the installer's own workmanship warranty (covering installation errors, leaks, or wiring faults) don't automatically overlap — a system with excellent panel warranty terms can still leave you exposed if workmanship isn't separately covered.
How many systems have you installed, and can I see real, nearby examples?
Ask for a specific number, not a vague "many" or "hundreds." Better installers can point to actual completed projects in your area or similar roof types, and ideally connect you with a past customer for a quick reference call — a small ask that tells you a lot.
Do you handle the entire PM Surya Ghar subsidy application for me?
The subsidy process involves portal registration, feasibility approval, plant-detail submission, and bank KYC coordination. A good installer manages this end-to-end rather than handing you a set of instructions and leaving you to figure it out — this single service difference is worth real money in saved time and avoided mistakes.
Will you manage the TANGEDCO net-metering application and inspection?
Net metering is a separate approval process from the subsidy application, involving its own inspection and meter installation. Ask specifically whether this is included in your quote or billed separately — it's easy for this to become a surprise add-on cost after the main installation is "complete."
Can I see an itemized quote — panels, inverter, structure, wiring, labor, and net-metering charges listed separately?
A single lump-sum number makes it impossible to compare fairly against other quotes or know what you're actually paying for. A transparent installer breaks down every major cost component without being asked twice.
What after-sales service and maintenance do you offer, and for how long?
Solar panels need minimal maintenance, but inverters, wiring, and mounting structures benefit from periodic checks — especially given Chennai's coastal humidity and salt-air exposure. Ask exactly what's included after installation, for how many years, and what a service call costs once that period ends.
Red Flags to Watch For
Beyond the 8 questions above, be cautious if you notice any of the following during your conversations with an installer:
- Pressure to sign immediately with a "today-only" discount — legitimate pricing doesn't usually expire in 24 hours
- No verifiable local address or office — a WhatsApp number and a website alone aren't enough for a 25-year commitment
- Reluctance to put warranty terms in writing, or warranty details that only exist verbally
- Quotes significantly below the market range without a clear explanation of what's different (usually lower-tier equipment or missing scope)
- No mention of net metering or subsidy paperwork until after you've already paid a deposit
A Simple Way to Compare Multiple Quotes
Once you have 2–3 itemized quotes, lay them side by side against the same checklist: equipment brand and wattage, all three warranty terms, whether subsidy and net-metering handling are included, total itemized cost, and installer track record. The lowest number rarely tells the full story — the installer who's most transparent across every one of these points is usually the safer long-term choice, even at a slightly higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the single most important question to ask a solar installer in Chennai?
Whether they are an empanelled vendor under the PM Surya Ghar scheme and handle the full subsidy and TANGEDCO net-metering paperwork themselves. This one question filters out a large share of unreliable installers, since it requires real registration and process experience that fly-by-night vendors typically lack.
Is the cheapest quote usually the best choice?
Not necessarily. A lower price can reflect lower-tier equipment, thinner mounting structures, or no allowance for subsidy and net-metering paperwork support, all of which cost more later in maintenance or delays. Compare itemized quotes on equipment brand, warranty terms, and included services, not just the bottom-line number.
Should I get multiple quotes before choosing a solar company?
Yes, 2 to 3 itemized quotes is a reasonable standard. It gives you a realistic price range for your specific roof and system size, and it makes it easier to spot when a quote is missing scope (like net-metering liaison or workmanship warranty) that others include.
What warranty should I expect on a rooftop solar system?
Reputable Tier-1 panels typically carry manufacturer performance warranties in the 25-year range, inverters usually carry shorter manufacturer warranties, and installers should separately offer their own workmanship warranty covering installation quality. Ask for all three in writing, since they are not the same thing and are sometimes bundled misleadingly into a single quoted number.
Want a transparent, itemized quote you can compare against anyone else's? Get a free site survey and detailed quote from Arka Solar Energy — no obligation.