Thinking about going solar but unsure what actually happens after you say yes? The installation itself is only a day or two on the roof — but there's a clear sequence of steps around it, from the first survey through subsidy paperwork, TANGEDCO approvals, and the final switch-on. This guide walks you through every stage so you know exactly what to expect, who handles what, and how long it takes.
The 7 Steps of Solar Installation in Chennai
Here's the complete process, in order. A full-service installer manages almost all of this for you — your involvement is mostly at the start (survey and decision) and the end (switch-on).
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Enquiry & Free Site Survey Day 1
It starts with a rooftop survey. The installer inspects your usable roof area, roof type (RCC, sheet, sloped), tilt, and any shading from tanks, walls, trees or neighbouring buildings. They also review a few months of your electricity bills to understand your consumption. This is where the right system size is determined — if you want to estimate it yourself first, use our solar system size calculator.
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System Design & Quotation Days 2–4
Based on the survey, you receive a tailored design: recommended capacity, panel and inverter specifications, layout, expected monthly generation, and a transparent price. A good quote also shows your estimated savings and the subsidy you'll receive. Compare it against our Chennai solar price guide so you know the numbers are fair.
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Agreement & Subsidy Registration Week 1
Once you confirm, you're registered on the PM Surya Ghar portal for the central subsidy. The installer prepares the documentation — you'll typically need ID proof, address proof, a recent electricity bill, and a photo of your roof. Full detail is in our PM Surya Ghar application guide.
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TANGEDCO Net-Metering Application Weeks 1–3
To export surplus power and get credited for it, an application goes to TANGEDCO for net-metering approval. This is usually the longest step because it depends on the utility's processing and feasibility check. Our guide to TANGEDCO solar rules explains how net metering works.
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Installation 1–3 days
The hands-on part. The team fits the mounting structure (galvanised, wind-rated for your roof), lays and secures the panels, installs the inverter, and completes the DC/AC wiring, earthing and safety equipment. For a typical home system this is done in one to three days with minimal disruption.
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Inspection & Net Meter Installation Week 3–4
TANGEDCO inspects the completed installation for safety and compliance, then replaces your existing meter with a bidirectional net meter that records both the power you import and the surplus you export.
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Commissioning, Switch-On & Subsidy Credit Week 4–5
The system is commissioned and switched on — you're now generating your own power. After commissioning, the PM Surya Ghar subsidy is credited directly to your bank account, and your monthly TANGEDCO bills start reflecting your solar savings.
How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
Homeowners often assume solar takes months. In reality the installation is quick — the timeline is driven by approvals. Here's a realistic breakdown:
| Stage | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Survey to quotation | 2–4 days |
| Agreement & subsidy registration | 3–5 days |
| TANGEDCO net-metering approval | 1–3 weeks |
| Physical installation | 1–3 days |
| Inspection & net meter | 3–7 days |
| Commissioning & switch-on | 1–2 days |
| Total (enquiry to switch-on) | ~3–5 weeks |
Timelines vary with TANGEDCO processing, roof complexity and document readiness. Having your documents ready upfront is the single biggest way to speed things up.
Documents You'll Need
Keeping these ready avoids delays at the subsidy and net-metering stages:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Recent electricity bill | Links the system to your TANGEDCO service connection |
| ID proof (Aadhaar / PAN) | Subsidy registration |
| Address proof | Verifies the installation location |
| Bank account details | For the subsidy to be credited |
| Roof photograph | Initial feasibility and design |
What You Handle vs What the Installer Handles
One of the most common questions is how much of this falls on you. With a full-service installer, very little:
| You handle | The installer handles |
|---|---|
| Providing documents & bill | Site survey & system design |
| Approving the design & quote | PM Surya Ghar subsidy filing |
| Giving roof access on install days | TANGEDCO net-metering application |
| Being present at switch-on | Installation, inspection coordination & commissioning |
Tips for a Smooth Installation
A few things make the whole process faster and trouble-free: keep your documents ready before you sign, make sure the name on your electricity bill matches your ID and bank details (mismatches are the most common cause of subsidy delays), clear the roof area of clutter before install day, and choose an installer who does the work in-house rather than subcontracting — it keeps quality and accountability in one place.
Ready to Start? Book Your Free Site Survey
We manage the entire process end to end — survey, design, subsidy, TANGEDCO net metering, installation and switch-on. You just enjoy the savings.
Book My Free SurveyFrequently Asked Questions
How long does solar panel installation take in Chennai?
The physical installation takes 1–3 days. The full process from enquiry to switch-on, including subsidy and TANGEDCO net-metering approval, usually takes about 3–5 weeks — most of it approval and inspection time.
What is the first step to getting solar?
A free site survey, where an installer checks your rooftop for usable area, shading and structure, and reviews your electricity bill to recommend the right system size before quoting.
Do I have to handle the subsidy and TANGEDCO paperwork?
No. A full-service installer files the PM Surya Ghar subsidy and TANGEDCO net-metering application for you. You only provide basic documents like ID, address proof and a recent bill.
When do I receive the subsidy?
The PM Surya Ghar subsidy is credited to your bank account after the system is installed, inspected and commissioned — usually a few weeks after switch-on.