The subsidy math and the technology are the easy part of going solar — the vendor you choose is what determines whether the next ten years of that system are smooth or a headache. Most of the questions that matter never make it onto a sales pitch.
This checklist covers what to actually ask before you sign, what to look for during the site visit, and what a real quote should include.
Start With Empanelment, Not Price
Before comparing a single rupee of pricing, confirm the vendor is actually empanelled with your DISCOM. A cheaper quote from a non-empanelled installer is not a deal — it's a system that won't qualify for your subsidy at all.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
- •Are you empanelled with my specific DISCOM, and can you show me proof?
- •Which panel and inverter brands do you install, and are they ALMM/MNRE-certified?
- •What's included in the quoted price — mounting structure, wiring, net meter application, and commissioning?
- •How long is the workmanship warranty, separate from the manufacturer's equipment warranty?
- •Who handles the DISCOM paperwork and net-metering application — you, or the vendor?
- •What's your average time from signed agreement to a commissioned, working system?
- •What happens if a panel or inverter fails in year two — who do I call, and what's the response time?
Red Flags During the Site Visit
- •A quote given without anyone visiting your roof first.
- •Vague answers about which specific panel model and inverter brand will be used.
- •Pressure to pay the full amount upfront, before any site survey or feasibility approval.
- •No mention of the DISCOM approval or net-metering process at all.
What a Good Quote Actually Includes
A complete quote itemizes the panels, inverter, mounting structure, wiring and cabling, net meter application handling, installation labor, and commissioning — not a single bundled number with no breakdown.
After Installation: What Should Continue
A good vendor doesn't disappear once the system is commissioned. Ask what ongoing support looks like — performance monitoring, an annual cleaning/inspection visit, and a clear escalation path if generation drops unexpectedly.
How ZEP360 Helps Vendors Win (and Keep) Customer Trust
For EPCs, every question on this checklist is really a documentation and communication problem. ZEP360 gives customers a live view of their project stage — DISCOM approval, installation, commissioning — so "where's my system?" stops being a phone call and starts being something the customer can just check themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I always go with the cheapest quote?
No. Compare quotes on what's actually included — equipment brand, warranty terms, and who manages the DISCOM paperwork — not just the bottom-line number.
How many quotes should I get before deciding?
Three is a reasonable baseline — enough to compare equipment choices and warranty terms without dragging the decision out for weeks.
Can I switch vendors partway through the process?
It's possible before installation begins, but switching after your DISCOM has approved feasibility with a specific vendor can reset parts of the approval process, so it's best avoided once that stage is cleared.
