7 questions before installing rooftop solar at home

The questions before installing rooftop solar should help you understand what will go on your roof, what you will pay for and who is responsible for each step. For a homeowner in Andhra Pradesh, a useful proposal connects household electricity use with the roof conditions and the proposed equipment. It also makes exclusions clear, rather than leaving you to discover them later.

Keep your recent electricity bills, roof details and each written proposal together. When reviewing options, check the same items in each document. A lower total is not enough information if the scope, equipment or responsibilities differ.

1. Has someone assessed my roof and explained any work it needs? Ask about usable space, shade, roof condition, drainage and access for maintenance. Water tanks, nearby buildings and trees can affect the layout. The assessment should explain where panels and mounting supports would go, and whether roof repairs or a separate structural review are needed before installation.

Also ask how the installation will address waterproofing and leave access to existing rooftop services. Clarify who pays for any preparatory work and who is responsible if installation-related roof damage occurs. Do not treat a layout drawing as confirmation that every roof concern has been checked.

2. Why is this system size suitable for my household? Ask the installer to explain the recommendation using your electricity bills and usage pattern, not roof area alone. Discuss daytime use and any planned changes, such as adding an air conditioner. If a proposal includes generation or bill estimates, request the assumptions behind them and ask how shade, seasons and electricity billing arrangements could affect the result.

3. Which exact equipment will be supplied? Request the panel and inverter manufacturer, model, quantity and relevant datasheets in writing. Ask for the mounting structure, wiring and protection equipment to be identified too. A brand name alone does not describe the complete system. Any proposed substitution should be explained and agreed before installation.

Sanvi Solar supplies Adani, Waaree, Tata and Renewsolar panels. Inverters may be Polycab, Waaree, Deye or X Watt, and wiring may be Polycab or Finolex. Your proposal should identify the actual selection rather than simply list all available brands.

4. Will the proposed system provide electricity during an outage? Do not assume rooftop panels automatically provide backup. A typical grid-connected system without backup capability shuts down during a grid outage for safety. Ask whether the proposed design includes backup, whether batteries are included and which household loads it is intended to support. If backup matters to you, have its operation and limitations written into the proposal.

5. What does the quoted total include and exclude? Ask for an itemised scope covering equipment, installation, mounting, wiring and taxes. Check whether roof preparation, additional cable runs or other site-specific work could change the total. Request a written process for approving additional charges rather than relying on a verbal understanding.

Sanvi Solar residential quotes include GST, installation, mounting structure and wiring. The net meter and extra approvals are excluded unless specifically stated. Quote validity is seven days, so check the date and request an updated written quote if that period has passed. Payment stages should also be clear before you accept.

6. Who is responsible for applications, metering and any subsidy paperwork? Ask which steps you must complete, which the installer will handle and which depend on the relevant electricity distribution company or authority. Confirm document requirements, separate charges and the distinction between equipment installation and permission to operate. If subsidy support is discussed, verify current eligibility and requirements through official information; do not treat an application as an assured approval or payment.

7. What is covered if something stops working? Sanvi Solar's standard stated warranties are 25 years for panels and eight years for inverters, subject to the written manufacturer warranty. Ask what each warranty covers, what it excludes and whether registration is required. Clarify any product and performance coverage separately, and check whether labour, transport or removal and reinstallation costs are included.

Before deciding, use a final document checklist: roof assessment, sizing explanation, equipment schedule, outage behaviour, inclusions and exclusions, payment stages, application responsibilities and warranty terms. Ask who receives service requests, what installation workmanship cover is offered and which handover documents you will receive. Keep unresolved points in writing and have them clarified before accepting the proposal.