PM Surya Ghar Solar Installation Process 2026: Survey, Installation and Commissioning

Installation and Commissioning Guide

PM Surya Ghar Solar Installation Process 2026

Follow the project from National Portal registration and site survey through design, material verification, rooftop installation, electrical protection, testing, DISCOM inspection, net metering, commissioning and subsidy-ready handover.

Last Updated: July 25, 2026

Quick Answer: The PM Surya Ghar installation process is not only the physical mounting of solar panels. A compliant project begins with an eligible residential consumer and National Portal application, continues through the correct capacity and registered-vendor selection, written agreement, detailed roof and electrical survey, DCR module and compliant inverter verification, safe installation, testing and portal completion, and finishes only after the applicable DISCOM inspection, approved metering, commissioning record and consumer handover. Government updates have described the workflow as online from registration to subsidy disbursal, with regulatory simplification including waiver of technical feasibility and automatic load enhancement up to 10kW; however, consumers must still follow the live National Portal and their DISCOM’s current stage requirements.
Do not permit installation before capacity, equipment and payment terms are written. Once modules, structure and cables are fixed to the property, correcting the wrong model, unsafe layout or ineligible component becomes more expensive and can delay CFA.

Complete PM Surya Ghar Installation Process Map

  1. Register the eligible residential consumer on the PM Surya Ghar National Portal.
  2. Confirm electricity-consumer details, proposed capacity, connection phase and current DISCOM workflow.
  3. Shortlist registered vendors and request equal-scope itemised quotations.
  4. Complete a physical roof, shade, structural and electrical site survey.
  5. Freeze the module capacity, exact DCR module, inverter model, structure, cable, protection, metering route and project cost.
  6. Sign the vendor-consumer agreement with clear milestones, warranty, maintenance and correction responsibility.
  7. Verify modules, inverter, structure and electrical materials at delivery before they are fixed to the property.
  8. Install the mounting structure with appropriate roof protection, alignment, anchoring and wind considerations.
  9. Mount modules, connect approved strings and install the inverter, protection boxes, cable routes and earthing system.
  10. Perform electrical and mechanical pre-commissioning tests and correct all faults.
  11. Upload installation details, invoice, Project Completion Report, equipment data and required photographs on the portal.
  12. Complete the applicable DISCOM inspection and correction cycle.
  13. Install or configure the approved bidirectional meter and complete the metering agreement.
  14. Synchronise and commission the plant only after the required approval and safety checks.
  15. Receive the handover file, monitoring access, warranties, serial register, maintenance contacts and subsidy-ready records.

Start with the PM Surya Ghar online application guide and confirm the latest status through the application-status guide .

Interactive 20-Point Installation Readiness Tracker

Tick each item only after the evidence exists. Progress is stored only on the current page session and is not submitted to any government portal.

0% complete · 0 of 20 checks
Installation is not ready to start Complete the consumer, capacity, vendor, survey, design and agreement checks before allowing material delivery or rooftop work.

Checks Before the Vendor Site Survey

Consumer

Keep the electricity bill, consumer number, connection phase, sanctioned load, property permission and roof access ready.

Documents

Prepare identity, address, bank and ownership or consent records required for the application and subsidy process.

Vendor

Confirm the company appears as a registered vendor for the application area and verify its legal name and bank account.

Safety

Do not permit workers onto an unsafe roof without access planning, edge protection and an initial structural review.

Check consumer eligibility with the PM Surya Ghar eligibility guide and prepare the records listed in the documents checklist .

What a Proper Solar Site Survey Must Cover

Survey area What the vendor should record Why it matters
Roof dimensions Length, width, obstacles and usable zones Confirms whether the selected capacity fits safely
Shade Morning, noon, afternoon and seasonal shade sources Prevents avoidable generation loss
Roof condition Cracks, leakage, corrosion, tiles, sheet condition and expected life Prevents fixing solar over a failing roof
Structure Slab, beam, purlin, rafter, wind exposure and anchoring options Controls mechanical safety
Orientation and tilt Roof directions and practical module arrangement Controls MPPT and string layout
Inverter location Dry, shaded, ventilated and accessible wall location Controls heat, cable length and service access
Electrical route DC path, AC path, meter position, distribution board and earthing points Controls safety and cost
Connection Phase, sanctioned load, meter and service-panel condition Controls DISCOM and inverter design
Access and lifting Stairs, crane or rope requirements and worker movement Controls logistics and safety
Future use Roof repair, water tank, extension, new floor or capacity expansion Prevents future conflict with the plant

Use the rooftop-area and shade guide to verify the proposed layout.

A video call is not a complete site survey for a complex roof. Physical measurements and electrical inspection should occur before the final price and equipment list are frozen.

Freeze the Solar Design Before Material Is Ordered

  • Exact module DC capacity
  • Module manufacturer, model, wattage, quantity and DCR evidence
  • Inverter manufacturer, model, phase, AC rating and MPPT layout
  • Module-row arrangement and roof orientation
  • Mounting-structure material, height, finish and anchoring
  • DC and AC cable sizes and approximate routes
  • Protection boxes, breakers, isolators and surge protection
  • Earthing electrodes and connection plan
  • Metering and DISCOM coordination responsibility
  • Expected annual generation and written assumptions
  • Confirmed civil, waterproofing and extra work
  • Future expansion or battery plan, where real

Select capacity with the home system-size guide , verify module eligibility in the DCR solar-module guide , and match the inverter through the inverter-selection guide .

Vendor Agreement and Payment Terms Before Installation

Agreement section What should be written
Complete equipment schedule Exact modules, inverter, structure, protection, cable and monitoring
Total price GST-inclusive price and separately listed optional or extra work
CFA statement Expected eligible amount without guaranteeing government approval
Payment milestones Advance, delivery, installation, commissioning and document stages
Completion scope Portal upload, DISCOM inspection, meter and commissioning support
Correction responsibility Vendor bears cost for its component or documentation error
Warranty Product, performance, system and service terms
Maintenance Five-year comprehensive maintenance scope and contact
Cancellation and refund Rules when approval, roof or consumer circumstances prevent installation
Dispute and escalation Company contact, portal grievance and applicable jurisdiction

Compare vendors with the registered-vendor selection guide .

Do not pay the full project price before equipment verification and commissioning. A staged payment schedule preserves the consumer’s ability to require correction.

Verify Solar Materials at Delivery

Solar Modules

Match brand, exact model, wattage, quantity, DCR records, ALMM status, serials and physical condition.

Inverter

Match exact model, phase, rating, serial, BIS/QCO evidence, accessories, communication device and warranty.

Balance of System

Check structure sections, cables, connectors, boxes, breakers, surge protection, earthing material and labels.

  • Photograph cartons, labels and serial numbers before installation.
  • Count all modules and major equipment.
  • Check transport damage and water exposure.
  • Match the delivery challan to the signed quotation.
  • Reject undocumented last-minute substitutions.
  • Keep the delivery document and invoice reference.
Do not accept “equivalent model” without a new written check. A substituted module or inverter can change capacity, string design, DCR, certification, warranty and DISCOM records.

Mounting-Structure Installation

The structure transfers module and wind loads to the roof. It must support safe tilt, drainage, maintenance access and long-term corrosion resistance.

  • Confirm structure layout against the approved drawing.
  • Mark anchor points before drilling or fixing.
  • Protect waterproofing and seal approved penetrations.
  • Check alignment, level, tilt and row spacing.
  • Use specified fasteners, torque and corrosion protection.
  • Preserve drains, tank access and maintenance walkways.
  • Check wind bracing and elevated-structure members.
  • Remove sharp edges and unsafe protrusions.
  • Photograph concealed anchors before modules cover them.
  • Inspect the roof for new cracks or leakage risk.
Do not place ballast or drill anchors without structural and waterproofing consideration. The structure must suit the actual roof, not only the module count.

Solar-Module Mounting and String Assembly

  1. Move modules using safe lifting and handling methods.
  2. Place each module in the approved roof position.
  3. Use manufacturer-compatible clamps and approved clamp zones.
  4. Apply specified fastener torque without damaging frames.
  5. Maintain module gaps, row spacing and access.
  6. Connect modules in the approved string sequence.
  7. Secure cables away from sharp edges, standing water and the roof surface.
  8. Use compatible connectors and avoid unsafe mixed connector pairs.
  9. Label strings and record the module serial map.
  10. Check module glass, frame and junction boxes after installation.
Workers should not stand or walk on solar modules. Hidden cell cracks can reduce performance and create future warranty disputes.

Solar-Inverter Installation

Correct Location

Dry, shaded, ventilated, accessible and within manufacturer clearance limits.

Correct Mounting

Firm wall, vertical alignment, safe height and service access.

Correct Electrical Inputs

String voltage, current and MPPT assignments match the approved calculation.

Unsafe Location

Avoid water sources, direct severe heat, flammable storage and obstructed exits.

  • Match the physical serial and model with documents.
  • Install specified DC and AC isolation.
  • Use approved cable glands and sealed entries.
  • Connect protective earth correctly.
  • Provide monitoring communication and consumer access.
  • Keep shutdown and warning labels visible.

DC and AC Cable Installation

Cable area Installation check
Module leads Supported, clipped and kept away from hot roof and sharp metal
DC string cable Correct polarity, size, insulation, route and voltage rating
Connectors Compatible pair, correct crimp and fully locked connection
Conduit or tray UV, water, mechanical and pest protection suited to location
AC cable Correct current capacity, voltage drop, protection and termination
Building penetration Sealed against water and protected from abrasion
Identification Permanent DC, AC, string, isolator and danger labels
Separation Safe routing from communication, water and other services
Solar DC remains hazardous whenever modules receive light. Installation, testing and fault correction should be performed only by trained personnel using appropriate procedures and equipment.

Protection, Isolation, Earthing and Lightning Risk

  • DC isolation and protective device arrangement
  • AC circuit breaker and isolation
  • DC and AC surge-protection devices where required
  • Inverter earth-fault and anti-islanding functions
  • Module-frame and structure bonding
  • Inverter-enclosure protective earthing
  • Earth electrodes and measured resistance
  • Lightning-protection coordination where the site requires it
  • Safe emergency shutdown labels
  • Protection settings that match the approved design
Earthing is not a decorative metal rod. The complete bonding path, conductor size, connection quality and measured result should be documented during commissioning.

Pre-Commissioning Mechanical and Electrical Tests

Test Purpose
Visual mechanical inspection Checks modules, clamps, structure, fasteners, access and damage
Polarity test Prevents reverse DC connection
String open-circuit voltage Confirms expected modules and series connection
String current comparison Helps identify wiring or module mismatch
Insulation and continuity Checks cable and protective-conductor integrity
Earth resistance Confirms the installed earthing system result
Inverter start and shutdown Confirms normal operating sequence
Grid voltage and frequency Checks compatibility at the point of connection
Anti-islanding behaviour Confirms shutdown when the grid is unavailable
Monitoring and alarms Confirms data access and fault visibility
Keep the signed test values. A statement that “system is working” is not a substitute for a commissioning test report.

Portal Completion, Invoice and Project Records

After installation, the vendor or responsible party uploads project-completion details through the prescribed National Portal workflow. The data should exactly match the physical plant.

  • Actual installed module DC capacity
  • Module manufacturer, model, wattage, quantity and serial records
  • Inverter manufacturer, model, rating, phase and serial
  • GST tax invoice and payment records
  • Project Completion Report
  • Required geo-tagged photographs
  • Metering and agreement documents
  • Consumer and bank details for CFA
  • Loan-account linkage where applicable
  • Correction of every physical and portal mismatch
Never approve false capacity or equipment data to obtain a higher subsidy. The portal, invoice, labels and DISCOM inspection should describe the same plant.

What Happens During DISCOM Inspection?

The DISCOM verifies the installation against the application, technical checklist, metering rules and physical equipment. It can approve the project, return it for correction or reject it with reasons.

  • Consumer number and installation address
  • Installed module capacity
  • DCR modules and equipment details
  • Inverter rating, phase and protection
  • Structure, cable and electrical safety
  • Earthing and isolation
  • Meter and point-of-connection arrangement
  • Portal documents and photographs
  • Net-metering or applicable agreement
  • Correction closure before final approval
Current process simplification: Government updates have reported waiver of technical feasibility requirements and automatic load enhancement up to 10kW. This does not remove physical inspection, metering, safety or data-verification responsibilities.
Confirm the connection stage before inspection: Review the PM Surya Ghar feasibility, load and DISCOM approval guide before finalising the inverter phase, connection capacity and metering arrangement.

Bidirectional Meter and Metering Agreement

The approved meter records electricity imported from and exported to the grid under the State’s applicable arrangement. The Government has also reported that the net metering agreement has been integrated into the National Portal application process.

  1. Confirm the approved metering mechanism.
  2. Confirm who supplies and pays for the meter and testing.
  3. Check meter make, number, phase and ratio where applicable.
  4. Record the old meter’s final reading.
  5. Record the new meter’s initial import and export readings.
  6. Confirm wiring direction and meter display parameters.
  7. Keep the meter installation report and agreement.
  8. Review the first solar bill for correct import and export treatment.

Use the complete PM Surya Ghar net-meter guide .

Commissioning and Grid Synchronisation

Commissioning is the formal confirmation that the approved system is installed, tested, metered and operating safely. It should not be confused with the first day that an installer temporarily switches on the inverter.

  • Required approvals and meter are complete.
  • Final protection settings are confirmed.
  • Inverter synchronises without persistent alarms.
  • Import and export readings move in the correct direction.
  • Monitoring shows expected strings or MPPTs.
  • Anti-islanding and shutdown instructions are demonstrated.
  • Commissioning date is recorded.
  • Initial daily generation is recorded for comparison.
  • Completion and commissioning documents are signed.
Do not export electricity before the applicable approval and meter arrangement. Unauthorised energisation can create billing, safety and regulatory problems.

Consumer Handover Package After Installation

Handover item Why the consumer needs it
Final invoice and payment receipts Tax, warranty, loan and subsidy evidence
Final module and inverter schedule Confirms actual equipment and capacity
Serial-number register Warranty, replacement and verification
Final roof layout and single-line diagram Maintenance, repair and future modification
Test and commissioning report Baseline electrical and mechanical values
Meter and DISCOM documents Billing and regulatory records
Product and performance warranties Future manufacturer claims
Five-year maintenance terms Vendor service and escalation
Monitoring administrator login Consumer-owned generation and alarm data
Shutdown and emergency instructions Safe isolation during maintenance or emergency
CFA and loan status records Tracks subsidy credit and loan adjustment

Use the subsidy-payment status guide after commissioning, and review loan adjustment through the PM Surya Ghar solar-loan guide .

How Long Can the Installation Process Take?

There is no single guaranteed nationwide completion time. The physical rooftop work can be relatively short for a simple home, while approval, material availability, weather, meter supply, corrections and finance can extend the complete project.

Application and vendor selection Depends on consumer documents, quotations and current portal or DISCOM workflow.
Site survey and design Depends on roof complexity, structural review and equipment decisions.
Material procurement Depends on the exact DCR module, inverter and structure availability.
Physical installation Can range from a short residential job to several working days for elevated structures, difficult access or civil work.
Testing and portal upload Depends on complete documents and correction-free installation.
DISCOM inspection and meter Depends on local scheduling, meter availability and correction requirements.
Commissioning and CFA Follows approval, metering, token and bank validation stages.
Reject a guaranteed “same-day subsidy” promise. Physical installation and government CFA disbursal are separate stages.

Illustrative Safer Payment Milestones

The percentages and stages should be negotiated for the project. This table is a risk-control example, not an official PM Surya Ghar payment schedule.

Illustrative stage Consumer condition before payment
Booking or design advance Registered vendor, survey, itemised quotation and signed agreement
Material-delivery payment Correct modules, inverter, serials and major equipment physically verified
Installation payment Structure, modules, wiring, protection and earthing installed correctly
Testing and portal payment Tests passed and complete project records uploaded
Final retention Inspection corrections, metering, commissioning, monitoring and handover completed
Never send money to an employee’s personal account without verified company documentation. Use the contractual vendor or approved lender account and keep receipts.

Final Solar Installation Quality-Control Checklist

Mechanical Quality

  • Stable structure and correct fasteners
  • No damaged modules
  • Safe access and row spacing
  • Drainage and waterproofing preserved

Electrical Quality

  • Correct polarity and string values
  • Protected cables and connectors
  • Isolation, breakers and surge protection
  • Measured earthing and labels

Documentation Quality

  • Equipment and serials match
  • Invoice and PCR are complete
  • Portal data matches physical plant
  • Warranty and monitoring access received

Red Flags

  • Last-minute equipment substitution
  • Loose rooftop cables
  • Missing earthing or protection
  • False capacity or subsidy promise

Estimate actual performance after commissioning with the PM Surya Ghar savings calculator .

Common PM Surya Ghar Installation Mistakes

No Final Site Survey

Extra work and shade problems appear after material purchase.

Wrong or Non-DCR Modules

CFA eligibility can fail even when the array produces electricity.

Inverter Chosen by kW Only

Voltage, current, MPPT and phase can be incompatible.

Roof Fully Packed

No cleaning, repair or emergency access remains.

Loose Cables on Roof

Water, UV, heat, abrasion and animals can damage insulation.

Earthing Without Test

A rod in the ground does not prove a complete protective path.

No Serial Register

Warranty and equipment verification become difficult.

Full Payment Before Handover

The consumer loses leverage for corrections and missing documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PM Surya Ghar solar installation process?

It includes registration, vendor selection, site survey, design, agreement, equipment verification, physical installation, testing, portal update, DISCOM inspection, metering, commissioning and consumer handover.

Can installation start before National Portal registration?

A consumer seeking CFA should follow the current portal sequence and obtain the required application status before installation.

Is technical feasibility still required up to 10kW?

Government updates have reported waiver of technical feasibility and automatic load enhancement up to 10kW. Follow the live portal and DISCOM workflow for the current practical stage.

Who can install a subsidised system?

Use a vendor registered on the PM Surya Ghar National Portal for the applicable area.

What must happen before the final quotation?

A roof, shade, structural and electrical site survey should identify the complete equipment and site-specific work.

Can the vendor change the module after agreement?

Do not permit substitution without written approval, new DCR and technical verification and corrected project documents.

Do modules need to be DCR?

Yes, a residential CFA-supported installation must use compliant domestically manufactured modules made from domestically manufactured cells.

Should I pay the full amount before installation?

A staged payment schedule tied to delivery, installation, testing, commissioning and handover generally offers better consumer protection.

How long does physical installation take?

It varies with capacity, roof, structure, access, weather and civil work. The complete project also includes approval, metering and commissioning stages.

Can solar panels be switched on before the net meter?

Do not export or synchronise before the applicable approval and metering arrangement.

What is checked during DISCOM inspection?

Capacity, equipment, DCR, inverter, safety, earthing, meter arrangement and portal documents can be checked.

What if the DISCOM returns the application for correction?

Correct the physical system and portal documents together, then submit the required evidence.

Who installs the net meter?

The responsible party and cost depend on the current State and DISCOM process. Confirm this in writing before installation.

What is commissioning?

It is formal confirmation that the approved system is installed, tested, metered and operating safely.

What documents should I receive after installation?

Final invoice, equipment schedule, serial register, layout, single-line diagram, test report, meter documents, warranties, monitoring login and maintenance contacts.

Does installation automatically guarantee subsidy?

No. The system must satisfy all eligibility, equipment, inspection, token and bank stages.

Can I install the solar system myself?

Grid-connected solar involves hazardous DC voltage, utility connection and scheme verification. A CFA-supported plant should use the registered-vendor and official process.

When should monitoring access be provided?

The consumer should receive administrator access during commissioning and handover.

When does subsidy tracking begin?

After successful installation, inspection, metering, commissioning and the applicable portal and bank-verification stages.

Installation Is Complete Only After Safe Commissioning and Handover

A rooftop array visible from the street is not proof of a completed PM Surya Ghar project. The consumer should be able to match every module and inverter to the agreement, see passed test records, confirm DISCOM and meter completion, access monitoring and hold the warranties, serials and maintenance contacts.

Review the complete scheme guide , calculate expected CFA in the subsidy guide , and compare system architecture through the on-grid versus off-grid guide .

Project pricing is covered in the 1kW , 2kW and 3kW cost guides .

Disclaimer

Wikisia is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with MNRE, PM Surya Ghar, any DISCOM, vendor, bank, module manufacturer or inverter company.

Solar installation involves hazardous DC electricity, roof work, grid connection and regulatory requirements. The process, feasibility status, meter responsibility, inspection checklist, fees and timeline can vary by State and DISCOM and may change. Use the live official portal, a registered vendor, qualified technical personnel and the current utility process. The interactive tracker is an educational checklist, not an approval, inspection or safety certificate.

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