How to Compare Solar Quotations: 12-Point Checklist (TN)

Short answer: do not compare solar quotes by the final price alone. Put them side by side and check 12 items: panel brand, model, wattage and DCR status; inverter brand and warranty; structure material and height; DC cable brand; number of earthing pits and the lightning arrester; warranties; subsidy and TNEB paperwork; net meter fees; timeline; and payment terms. Then compare price per watt. A quote that is ₹20,000 cheaper usually has a missing or downgraded part.

Copy This Comparison Table

Fill one column per company. Any blank cell is a question to ask.

The 12 Checks Explained

1. System size matches your bill

A quote should explain why 3kW or 5kW, from your EB bills. Oversized systems waste money; undersized ones leave a bill. Check with the solar savings calculator.

2. Panel brand, model and wattage

"Tier-1 panels" is not enough. Get the exact model and wattage. Compare: solar panel price list by brand.

3. DCR status in writing

For the ₹1 lakh subsidy, panels must be DCR. Ask for the DCR certificate. Non-DCR panels lose the whole subsidy.

4. Inverter brand and warranty

BIS-registered, a known brand with local service, 5-10 year warranty. See best on-grid solar inverter.

5. Structure material and height

In Cuddalore's coastal air, hot-dip galvanized steel lasts; plain GI or painted MS rusts. A raised structure keeps your terrace usable. See best solar structure for coastal Tamil Nadu.

6. DC cable brand and size

Solar-grade copper DC cable from a known brand. Cheap cable heats and is a fire risk. See solar wire quality.

7. Earthing and lightning arrester

Three separate pits (DC, AC, lightning arrester) plus a lightning arrester. One shared pit is a common cost cut. See solar earthing guide.

8. Warranties in writing

Panel product and performance, inverter, and installer workmanship. Read solar panel warranty explained.

9. Subsidy and paperwork

Is the company a registered PM Surya Ghar vendor? Who handles registration, TNEB feasibility, inspection and subsidy follow-up? Check your eligibility first with the subsidy eligibility checker.

10. Fees included or extra

Net meter charges, TNEB fees, load increase, transport, and extra cable for a long run to the meter. "Extra at actuals" can add ₹5,000-15,000.

11. Timeline

A clear plan: installation within days of feasibility approval and support until the net meter is fixed. See solar installation timeline.

12. Payment terms

A reasonable advance, a main payment on material delivery, and the balance after installation. Never 100% upfront.

Worked Example: Why ₹20,000 Cheaper Is Not Cheaper

The "cheaper" quote costs ₹80,000 more, and its structure may rust within a few years near the coast.

Price Per Watt: The Fair Comparison

Divide the total price by the system watts. For example, ₹1,95,000 ÷ 3,000 W = ₹65 per watt installed. In 2026, complete on-grid DCR systems in Tamil Nadu are typically around ₹60-70 per watt for 3kW, and a bit lower per watt for larger systems. A price far below this range needs an explanation.

Questions to Ask Every Installer

1. Are you registered on the PM Surya Ghar portal? Under what name?
2. How many systems have you installed in my district?
3. Can I see one of your installations or speak to a customer?
4. Who will do the installation: your own team or subcontractors?
5. What happens if the inverter fails in year 3? Who comes, and how fast?
6. Is everything in the quote, or will there be extras?

Warning signs to watch for: 7 solar scam warnings. What to check in a company: best solar company in Cuddalore: what to check.

Send Us Any Quote for a Free Second Opinion

WhatsApp a photo of any solar quotation (ours or another company's) to +91 7904369094. We will tell you what is missing, what is fair, and what to ask, free of charge. Registered PM Surya Ghar vendor, official TATA Power Solar and Exide partner.