Solar Installation Timeline: Booking to Net Meter (TN 2026)

Short answer: in Tamil Nadu, the physical installation takes only 1-3 days, but the whole journey from site visit to net meter and subsidy takes about 6 to 10 weeks. Most of that time is TNEB paperwork: feasibility approval (1-2 weeks) and inspection plus net meter (2-6 weeks). The central subsidy is usually credited about 30 days after commissioning. Most delays come from fixable document problems, so prepare before you apply.

Timeline at a Glance

Typical ranges as of October 2026 in Cuddalore district. Section offices differ, and queues get longer near scheme deadlines.

Step 1: Site Visit and Quote (Days 1-3)

An engineer checks your shade-free roof area, roof strength, the distance to the meter, earthing locations and your last few EB bills. You get a system size, layout and written quote. Bring out:

• Last 2-3 EB bills
• Aadhaar card
• Property tax receipt or sale deed

Not sure of the size? Use the solar savings calculator or check your subsidy first with the eligibility checker.

Step 2: Registration on the PM Surya Ghar Portal (Day 1)

You register with your EB consumer number and the mobile number linked to Aadhaar, then apply and choose your registered vendor. In Tamil Nadu, applications registered on or after 5 August 2026 are eligible for the ₹22,000 state top-up in addition to the central subsidy. Details: ₹1 lakh solar subsidy in Tamil Nadu.

Step 3: TNEB Feasibility Approval (1-2 Weeks)

The section office checks your connection, sanctioned load and whether the local transformer can take the solar capacity. Common hold-ups:

• Sanctioned load lower than the system size (for example 2 kW load for a 3 kW system): a load increase is needed first.
• Pending EB dues on the connection.
• Single phase for a large system: bigger systems may need a 3-phase upgrade.

Step 4: Installation (1-3 Days)

Work includes the structure (hot-dip galvanized for coastal areas), panels, inverter, DC and AC wiring, three earthing pits and a lightning arrester. Good installers finish neatly in a day or two and clean up. Read solar earthing guide.

Step 5-7: Inspection and Net Meter (2-6 Weeks)

After the work completion report is uploaded, TNEB inspects the system and replaces your old meter with a bi-directional net meter. This is the step with the most variation; it depends on the section office workload and meter stock. Our detailed guide: how to get a TNEB net meter in Cuddalore.

Waiting for the net meter? A zero export device can let you use solar for your own daytime load without exporting.

Step 8: Subsidy Credit (About 30 Days)

Once the system is commissioned on the portal, the central subsidy is usually credited to your bank account in about 30 days. The Tamil Nadu top-up is paid separately by TEDA through direct benefit transfer. Keep your bank account active and in the same name as the application.

6 Things That Delay Solar (and How to Avoid Them)

More reasons applications get stuck: PM Surya Ghar application rejected? 8 reasons and fixes.

Why Booking Early Matters in 2026-27

The central scheme is approved till 31 March 2027, and the Tamil Nadu top-up is reported to be limited to the first 1 lakh eligible homes. With a 6-10 week process, a home that starts in February 2027 has very little margin. Read PM Surya Ghar last date 2027.

We Handle Every Step

From site visit to net meter and subsidy follow-up, our team in Kondur, Cuddalore handles the paperwork and TNEB visits for you. Registered PM Surya Ghar vendor with 150+ installations. Open all 7 days, 9 AM to 8 PM. Call or WhatsApp +91 7904369094.