Don’t Let the Solar Installer Leave Without This Final Quality Check
Your solar panels are in place, the inverter is buzzing, and the installation team is ready to leave. But don’t rush the goodbyes just yet.
A quick post-installation walkthrough can save you from:
- Faulty wiring surprises
- Unregistered net metering
- Missed documentation
- Unexplained app glitches
This simple checklist helps you catch common issues early while the team is still around to fix them.
1. Inspect the Mounting and Solar Panels
What to Confirm:
- All panels are securely mounted, with no wobbly clamps
- No cracks or visible damage on any solar panel
- The array faces south or southwest, unless shading made another direction better
- The tilt angle matches your location (~15-30° for most cities)
- Mounting structure:
- Is made of anodized aluminum or galvanized iron (GI)
- Has clear water drainage, with no blocked outlets
- Isn’t interfering with your roof usage
2. Check the Rooftop Wiring and Junction Boxes
Wiring Should Be:
- Routed inside UV-resistant conduit
- Neatly tied not hanging or bundled carelessly
- Connected with proper terminals or lugs not taped joints
Junction Boxes Must:
- Be IP65-rated (weatherproof)
- Include clearly labeled input/output strings
- Be mounted with cover tightly sealed
3. Solar Inverter Placement and Protection
Your Inverter Must Be:
- Installed vertically on a dry, accessible wall
- Kept away from direct sunlight, water tanks, or kitchen exhaust
- Properly grounded with earthing wire securely connected
Also Check:
- Display or app shows:
- DC input (from panels)
- AC output (to home)
- Installer has demonstrated how to safely turn it off and on
- An SPD (Surge Protection Device) is present for:
- DC side
- AC side
- All circuit breakers or fuses are labeled
4. Earthing and Safety Devices
Look For:
- At least two separate earth pits: one for inverter, one for panel frame
- Wires clearly clamped and connected not loose or exposed
- Earth wires painted or tagged for easy identification
- Ground resistance measurement (if provided by installer)
Poor earthing is a leading cause of inverter shutdowns during rain or voltage fluctuations.
5. Distribution Board (DB) Wiring
Inside Your Main DB:
- A dedicated MCB or RCBO is installed for solar back-feed
- Cables from the inverter are correctly rated and routed
- DB cover is replaced and labeled clearly (e.g. “Solar In”)
6. Monitoring System Setup
Ask the Installer to Show You:
- How to access your system via mobile app or web portal
- Where to find:
- Daily generation
- Total units
- Alerts (if any)
- How to reconnect Wi-Fi if it disconnects
- Where to update email or phone number for updates
Most systems today include remote monitoring don’t skip it.
7. Net Metering and Subsidy Documents
Confirm:
- Installer has submitted net metering application to your DISCOM
- You’ve received:
- Application ID or acknowledgment
- Expected timeline for inspection and meter replacement
- If applying for PM Surya Ghar subsidy:
- Photos are uploaded
- Portal shows your application status
- You know when to expect disbursal
8. Solar System Warranty Papers and Support Info
Ask For:
- Warranty cards or documents for:
- Solar panels (typically 25 years)
- Inverter (usually 5-10 years)
- Mounting structure (10-15 years)
- Signed completion report or final invoice
- Installer contact for:
- Technical support
- Service visits or AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract)
- Clarification on what’s covered vs not covered under warranty
9. Quick Final Checklist Before the Installer Leaves
| Category | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Panels & Mounting | Secure, south-facing, no damage, rust-free structure |
| Wiring & Boxes | Neat, sealed, conduit-covered, no taped joints |
| Inverter Setup | Safe location, grounded, app or screen working |
| Earthing | Two pits, clean connections, visible wiring |
| DB Integration | MCB/RCBO labeled, inverter cable secured |
| Monitoring App | Working login, daily stats visible, alerts enabled |
| Net Metering | Application ID shared, next steps explained |
| Documentation | Warranties, invoice, service contact, subsidy proof |
10. One Last Check = Years of Peace of Mind
Walking through this checklist only takes 15-20 minutes, but doing it now makes sure your system is safe and ready to save from Day 1.
If something is unclear, ask your installer for help. A good vendor will explain everything to you. Remember, solar is a long-term commitment of 25 years, so it’s important to begin well.
