A solar system is a 25-year decision. Asking the right questions before you book protects your money and your roof.
Key Takeaways
- Ask ten specific questions on experience, components, warranty, subsidy, price, timeline, structure, service, maintenance and payment.
- Get everything in writing: brand, model, wattage, warranty, scope and payment schedule.
- Visit a completed site and speak to a real customer before you decide.
- Be careful of the lowest quote, advance-only payments and vague promises.
Why the questions matter more than the quote
A solar plant lasts 25 years, but the problems from a poor installation appear in the first 2–3 years. The questions below help you see through sales talk. A reliable company will answer each of them calmly, in writing and with proof.
The 10 questions explained
1. How many rooftop systems have you installed, and can I visit one?
Experience shows in the details of installation. Ask for addresses or customer contacts in Bargarh or nearby and visit at least one site.
2. Which panel brand, model and warranty are included?
Insist on brand, model number and wattage. Look for a product warranty (10–12 years) and a performance warranty (about 25 years). For subsidy, panels must be DCR (domestic content) compliant.
3. Which inverter will you use and what is its warranty?
The inverter is the “brain” of the system. A branded inverter with at least 5 years of warranty is a sensible minimum.
4. Is the quote itemised?
An itemised quote lists panels, inverter, structure, cables, protection devices, net-meter work, installation and taxes, so you can compare apples with apples.
5. Will you handle PM Surya Ghar subsidy and net-metering?
This single question separates serious companies from sellers. Ask exactly who registers on the portal, who uploads documents and who follows up. Read our guide on PM Surya Ghar eligibility and documents.
6. How many days will installation take?
A clear timeline shows planning. Most home systems are installed in 2–5 days, with approvals extra.
7. What is the structure material and thickness?
Ask for galvanised iron or aluminium with coating thickness details. A weak structure risks damage in storms.
8. Who do I call if something goes wrong?
Get a service phone number, response time commitment and the name of a person responsible.
9. Is there an annual maintenance plan?
Cleaning and inspection protect your generation. Ask what the plan includes and what it costs.
10. What are the payment terms?
Fair terms are staged: a booking amount, payment on material delivery, and the balance on commissioning. Avoid paying everything in advance.
Red flags to walk away from
- Prices far below all other quotes without a reason
- No written warranty or brand details
- Pressure to “book today” or pay full advance
- Claiming guaranteed subsidy amounts without checking eligibility
- No local office, only online or phone contact
- Refusing to show a completed site
Checklist to take with you
- Last 6–12 electricity bills
- Roof photos and approximate area
- List of your electrical appliances and any planned additions
- Your outage pattern and whether you need backup
- This list of 10 questions
Next: compare and decide
Use our 10-point company scorecard alongside these questions, check the current solar panel price in Bargarh and visit our page on solar company in Bargarh to see what Solar Harvest India offers.
Understanding solar warranties before you sign
| Item | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Panels | Product warranty years, performance warranty percentage at year 25, who handles claims |
| Inverter | Warranty years, replacement vs repair, service centre location |
| Structure | Material, coating, rust and wind guarantee if any |
| Installation | Workmanship warranty and what it covers |
| Service | Response time and annual maintenance terms |
Comparison worksheet for three companies
| Criteria | Company A | Company B | Company C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local presence and references | |||
| Subsidy and net-metering support | |||
| Component quality and warranty | |||
| Price clarity | |||
| Service plan | |||
| Total score |
How to verify claims you hear
- Ask for brand and model numbers and check them in the manufacturer’s documents.
- Call a past customer and ask about service after the sale.
- Visit one live site and look at wiring, structure and labelling.
- Read the written quotation line by line.
- Never rely on promises that are not in writing.
Why Solar Harvest India
We answer all ten questions in writing, with a free survey and transparent quote. Read our 10-point company checklist, then talk to our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Two or three is ideal. Compare components, warranty and service — not just the final price.
No. A reliable company uses staged payments linked to progress.
Treat it as a warning. Reliable companies are comfortable with written quotes, warranties and agreements.
Ask the ten questions in this guide, compare written quotes for the solar system in Bargarh you want, and prefer a local company that handles subsidy and service.
A quotation, work order, warranty cards, commissioning report, net-metering approval and a tax invoice.
It can work, but make sure they have a service team near you; otherwise help may be slow when you need it.
