What to Ask Before Signing a Solar Installation Contract in Chennai

A solar panel installation in Chennai is a ten-to-thirty-year commitment on your roof. The contract you sign before work begins sets the terms for everything that follows: what gets installed, what the warranty covers, and who handles the TANGEDCO paperwork. Reading it carefully is not optional.

Does the contract specify the equipment?

The contract should name every major component: panel make, model, and wattage; inverter brand, model, and rated output; structure material and specification; DC cable size and type; and surge protection devices. A contract that says '5 kW solar system' without naming any component gives the installer freedom to substitute cheaper parts after you sign. Push for the BOM (bill of materials) to be an annexure to the contract.

Who is responsible for TANGEDCO paperwork?

The contract should explicitly name who files the net meter application, who follows up with the sub-division, and what happens if the application is rejected. For solar panel installation in Chennai, some contracts mention 'TANGEDCO support' as a service but do not define what that means. 'Support' that consists of giving you a form is different from 'filing and follow-up until commissioning'. The difference is several months of your time.

What is the payment schedule?

A reasonable payment schedule for solar panel installation in Madipakkam is: 50–60% on signing or delivery of materials, 30–40% on installation completion, and the balance on commissioning and monitoring setup. Installers who ask for 90–100% upfront have no payment incentive to finish the TANGEDCO process or the monitoring setup. If you have already paid in full, you are chasing them, not the other way around.

What does the warranty clause actually say?

The contract should state the labour warranty period, what it covers (roof penetrations, connections, earthing), and what it excludes. It should also confirm the manufacturer warranties being passed on — panel product and performance, and inverter. If the warranty clause says 'as per manufacturer terms' without specifying the warranty periods, that is not a contract clause — it is a reference to terms you have not read.

Is there a performance commitment?

Some contracts include a first-year generation guarantee — if the system produces less than a stated number of units, the installer makes up the difference. This is not universal, but it is a sign that the installer is confident in their design. A quote that promises 500 units per month from a 3 kW system in Chennai during the northeast monsoon is not a performance guarantee — it is a marketing claim that the weather will not meet. Comparing quotes explains how to evaluate these numbers.

Who handles commissioning?

The contract should specify that commissioning tests — DC voltage, polarity, earth continuity, and inverter startup — are carried out and documented before the final payment is due. A system that is handed over without testing is a system where faults may sit undiscovered for months. For solar panel installation in Chennai through ZeroEB, commissioning documentation is provided on the installation day. Request a quote or call +91 9042517415.