Rooftop Solar Installation Process in New Delhi: A Step-by-Step Guide
Switching to rooftop solar in Delhi is easier than you might think! From the moment you book a system, our team takes care of everything – from pricing and paperwork to panel delivery, installation, and utility approvals. Below is an outline of the typical rooftop solar installation process, broken into simple steps and timelines. We’ve also included useful checklists, a comparison of mounting options, cost estimates, and how net metering works in Delhi – all in a friendly, easy-to-follow format.
Installation Timeline: From Booking to Commissioning
Our installation follows a clear timeline so you know what’s happening and when. Here’s how it usually goes:
- Day 0: Booking Confirmation. Once you confirm your order, we send you a booking confirmation right away. You’ll hear from our Project Manager, who will guide you through the next steps.
- Day 1: Finalizing Pricing. On the next business day (T+1), our Project Manager locks in the final prices with our vendors. This means your equipment and installation costs are confirmed.
- Day 2: Site Survey & Paperwork. By T+2, our engineer visits your home to measure and assess the roof for structure fabrication. At the same time, the Project Manager collects necessary documents (ID, electricity bill, land/roof ownership papers, etc.) from you. This ensures we have everything needed to apply for approvals.
- Day 7: Utility Stage 1 Application. Around T+7, after the survey data and paperwork are ready, our team (vendor/installer) files the Stage 1 net-metering application with the local DISCOM (BSES Rajdhani or BSES Yamuna). This includes signing the agreement, completing KYC, and submitting all required forms to the utility.
- Day 15: Materials Arrive & Installation Begins. By T+15, your solar panels, inverters, and mounting hardware arrive on site. Our crew then starts the physical installation on the roof (in coordination with the Project Manager).
- Day 20: Installation Completion. By around T+20, the rooftop array is fully installed. Frames are fixed, panels are mounted, electrical connections done, and the system is ready on our end.
- Day 20: Utility Stage 2 Application. Also at T+20, we submit the Stage 2 application to the DISCOM. This includes the Single Line Diagram (SLD) of your system and Bill of Quantities (BoQ). This lets the utility review the final design and plan the meter change.
- Day 40: DISCOM Approval. Approximately by T+40, BSES (our Delhi DISCOM) approves Stage 2. They verify the design and, if all is well, they schedule the meter installation.
- Day 60: Commissioning & Subsidy Paperwork. Around T+60, your system is commissioned (i.e., we flip the switch to ON), and our team submits the final documents to claim any applicable government subsidy. Once the new bi-directional meter is installed, you start earning credits for solar power sent to the grid (net metering).
Each of these steps happens smoothly – for example, our engineer’s site visit at T+2 ensures the right solar mounting structure is fabricated for your roof, and the Stage 1/2 approvals get the utility involved. We handle vendor coordination and regulatory steps so you can relax.
What our Site Survey covers
Before installation, we perform a thorough solar site survey checklist to make sure your rooftop is ideal for panels. During this visit, we note everything from roof layout to wiring. A good checklist typically includes items like:
- Roof condition & dimensions. We measure roof area, check the material (concrete, tile, metal, etc.), and ensure it’s structurally strong enough for panels. We also note roof pitch and orientation.
- Sunlight and shading analysis. We look for trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings that could cast shadows on your panels. Orientation toward the south is preferred in Delhi, and we ensure panels will get maximum sun exposure.
- Mounting structure requirements. Based on roof type (flat or sloped), we determine whether to use ballast blocks or anchor mounts. (More on this below.)
- Electrical setup. We check your current meter location, wiring, and load. We note whether you have single-phase or three-phase supply, and how to route the inverter and cables.
- Permits and approvals. We verify any local rules or permissions needed for your area, and confirm paperwork like land or roof ownership documents.
Using a checklist ensures nothing is missed. For example, a key part is the roof’s orientation and shading – the site survey records roof azimuth and any shading that could affect panel output. This information helps us size the system correctly and choose the best panel layout.
Fig: During the site visit, our engineer checks the rooftop and panel layout (note city skyline behind). We record roof tilt, orientation, and shading in our survey.
Solar Mounting Structure Types
The mounting structure is what holds your panels in place. Different types suit different roofs or installations. Here’s a comparison of common solar mounting structures:
| Mount Type | Best For / Use Case | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Flush (Parallel) | Sloped/pitched roofs (tile or metal) | Panels sit flat, parallel to the roof for a low-profile look. Popular in residential installs. Generally requires roof penetrations to bolt into rafters or concrete. |
| Tilt (Adjustable) | Flat roofs or ground mounts | Frames have a preset or adjustable angle so panels face the sun optimally. Good for flat rooftops; offers higher energy yield. Slightly higher cost and may need more space than flush. |
| Ballasted | Flat roofs (no drilling) | Panels are mounted on weighted bases (concrete blocks or trays). No roof penetration needed, which protects the roof. Simple to install, but requires enough roof space and weight capacity. |
| Pole/Ground Mount | Open ground areas (yards, driveways) | Panels mounted on single poles or frames in the yard. Easy access and cooling. Can be fixed tilt or tracking. Takes up ground space but avoids roof constraints. |
| Tracking | Large open sites (mostly ground) | Motorized mounts that follow the sun’s path, maximizing output. High efficiency but also higher cost and maintenance. Rare for small homes. |
Choosing the right structure depends on your roof type and energy goals. For example, Delhi homes with ample flat roof area often use ballasted mounts to avoid roof leaks, while those with sloped red-tile roofs use flush mounts bolted in. Our site survey and engineer will pick the best option for you.
Rooftop solar cost in India (and Delhi)
Costs vary by system size and components, but here are ballpark figures. In India today, residential solar prices are roughly ₹75,000–85,000 per kW installed. For example, a typical 3 kW rooftop system (enough for an average Delhi home) costs about ₹1.89–2.15 lakh (before subsidy). Larger systems get bulk discounts per kW. For context, a 10 kW system in Delhi runs around ₹5.8–6.4 lakh before subsidies.
The good news is Delhi households can get central government subsidies to lower these costs. The current scheme offers roughly ₹30,000 per kW for 1–2 kW systems, and ₹78,000 flat for anything 3 kW or above. (So a 3 kW home system could net a ₹78k grant, making the final cost closer to ₹1.1–1.4 lakh after subsidy.)
Keep in mind actual quotes depend on brands (panels, inverters, batteries if any), roof type, and installation complexity. We recommend getting a detailed quote from a trusted installer. As of 2025, prices continue to trend downward with larger adoption and local manufacturing.
Net Metering Procedure in Delhi
Once your system is installed, it needs a net meter to measure power flow to/from the grid. In Delhi, the process is handled by BSES (Rajdhani or Yamuna). Here’s a simplified procedure for residential net metering:
- Submit an application to BSES. We (or you) fill out the net-metering application form and give required documents (ownership proof, ID, approved design). BSES assigns a Service Order number and charges a nominal application fee (around ₹500).
- Technical evaluation. BSES reviews your system details (size, location) and may send a team for a site inspection. They assess if the grid can handle your system’s output.
- Net Metering Agreement. Once preliminarily approved, you sign a net-metering agreement with BSES. This contract specifies your system capacity, tariff rules, and responsibilities.
- Meter installation. BSES then installs a new bi-directional meter at your home. This special meter tracks electricity imported from the grid and excess solar sent back. After they confirm wiring and system compliance, they activate the net-metering connection.
- Go live and billing. Your system is now live! The electricity meter will “spin” forward when you draw from the grid and backward when you export solar power. BSES will use the net-meter data in your monthly bill. Surplus solar energy earns you credits, effectively lowering your future bills.
BSES’s official steps mirror this: initial application and fee, technical checks, then agreement signing and final meter work. Our team handles most of this paperwork for you, coordinating with the utility so you get connected smoothly.
Ready to Go Solar? Let’s Help You!
Going solar should be exciting – not complicated. We guide you through each step of the rooftop solar installation process in Delhi, from the first call to handing you the operating system. Whether it’s choosing the right mounting structure, understanding costs, or handling net-metering applications, we make it hassle-free.
Curious about solar for your home?
for a free site assessment and quote. We’ll walk you through your personal timeline, answer your questions, and show you how soon you could start saving on your electricity bill (and helping the environment). Let’s harness Delhi’s sunshine together!