A Homeowner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Solar EPC Partner

Planning to install solar at home? Learn how to choose a quality solar EPC partner and avoid poor materials, fake warranties, and low-performing systems

As solar energy adoption grows rapidly across India, many homeowners are being misled by cheap solar EPC contractors offering low quotes — but using substandard components, unsafe installation practices, and vague warranties.

At JC Green Energy, we believe in educating customers so they can make smart, long-term decisions. This guide will help you evaluate solar quotes effectively and protect yourself from poor-quality solar plant installations.

✅ 1. Solar PV Modules: Go Only for Tier-1 Brands

Your solar panels define the energy yield and long-term savings of your solar system.

Choose Tier-1 Certified Panels: Brands like Vikram Solar, Waaree, Adani Solar etc are Tier-1 manufacturers (as per BloombergNEF) and ensure reliability and quality.
Look for High Efficiency: Always demand monocrystalline PERC/TOPCON/HJT panels with 22%+ efficiency. Avoid polycrystalline panel which is a dinosaur age technology some EPC players / OEM dealer still have unsold QC rejected polycrystalline panels stock to get you scammed.
Demand Datasheets: Ensure you get authentic panel datasheets outlining wattage, performance warranty, and degradation rate.
Demand FTR (factory test report) solar PV modules after delivery even if you are purchasing only 1 kWp (typically 2 solar PV modules). That is your right as a customer to verify what exactly you are buying.

✅ 2. Mounting Structures: Safety First

Solar structures are critical to the plant’s stability, especially on RCC rooftops.

Grouted Structures: Ensure your installer uses grouted mounting systems on concrete slabs for wind resistance.
Hot-Dip Galvanized (HDG): Minimum 80-micron coating is essential for rust protection.
Wind Load Certificate: Ask for IS 875 compliance certificates for wind speeds applicable in your region.
For mounting solar PV modules on GI tin shed, ensure the quality by checking wind load test report of the solar PV module mounting clamps.
Ask for water proofing guarantee from the EPC partner

✅ 3. PV Syst Simulation: Know What You’ll Generate

A reliable EPC will provide a PV Syst simulation report, showing:

Expected annual generation (kWh)
Shading losses (preferably with a 3D shadow analysis)
Inverter and module specs

This helps set realistic expectations from your solar investment.

✅ 4. Solar Inverters: Brain of Your Solar System

Inverters manage the power conversion and performance monitoring. Choose carefully:

Top Inverter Brands:
- Havells – 10-year warranty, excellent service network
- Thea Energy – 5 years standard +2 years extendable warranty, reliable Indian brand with excellent service network
- Luminous – 7 years warranty with excellent service network
- Other premium foreign brands are SMA, Sungrow, Solis etc. however check for local service network before choosing.
- Enphase is a excellent brand who would like to choose micro inverters (some premium features are there, but cost is high)
- For optimizer based inverter SolarEdge can be a good option
Wi-Fi / Sim based remote monitoring enabled: Essential for performance tracking

Avoid unknown or local brands that offer white-labeled Chinese inverters with uncertain after-sales support.

While many above mentioned reputed Indian brands also rely on white-labeling — due to limited domestic manufacturing of on-grid solar inverters — the key differentiators remain after-sales service networks and equipment reliability. This is where the true lifecycle cost of your solar system becomes evident. Choose brands that offer proven support and consistent performance over time.

✅ 5. Proper Earthing & Lightning Protection is Non-Negotiable

GI Strips: Should be used for durable, low-resistance grounding
DMC Insulators: Ensure electrical isolation from wall and prevent rust
Lightning Arrestors: Properly designed LA systems prevent damage during storms
At Least 3 Earth Pits: For inverter, Solar panel and structure, and Lightning Arrestor separately

✅ 6. High-Quality ACDB & DCDB Panels

These control the current flow and provide surge protection.

DCDB Must Include: MCBs, SPD, fuses, isolators (in IP65+ boxes)
ACDB Must Have: MCBs, SPD, gland entries

Ask for a picture of internal wiring and components used.

✅ 7. Workmanship is the Hidden Differentiator

Neat Cable Management: UV-protected cables, clamped and labeled
Secure Inverter Mounting: Well-ventilated and at ergonomic height
Proper Documentation: You should receive:
- Final PV Syst report
- Warranty documents
- Test reports
- System layout & one-line diagram

✅ 8. Beware of Unrealistically Low Quotes

Low prices may look attractive — but they often hide shortcuts like:

Subpar Chinese modules and local inverters
Absence of lightning protection
No earthing or only basic earth rods
Poor-quality cable, conduit, and MCBs

These shortcuts will show up as failures, fire hazards, and warranty voids within months.

✅ 9. Documentation support for net metering and if subsidy is applicable

Demand documentation support as you may not have all the technical knowledge for communicating with electricity DISCOM officials or standard procedures for subsidy claim.

📋 Final Checklist for Evaluating a Solar Quote

Question	Why It Matters
Are the modules Tier-1?	Ensures long-term energy yield
Is the structure HDG & wind-certified?	Prevents storm damage
Is the inverter a reputed brand?	Reliable performance & service
Is the system design simulated in PV Syst?	Transparent energy estimates
Are there proper lightning and earthing systems?	Safety from surges
Are ACDB/DCDB panels branded & IP-rated?	Electrical safety
Is cable routing professional?	Aesthetics & durability
Do you get all documentation?	Warranty, AMC, performance clarity