Two solar quotations can show the same 3 kW capacity and still deliver very different value. One may include premium panels, complete net-metering support and strong warranties, while another may leave out structure, protection, civil work or after-sales service.
This guide explains how to compare rooftop solar quotations in Delhi line by line, check subsidy assumptions, compare equipment, identify hidden costs, evaluate vendors and select a quotation that is technically complete—not simply the cheapest.
Quick Answer
To compare rooftop solar quotations in Delhi, first make sure every vendor is quoting for the same capacity, system type and scope of work. Then compare panels, inverter, mounting structure, cables, protection, earthing, civil work, net-metering support, warranty, maintenance, subsidy assumptions, payment milestones and expected generation.
Ask each vendor for an itemised quotation showing:
- Gross project cost.
- Central subsidy.
- Applicable Delhi support.
- Customer contribution.
- Excluded or optional work.
- Taxes and other charges.
Never compare one quote before subsidy with another quote after subsidy. Put every quotation into the same comparison table first.
Why Solar Quotations in Delhi Often Look Different
Solar companies may use different assumptions about the roof, equipment and subsidy. A low quotation may exclude work that another installer has included.
Differences can come from:
- On-grid versus hybrid system.
- Panel brand and technology.
- Inverter brand and capacity.
- Structure height and material.
- Roof access and civil work.
- Cable distance from roof to meter.
- Earthing and protection equipment.
- Net-metering application support.
- Battery backup.
- Warranty and AMC.
- Subsidy eligibility and programme route.
A quotation is not comparable until its assumptions are comparable.
Step 1: Confirm That All Quotations Are for the Same System
Before comparing prices, write the basic project specification at the top of your worksheet:
- Required capacity: for example, 3 kW.
- System type: on-grid, hybrid or off-grid.
- Residential or commercial connection.
- Delhi electricity distributor.
- Roof type and approximate height.
- Battery required or not required.
- Net metering required or not required.
- Expected use of the system.
For a broader understanding of system prices, read Rooftop Solar Installation Cost for a Home in Delhi. If you are comparing 3 kW quotations, also see 3 kW Rooftop Solar System Cost After Subsidy in Delhi.
Step 2: Compare the Gross Price Before Subsidy
Start with the total project cost before subsidy. This is the only fair way to compare vendors.
| Quotation item | Vendor A | Vendor B | Vendor C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross system price | ₹ | ₹ | ₹ |
| Central subsidy assumed | ₹ | ₹ | ₹ |
| Delhi support assumed | ₹ | ₹ | ₹ |
| Customer contribution | ₹ | ₹ | ₹ |
| Battery or backup | Included/extra | Included/extra | Included/extra |
| Net-metering work | Included/extra | Included/extra | Included/extra |
| Taxes and civil work | Included/extra | Included/extra | Included/extra |
If a vendor gives only the final payable amount, ask for the gross cost and every deduction separately.
Step 3: Check the Subsidy Calculation
Under the published PM Surya Ghar structure, the central support is ₹30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW and ₹18,000 for the additional 1 kW, reaching a maximum central subsidy of ₹78,000 for an eligible residential system up to 3 kW.
Delhi’s current programme has been reported to provide additional state support for eligible households and systems. However, your quotation must show whether the Delhi support is:
- Approved or only estimated.
- Available for your consumer category.
- Linked to average monthly consumption.
- Subject to a zero-upfront or other programme route.
- Limited by capacity, availability or budget.
- Paid to you, the vendor or through another mechanism.
Do not accept a quotation that simply says “free after subsidy”. Ask for the written gross price, central support, Delhi support, excluded work and final customer contribution.
For eligibility and subsidy context, read Delhi Solar Subsidy for Residential Homes.
Step 4: Compare Solar Panel Specifications
Do not compare only panel wattage. Record the exact make, model and technical features.
| Panel detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer and model | Confirms exactly what will be installed. |
| Panel technology | Monocrystalline, TOPCon, bifacial or other technology affects efficiency and use case. |
| Wattage and number of panels | Confirms the total system capacity. |
| Efficiency | Higher efficiency can help where roof space is limited. |
| Product warranty | Shows coverage for manufacturing defects. |
| Performance warranty | Explains expected output degradation over time. |
| Certification and eligibility | May matter for scheme and DISCOM acceptance. |
Two panels with the same wattage are not necessarily equal. Check the model number and warranty document, not only the brand logo.
Step 5: Compare the Inverter Properly
The inverter is a key part of the system. Check:
- Manufacturer and model.
- Rated AC output.
- Number of MPPTs.
- Efficiency.
- Monitoring and mobile-app support.
- Protection features.
- Indoor or outdoor suitability.
- Warranty and service network.
- Compatibility with the proposed panels.
- Battery compatibility, if hybrid.
Ask whether the quotation describes the panel capacity or inverter output. A vendor should explain any difference between the two.
Step 6: Compare the Mounting Structure and Roof Work
The structure keeps the panels stable and affects roof safety, drainage and long-term maintenance.
Ask for:
- Material and thickness.
- Galvanisation or corrosion protection.
- Foundation or anchoring method.
- Wind-load considerations.
- Roof penetration and waterproofing plan.
- Panel tilt and orientation.
- Maintenance walkway.
- Access around water tanks and roof rooms.
A cheap structure can become an expensive roof or maintenance problem later.
Step 7: Check Cables, Earthing and Protection
A complete quotation should show the electrical safety work, not hide it under “installation”. Check:
- DC cable make and size.
- AC cable make and size.
- DC and AC isolators.
- MCB or suitable protection devices.
- Surge protection.
- Earthing electrodes and connections.
- Lightning protection where required.
- Cable conduits and weather protection.
- Labelling and emergency shutdown instructions.
Never remove earthing or protection from the quotation just to reduce the price.
Step 8: Compare Net-Metering Support
Ask every vendor to write exactly what is included in net-metering assistance:
- Online application.
- Feasibility or connectivity submission.
- Single-line diagram.
- Application forms and declarations.
- Document upload.
- Inspection coordination.
- Correction or resubmission support.
- Meter installation follow-up.
- Commissioning record.
For document details, read Documents Required for Solar Net Metering in Delhi. If your connection is under BSES, use the specific BSES Solar Net Metering Application Process.
“Net metering support” should not mean only filling the first form. Ask whether the vendor will stay involved until inspection and commissioning.
Step 9: Compare Installation and Civil Work
Check whether the quotation includes:
- Transport to your Delhi locality.
- Roof lifting and material handling.
- Structure installation.
- Inverter mounting.
- Cable route and conduits.
- Wall drilling and sealing.
- Waterproofing.
- Electrical-panel work.
- Scaffolding or special access.
- Cleaning after installation.
Ask the installer to mark excluded work clearly. “As per site condition” is too vague unless the vendor explains what may be added and how it will be priced.
Step 10: Compare Warranty and After-Sales Service
Read the warranty terms instead of accepting a single “25-year warranty” headline.
| Warranty | What to check |
|---|---|
| Panel product warranty | Manufacturing defects and replacement procedure. |
| Panel performance warranty | Output degradation and claim conditions. |
| Inverter warranty | Duration, service location and replacement terms. |
| Structure warranty | Corrosion, workmanship and stability. |
| Installation warranty | Workmanship, leakage and wiring issues. |
| Battery warranty | Cycle life, usable capacity and replacement cost. |
| AMC | Cleaning, inspection, response time and annual price. |
Ask who will honour the warranty if the local installer stops operating. The manufacturer’s service route should be clear.
Step 11: Compare Expected Generation and Savings
Every vendor should explain the assumptions behind its generation and savings estimate.
Compare:
- Expected annual generation.
- Monthly generation pattern.
- Self-consumption assumption.
- Export or net-metering assumption.
- Electricity tariff used.
- Panel degradation.
- Cleaning and downtime.
- Inverter replacement assumption.
- Fixed charges that remain on the bill.
A vendor promising the highest savings is not necessarily offering the best system. Ask for the calculation sheet and compare identical assumptions.
Step 12: Check Vendor Credentials and Contract Terms
Before selecting a vendor, verify:
- Legal business name and contact details.
- GST or registration details where relevant.
- Experience with your DISCOM.
- Residential project references.
- Recent work photographs.
- Service area in Delhi.
- Installer and electrical qualifications.
- Subsidy or portal eligibility.
- Complaint and escalation contact.
- Written cancellation and refund terms.
Do not rely on a “government-approved” label unless you can verify the vendor on the applicable official portal.
How Subsidy Should Appear in a Quotation
A transparent quotation should have a separate section like this:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gross system and installation cost | ₹ ______ |
| Central PM Surya Ghar subsidy assumed | ₹ ______ |
| Delhi state support assumed | ₹ ______ |
| Non-subsidised civil/electrical work | ₹ ______ |
| Battery or optional equipment | ₹ ______ |
| Taxes and official charges | ₹ ______ |
| Customer contribution | ₹ ______ |
For the online application sequence, read How to Apply for Solar Subsidy in Delhi Online. For the documents needed, see Documents Required for Solar Subsidy in Delhi.
Red Flags in a Rooftop Solar Quotation
- Only a final price is shown; no itemised cost.
- Panel and inverter model numbers are missing.
- “Free solar” is promised without eligibility verification.
- Subsidy is deducted before official approval.
- Net-metering support is not defined.
- Battery cost is hidden inside the package.
- Warranty terms are only verbal.
- Large advance payment is demanded immediately.
- No roof survey is performed.
- Generation savings are guaranteed without assumptions.
- Vendor refuses to provide references or registration details.
- Price is valid only for a few hours without a clear reason.
Simple Solar Quotation Scorecard
You can score each vendor out of 100:
| Area | Suggested weight |
|---|---|
| Technical specification | 25 points |
| Quotation transparency | 20 points |
| Warranty and after-sales service | 15 points |
| Net-metering and documentation support | 15 points |
| Vendor credentials and local references | 10 points |
| Generation and savings assumptions | 10 points |
| Payment and contract terms | 5 points |
Use the scorecard to organise your decision, not as a replacement for a qualified site and electrical assessment.
Before You Sign: Final Checks
- Confirm that all vendors quoted the same capacity and system type.
- Compare gross cost before subsidy.
- Verify central and Delhi subsidy assumptions.
- Check panel and inverter model numbers.
- Compare structure, cables, protection and earthing.
- Confirm all civil and roof work.
- Read warranty and AMC terms.
- Confirm net-metering responsibilities.
- Check payment milestones and refund terms.
- Get expected generation assumptions in writing.
- Verify the vendor and references.
- Keep a signed quotation and agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rooftop solar quotations should I compare in Delhi?
Compare at least two or three itemised quotations after the vendors inspect your roof. More quotes are not useful if every vendor is using a different capacity, system type or subsidy assumption.
Should I compare solar price before or after subsidy?
Compare the gross price before subsidy first. Then compare the approved central and Delhi support separately and calculate the customer contribution.
What is the most important item in a solar quotation?
The most important items are system type, panel and inverter model, total capacity, structure, protection, warranty, net-metering support and clear subsidy assumptions. A low price alone is not enough.
How do I know if a solar quotation is genuine?
Ask for a site survey, itemised equipment list, model numbers, written warranty, vendor credentials, project references, official application route and clear payment terms.
Does the cheapest solar quote save money?
Not always. A cheap quote may exclude structure, wiring, civil work, net metering, protection or after-sales service. Compare the complete scope before deciding.
Should net-metering charges be included in the quote?
They may be included or listed separately. The important point is that the quotation must clearly say what is included, what is excluded and who handles application and inspection corrections.
How should I compare 3 kW solar quotations?
Compare the exact 3 kW panel capacity, inverter rating, panel and inverter models, structure, wiring, protection, net-metering work, subsidy assumptions, warranty and final contribution. Read the 3 kW Delhi cost guide for planning context.
Conclusion
The best rooftop solar quotation in Delhi is not necessarily the one with the lowest final number. It is the quotation that clearly explains the system, equipment, structure, safety work, net-metering process, subsidy assumptions, warranty, service and customer contribution.
Compare scope before price, approved subsidy before promised subsidy and written warranty before sales claims. This approach will help you avoid hidden charges and choose a system that performs reliably for your home.
Official Sources
- Delhi Solar Portal
- PM Surya Ghar National Portal
- Official Rooftop Solar Calculator
- BSES Renewable Energy Information
- TPDDL Net-Metering Forms
Written by: Nidhi Sharma
Disclaimer: Solar prices, subsidy rules, technical standards, portal processes, vendor terms and electricity procedures can change. This guide is for general information. Get a site-specific assessment and verify current subsidy and DISCOM requirements before signing a quotation or paying a vendor.