🔧 How-to Guides
Verifying a Solar Installer’s DISCOM Registration Before You Sign: A Homeowner’s Checklist
Top riskNon-empaneled installer
Verify atpmsuryaghar.gov.in
At stakeRs 78,000 subsidy
Also checkALMM panels
Time to verify2 minutes
Why verification is the single most important step
The most common and most costly mistake in the PM Surya Ghar process is using a non-empanelled installer. The subsidy inspector checks empanelment status at the site visit. If your installer is not on the approved list, your subsidy claim is rejected permanently, regardless of how good the installation is. Rs 78,000 gone, no recourse.
Verification takes two minutes on the portal. There is no reason to skip it. Do it before you have a single conversation about pricing with any installer.
How to verify on the PM Surya Ghar portal: step by step
1
Go to pmsuryaghar.gov.inNo login needed for the vendor search. Look for “Empanelled Vendors” or “Vendor List” in the navigation menu.
2
Select your state and DISCOMThe portal filters by state and then by DISCOM. Select both accurately to get the list for your specific service area.
3
Search for the installer by name or registration numberType the company name exactly as given on their quote or business card. If they do not appear, they are not empanelled for your DISCOM.
4
Check the registration expiry dateEmpanelment must be current, not expired. Some installers have lapsed registrations. Confirm the expiry date shown on the portal is in the future.
5
Ask the installer for their portal registration numberA legitimate empanelled installer will give you this number without hesitation. Cross-check it on the portal to confirm it matches their company name.
Red flags that signal an untrustworthy installer
1
Cannot provide portal registration numberA legitimate empanelled installer always knows their registration number and shares it readily.
Walk away
2
Says “portal registration can be done later”This is the exact mistake that costs homeowners Rs 78,000. Installation must happen after approval, not before.
Never accept this
3
Offers panels not on MNRE ALMM listNon-ALMM panels are rejected at inspection. Ask for the exact panel model and verify at mnre.gov.in before agreeing.
Verify panel separately
4
Price significantly below market rateBelow-market pricing often means corner-cutting on panels, wiring, or earthing. All of these cause inspection failures.
Get itemised quote
5
Asks for full payment upfront before startingStandard practice is 50-70% before installation and balance after commissioning. Full upfront payment is a risk.
Pay in stages
What else to check beyond empanelment
✅
ALMM panel certificateInstaller should provide panel model from MNRE approved list. Verify at mnre.gov.in yourself.
✅
GST registrationAsk for GST number and verify on the GST portal. Legitimate businesses are registered.
✅
Previous customer referencesAsk for 2-3 completed projects in your area and call the homeowners directly.
✅
Written warranty documentsPanel performance warranty (25 year), product warranty (10 year), inverter warranty (5 year) must be in writing.
❌
Only WhatsApp quotationsLegitimate installers provide formal written quotes on company letterhead with GST number.
❌
No physical office addressFly-by-night installers often operate without a fixed address. Important for warranty claims later.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an installer not on the PM Surya Ghar portal if they are good quality?
Not if you want the subsidy. The PM Surya Ghar subsidy is only available when an empanelled installer does the work. Non-empanelled installers can still do good quality work, but you permanently forfeit the Rs 78,000 subsidy. If subsidy does not matter to you, any qualified installer works. If subsidy matters, empanelment is non-negotiable.
What if the installer is empanelled in one state but I live in another?
Empanelment is state and DISCOM specific. An installer empanelled for BSES Delhi cannot do subsidy-eligible work for JVVNL Rajasthan. The installer must be empanelled with your specific DISCOM. Always filter the portal by your state and DISCOM, not just state.
The installer claims their empanelment is “under renewal.” Is that okay?
No. The empanelment must be active at the time of installation. An expired or under-renewal registration means the subsidy inspector will flag the system as ineligible. Wait until the renewal is confirmed on the portal before proceeding with installation.
How do I verify ALMM panel status?
Go to mnre.gov.in and look for the ALMM list. Search by the panel manufacturer name or model number provided in the installer quote. The list is updated periodically, so verify close to the installation date. Also ask the installer to provide an ALMM certificate in writing.
Can the installer do the portal registration on my behalf?
The Aadhaar OTP verification step requires your registered mobile number, so the application must be submitted from your phone. Installers can help fill in technical details but cannot complete the OTP step for you. Never share your OTP with anyone, including the installer.
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