People are often surprised that the panels go up in a few days but the whole process takes weeks. The roof is rarely the slow part. Paperwork and approvals are. Here's what happens, in order, and where the time goes.
Step 1: bills, survey and design
You send us your bills and a few photos of the roof. We visit, measure, check shade and structure, look at your LT panel and meter, and then model the plant in 3D. For a home this takes a few days; for a factory with several roofs, a little longer.
Step 2: the proposal
You get a written proposal with the design, month-by-month generation, the full scope with makes, and everything that isn't included. Most people take their time over this step, which is exactly right. Ask questions. Ask for datasheets.
Step 3: approvals start
Once you place the order, we file the net-metering application with your DISCOM. Homes claiming PM Surya Ghar go through the national portal and DISCOM feasibility first. If your sanctioned load or contract demand is too low for the plant, a load increase has to be applied for before any of this.
Step 4: material
Modules, inverter and the rest of the kit are ordered through Waaree's channel. Ready-stock items move quickly; made-to-order items take longer, which is why we tell you upfront which category your design falls into.
Step 5: installation
| Plant | Typical time on site |
|---|---|
| Home, 2 to 10 kW | A few days |
| Shop, office or hotel | About one to two weeks |
| Factory, 100 kW and above | Several weeks, planned around production |
For commercial and industrial plants we usually commit to completion within 45 to 60 days of the work order, subject to site readiness and approvals. The final connection into your panel needs a short planned shutdown, agreed with you in advance.
Step 6: inspection and the net meter
After installation, the DISCOM inspects the plant and fits the bi-directional net meter. In West Bengal, plants of 100 kW and above also need approval from the Chief Electrical Inspector (CEIG) before they're switched on. This step is in the hands of the authorities, so it's the one we chase hardest.
Step 7: commissioning and handover
We commission the plant, set up monitoring on your phone, show you or your staff how to clean the panels, and hand over the warranty papers. Homes on PM Surya Ghar then submit the final documents for the subsidy, which we prepare.
What causes most delays
- A sanctioned load that's too low. Check it on day one, not after the panels arrive.
- Roof repairs. Leaks, waterproofing or a tired sheet roof have to be fixed before installation, not after.
- Paperwork that doesn't match. The name on the electricity connection, the property papers and the bank account should line up, especially for subsidy claims.
- CEIG timing on larger plants. Allow for it in your plans.
None of these are unusual, and all of them are easier to fix early. That's why our survey checks the load and the roof before the proposal is written. If you're planning a plant for a home, our guide to PM Surya Ghar step by step covers the subsidy side.
Quick answers
How long does rooftop solar installation take for a home?
The work on the roof usually takes a few days. The whole process, including net-metering approval and the net meter, depends mainly on the DISCOM.
How long does a commercial solar plant take to install?
We usually complete commercial and industrial plants within 45 to 60 days of the work order, subject to site readiness and approvals.
Do I need CEIG approval for solar in West Bengal?
Yes, for plants of 100 kW and above, before the plant is switched on.