Installing rooftop solar on your home is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make in Andhra Pradesh in 2026 — but the process can feel opaque if you have never done it before. How long does home solar installation take? What documents do you need? Who handles the government paperwork? What happens on installation day? Will the process disrupt your daily life?
At ELRIX ENERGY, we have refined our installation process across 500+ projects in Nellore, Tirupati, Kadapa, and Ongole into a transparent, predictable 12-step workflow. Every step has a defined timeline, clear deliverables, and a dedicated point of contact. This guide walks you through exactly what to expect from your first phone call to the moment your bi-directional meter starts spinning backward — including PM Surya Ghar subsidy application, APSPDCL net metering approval, and post-installation support.
Overview: Timeline and What to Expect
From initial inquiry to system go-live, the complete ELRIX ENERGY home solar installation process typically takes 45 to 60 days in Nellore and Tirupati, and 50–65 days in Kadapa and Ongole due to slightly longer APSPDCL rural division processing times. Physical installation on your roof takes just 1 to 2 days — the remaining time involves engineering design, government approvals, and DISCOM coordination that happens largely in the background while you continue your normal routine.
Your total investment depends on system size. At our standard rate of ELRIX ENERGY tier pricing from ₹67,000 for 1 kW (after discount), net costs after PM Surya Ghar subsidy are: ₹37,000 (1 kW), ₹75,000 (2 kW), ₹1,22,000 (3 kW), ₹2.56 lakh (5 kW), and ₹5.88 lakh (10 kW). ROI begins from the first month of generation, with full payback in 40–55 months at APSPDCL tariffs of ₹6–₹8 per unit.
Step 1: Free Consultation and Bill Analysis
Everything begins with a conversation. Contact ELRIX ENERGY via phone, WhatsApp, or our contact page with your latest APSPDCL electricity bill. Our solar advisor reviews your monthly consumption (units and rupees), sanctioned load, consumer category (LT-I domestic, LT-II commercial), and tariff slab to recommend the optimal system size.
Key questions we answer during consultation: What size system do you need? What is your net cost after ₹30,000–₹78,000 PM Surya Ghar subsidy? What monthly savings can you expect? What is your projected payback period? Do you need on-grid or hybrid with battery backup?
For most Nellore and Tirupati homes with monthly bills of ₹2,500–₹4,000 (350–500 units), we recommend a 3 kW system — net cost ₹1,22,000, monthly savings ₹2,500–₹3,000, payback 40–50 months. Homes with bills below ₹1,500 typically need 1–2 kW. Home offices and large villas with bills exceeding ₹5,000 benefit from 5 kW systems.
This consultation is completely free, with no obligation to proceed. We provide a preliminary quotation via WhatsApp or email within 24 hours of receiving your bill.
Step 2: On-Site Survey and Roof Assessment
Once you decide to proceed, our field engineer visits your property within 48 hours (Nellore city and Tirupati) or 72 hours (Kadapa, Ongole, and rural mandals) for a comprehensive site survey. The survey evaluates:
- Roof type and condition: RCC flat, pitched tile, asbestos sheet, or metal deck — each requires different mounting hardware
- Available shadow-free area: Minimum 80 sq ft per kW for standard panels. We use SunEye or equivalent shade analysis tools to map shadows from water tanks, chimneys, and neighbouring structures across all seasons
- Structural load capacity: Can the roof support 12–15 kg/m² additional load? For older buildings in Nellore old town or Tirupati temple vicinity, our civil engineer provides a stamped structural certificate
- Roof orientation and tilt: South-facing is optimal (180° azimuth). East-west split configurations work well for morning-evening consumption profiles common in Kadapa households
- Existing electrical infrastructure: Main switchboard condition, earthing system, available breaker slots, and cable routing path from roof to meter
- APSPDCL meter location: Distance from roof to consumer meter affects cable sizing and installation complexity
After the survey, you receive a detailed Site Survey Report with annotated roof photographs, recommended panel layout, system size confirmation, and any prerequisites (e.g., water tank relocation, earthing upgrade). If your roof is unsuitable for solar, we tell you honestly — no sale at the cost of your trust.
Step 3: System Design and Transparent Quotation
Our design team prepares a custom system design based on survey data, including:
- Panel layout drawing (AutoCAD or equivalent) showing exact panel positions on your roof
- Single-line electrical diagram compliant with APSPDCL and CEIG standards
- Bill of Quantities (BOQ) listing every component: panel make and wattage, inverter model, mounting structure type, cable specifications, protection devices, and accessories
- Generation estimate: monthly and annual kWh projection based on site-specific irradiance data
- Financial summary: customer price, ELRIX discount, PM Surya Ghar subsidy, net cost, monthly savings, payback period, and 25-year ROI projection
Every ELRIX ENERGY quotation uses ALMM-listed Tier-1 components — typically 540W mono PERC panels from Waaree, Adani, or Vikram Solar, paired with Growatt, Sungrow, or Havells string inverters. We never substitute components after quotation approval without your written consent.
Pricing is all-inclusive at ELRIX ENERGY tier pricing from ₹67,000 for 1 kW (after discount): panels, inverter, HDGI cyclone-rated mounting, DC and AC cabling, DCDB and ACDB, earthing, lightning protection, installation labour, APSPDCL net metering application, and PM Surya Ghar subsidy facilitation. No hidden charges. No surprise add-ons on installation day.
Step 4: Agreement and Project Kickoff
When you approve the quotation, we sign a formal EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) agreement specifying: system size and specifications, total customer and net pricing, payment schedule, installation timeline, warranty terms, and scope of work. Standard payment terms:
- 40% advance: On agreement signing — triggers material procurement and APSPDCL application
- 50% on installation completion: After panels, inverter, and wiring are installed and tested
- 10% on commissioning: After APSPDCL net metering approval and system go-live
Subsidy-aware pricing: if you qualify for PM Surya Ghar (₹30,000 for 1 kW, ₹60,000 for 2 kW, ₹78,000 for 3 kW+), the subsidy amount is deducted from your invoice. You pay net cost, not gross — the subsidy is between ELRIX ENERGY and the government portal, not a reimbursement you chase manually. Full subsidy details on our PM Surya Ghar page.
Step 5: PM Surya Ghar Subsidy Application
Immediately after agreement signing, our documentation team registers your project on the National PM Surya Ghar Portal (pmsuryaghar.gov.in). Required documents — collected during Steps 1–4 — include:
- Aadhaar card of the property owner
- Latest electricity bill (APSPDCL)
- Property ownership proof (sale deed, tax receipt, or municipal record)
- Bank account details (for subsidy disbursement)
- Passport-size photograph
- ELRIX ENERGY empaneled vendor registration details
Portal registration generates a unique application ID tracked through feasibility approval, installation verification, and subsidy release stages. ELRIX ENERGY monitors the portal daily and escalates any stalled applications through our empaneled vendor channel. Typical subsidy disbursement timeline: 15–30 days after DISCOM inspection approval.
Step 6: APSPDCL Net Metering Application
In parallel with the PM Surya Ghar application, we submit your net metering request to APSPDCL through the consumer solar portal. This application includes the Detailed Project Report (DPR), single-line diagram, panel and inverter ALMM certificates, structural stability certificate, and property documents.
APSPDCL division offices in Nellore, Tirupati, Kadapa, and Ongole review the application for technical feasibility — confirming grid capacity at your feeder level and compliance with DISCOM technical standards. Feasibility approval typically arrives within 7–15 working days in urban divisions and 15–20 days in rural divisions.
ELRIX ENERGY's established relationships with APSPDCL field engineers across all four districts significantly reduce rejection rates and resubmission cycles. Common rejection reasons — name mismatch on documents, non-ALMM components, incomplete DPR — are eliminated by our pre-submission document verification process.
Step 7: Material Procurement and Quality Check
Upon feasibility approval and advance payment receipt, we procure all system components from authorized distributors. Every shipment undergoes incoming quality inspection at our Nellore warehouse:
- Panels: Visual inspection for micro-cracks, frame integrity, and label verification. Serial numbers recorded for ALMM traceability and warranty registration.
- Inverter: Factory seal verification, model number cross-check against quotation, and firmware version confirmation.
- Mounting structure: HDGI coating thickness verification, bolt and nut grade check (SS 304 for coastal Ongole installations).
- Cables and protection: ISI mark verification, gauge measurement, and MC4 connector quality check.
Materials are then transported to your site on installation day. We never use leftover or refurbished components from previous projects. Your system receives factory-fresh equipment with full manufacturer warranty — registered in your name on installation day.
Step 8: Installation Day — What Happens on Your Roof
Physical installation is the step most homeowners are curious about. Here is exactly what happens:
Morning (8 AM–12 PM): Mounting structure installation. Our team of 3–4 certified technicians installs the HDGI mounting framework on your roof. For RCC flat roofs, we use anchor bolts with chemical anchoring and waterproof sealing. Installation involves drilling, framework assembly, and tilt angle adjustment (typically 10–15° for Andhra Pradesh latitude). Noise level: moderate (drilling for 1–2 hours). Water tanks and terrace access remain available throughout.
Midday (12 PM–3 PM): Panel mounting and DC wiring. Solar panels are lifted to the roof and clamped onto the mounting structure. DC cables connect panels in series strings, routed through UV-resistant conduit to the inverter location. MC4 connectors are crimped with professional tooling and tested for continuity.
Afternoon (3 PM–5 PM): Inverter installation and AC wiring. The string inverter is wall-mounted at ground level or terrace level (protected from direct rain). AC output connects to your existing main switchboard through a dedicated solar MCB. Earthing is verified or upgraded to meet IS 3043 standards (earth resistance below 5 ohms).
Evening (5 PM–6 PM): System testing and commissioning prep. DC voltage and polarity checks, insulation resistance testing, inverter startup, and initial generation verification. Your WiFi monitoring app is configured and demonstrated on your smartphone. The site is cleaned — all packaging material and debris removed.
Total disruption: 1 day for systems up to 5 kW, 2 days for 5–10 kW. Your home retains normal electricity supply throughout — we do not disconnect your APSPDCL connection during installation. Family members can remain home; only roof access is restricted during active work.
Step 9: APSPDCL DISCOM Inspection
After installation, ELRIX ENERGY schedules APSPDCL field inspection through the division office. The DISCOM engineer verifies:
- Installation matches approved DPR (panel count, inverter rating, layout)
- Anti-islanding protection functions correctly (inverter disconnects during grid outage simulation)
- Earthing resistance meets standards
- AC wiring and protection devices comply with IS and CEIG requirements
- ALMM labels on panels and inverters match submitted certificates
Inspection typically occurs within 5–10 working days of our scheduling request. ELRIX ENERGY engineers are present during inspection to address any queries immediately. Pass rate for our installations exceeds 98% on first inspection — failures are typically minor documentation issues resolved within 48 hours.
Step 10: Bi-Directional Meter Installation and Grid Synchronization
Following successful DISCOM inspection, APSPDCL installs a bi-directional (net) meter at your premises — replacing or reconfiguring your existing consumer meter. This meter records both electricity imported from the grid and electricity exported by your solar system. Meter installation is performed by APSPDCL staff and typically occurs within 7–15 days of inspection approval.
Once the bi-directional meter is active, your system is officially synchronized with the APSPDCL grid. Net metering begins immediately — surplus generation during daylight hours earns credits against your evening and night-time consumption. Your first post-solar APSPDCL bill (typically the following billing cycle) will show import, export, and net consumption line items.
ELRIX ENERGY monitors meter installation status weekly and coordinates with division stores to prevent backlog delays. If meter stock is unavailable at your local division, we escalate to the circle office for priority allocation.
Step 11: Subsidy Disbursement and Final Payment
With DISCOM inspection approved and the system live, two financial milestones conclude simultaneously:
PM Surya Ghar subsidy: ₹30,000 (1 kW), ₹60,000 (2 kW), or ₹78,000 (3 kW+) is disbursed directly to your registered bank account within 15–30 days of portal verification. ELRIX ENERGY confirms receipt and reconciles against your invoice.
Final payment: The remaining 10% of contract value is due upon commissioning confirmation. At this point, you receive your complete documentation package: warranty certificates (panels, inverter, workmanship), ALMM compliance records, APSPDCL net metering approval letter, PM Surya Ghar completion certificate, system monitoring app credentials, and annual maintenance schedule.
Step 12: Post-Installation Support and Monitoring
Our relationship does not end at commissioning. ELRIX ENERGY provides ongoing support to every customer across Nellore, Tirupati, Kadapa, and Ongole:
- WiFi monitoring: Real-time generation tracking via inverter app (Growatt ShinePhone, Sungrow iSolarCloud, or equivalent). We configure alerts for generation drops indicating potential faults.
- 5-year workmanship warranty: Covers mounting integrity, cable connections, inverter mounting, and waterproofing. Free service calls for warranty issues.
- 25-year panel performance warranty: Manufacturer-backed guarantee of 80%+ rated output at Year 25. ELRIX ENERGY assists with warranty claims if needed.
- Annual performance review: We contact you annually to compare actual generation against projected figures. Significant underperformance triggers a free diagnostic visit.
- Pre-monsoon inspection: Complimentary structural and electrical check before monsoon season (May–June) for all coastal AP installations.
- Billing support: If your post-solar APSPDCL bill looks incorrect, our team helps reconcile net metering credits with DISCOM billing department.
For maintenance beyond warranty or panel cleaning services, we offer affordable Annual Maintenance Contracts. Learn more about our company and values on our about page, or explore our full range of residential solar services.
Why Choose ELRIX ENERGY for Your Home Solar Installation
Andhra Pradesh has no shortage of solar vendors — from national franchises to local electricians adding panels to their service list. What distinguishes the ELRIX ENERGY installation process:
- Local presence: Nellore headquarters with dedicated teams in Tirupati, Kadapa, and Ongole — not a Hyderabad call centre dispatching subcontractors
- Empaneled vendor: Official PM Surya Ghar empaneled status means your subsidy is guaranteed through the proper channel
- ALMM-only components: Every panel and inverter is ALMM-listed and Tier-1 — no B-grade substitutions
- Transparent pricing: ELRIX ENERGY tier pricing from ₹67,000 for 1 kW (after discount) all-inclusive with net cost clearly stated after subsidy. No hidden fees at any stage
- Complete paperwork: PM Surya Ghar, APSPDCL net metering, CEIG compliance — all handled by our team, not dumped on you
- Proven track record: 500+ installations across four districts with 98%+ first-inspection pass rate
- Post-installation support: 5-year workmanship warranty, annual reviews, and billing assistance — we stay accessible after commissioning
Whether you are a first-time homeowner in Nellore exploring solar for the first time, or a Tirupati resident upgrading from a smaller system, our 12-step process delivers predictable results with zero surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the complete solar installation process take?
45–60 days from inquiry to go-live in Nellore and Tirupati. Physical roof installation takes only 1–2 days. Most time is spent on APSPDCL net metering approval and bi-directional meter installation.
What documents do I need for home solar installation?
Aadhaar, latest APSPDCL bill, property ownership proof, bank account details, and passport photo. ELRIX ENERGY collects these during the free consultation and site survey — no repeated document requests.
How much does home solar installation cost with ELRIX ENERGY?
ELRIX ENERGY tier pricing from ₹67,000 for 1 kW (after discount) all-inclusive. Net costs after PM Surya Ghar subsidy: ₹37,000 (1 kW), ₹75,000 (2 kW), ₹1,22,000 (3 kW), ₹2.56 lakh (5 kW). See our subsidy page for details.
Will installation damage my roof?
No. We use waterproof chemical anchoring for RCC roofs and non-penetrating clamps for asbestos/metal roofs. Every penetration is sealed with industrial-grade waterproofing compound. 5-year workmanship warranty covers any installation-related roof issues.
Do I need to be home during installation?
Not necessarily, but we recommend someone be available for site access and the evening monitoring app demonstration. Your APSPDCL electricity supply is never disconnected during installation.
Who handles the PM Surya Ghar subsidy application?
ELRIX ENERGY handles 100% of the application on the National Portal. Subsidy (₹30,000–₹78,000) is credited to your bank account within 15–30 days of DISCOM inspection approval.
Who handles APSPDCL net metering?
ELRIX ENERGY submits the application, coordinates DISCOM inspection, and follows up on bi-directional meter installation. You do not need to visit APSPDCL offices.
What brands of panels and inverters does ELRIX ENERGY use?
ALMM-listed Tier-1 panels (Waaree, Adani, Vikram Solar) and inverters (Growatt, Sungrow, Havells). Exact make and model specified in your quotation — no substitutions without approval.
What happens if my system underperforms after installation?
We compare actual generation against projections annually. Significant underperformance triggers a free diagnostic visit. Panel and inverter warranties cover manufacturing defects for 25 and 5–10 years respectively.
Can I install solar on a rented house?
The APSPDCL connection holder must apply — typically the property owner. Tenants can proceed with written owner consent. Net metering remains in the owner's name.
Does ELRIX ENERGY serve Kadapa and Ongole for home installation?
Yes. We serve all four districts — Nellore (HQ), Tirupati, Kadapa, and Ongole — with dedicated installation teams. Site survey within 48–72 hours regardless of location.
How do I start the ELRIX ENERGY installation process?
Contact us with your latest APSPDCL bill. We provide a free consultation, site survey, and detailed quotation within 24–48 hours. No obligation to proceed.
