7 Mistakes to Avoid: An Insider's Guide to Buying Rooftop Solar in Tamil Nadu

Going solar is one of the smartest financial decisions a homeowner in Tamil Nadu can make. It’s a 25-year asset that saves you money every single day.

But because it’s a 25-year decision, a small mistake made today can lead to big problems and lost savings for years. As industry experts, we’ve seen it all. Here is our insider’s guide to the 7 biggest mistakes homeowners make and how you can easily avoid them.

Mistake 1: Focusing Only on the “Lowest Price”

The Problem: You get three quotes, and one is 20% cheaper. It’s tempting, but this is the biggest red flag. A cheap quote always means cheap materials. This can be a non-certified inverter that fails in 5 years, wiring that can’t handle the heat, or a mounting structure that rusts and damages your roof.
The Smart Solution: Focus on value, not price. Ask the installer what brand of inverter and panels they use. A quality system is an investment; a cheap system is an expense that will cost you more in repairs.

Mistake 2: Choosing the Wrong System Type for Your Needs

The Problem: You buy a standard On-Grid system (the most common type) and are shocked when your power goes out during a TANGEDCO power cut.
The Smart Solution: Be honest about your main goal.
- If your only goal is to save on your EB bill, an On-Grid system is perfect.
- If you also need backup power for work-from-home or to run fans, you must install a Hybrid system with a battery.

Mistake 3: Ignoring the Quality of the Installation

The Problem: You can buy the best panels in the world, but a bad installation will ruin them. We’ve seen panels installed in the shade, poorly sealed holes that cause roof leaks, and messy, unsafe wiring.
The Smart Solution: Ask your installer for photos of their past projects. Is the wiring neat and in a conduit? Are the structures clean and uniform? The installer’s workmanship is just as important as the brand of the panel.

Mistake 4: Getting the System Size Wrong

The Problem: A pushy salesman sells you a 5kW system, but you only need 3kW. Or, a lazy installer just looks at one bill, and the 2kW system they install is too small to cover your AC use.
The Smart Solution: A professional vendor will ask for your last 6-12 months of EB bills. They will conduct a “load analysis” and ask about your future plans (like a new AC or an electric car). This ensures your system is perfectly sized for your life.

Mistake 5: Not Understanding the Subsidy Process

The Problem: You hire a non-certified local installer and pay them in full, only to find out you can’t get the subsidy because they are not an “empanelled vendor.”
The Smart Solution: The PM Surya Ghar subsidy has a strict process. You must use an official empanelled vendor (like Asian Powertech) who is registered on the national portal.

Mistake 6: Forgetting About After-Sales Service and Warranty

The Problem: Your system stops working after two years, and the company you bought it from has vanished or won’t answer your calls.
The Smart Solution: Solar is a 25-year relationship. Ask your installer: “What happens if there is a problem? Do you have a local office? Who do I call?” A reputable local company will be there to honour your warranty.

Mistake 7: Thinking Panels Don’t Need Cleaning

The Problem: Your system works great for a year, but then your savings start to drop. Why? A thick layer of dust from the hot Tamil Nadu climate is blocking the sun.
The Smart Solution: Solar panels are low-maintenance, not no-maintenance. A simple cleaning with water every few months (especially after the dusty season) can boost your power generation by 20% or more.

Mistake 8: Thinking You Can’t Use a Loan with the Subsidy

The Problem: This is the #1 reason people with “sticker shock” back out. They see a total cost (e.g., ₹2,10,000 for 3kW). They hear about the ₹78,000 subsidy, but they still don’t have the remaining ₹1,32,000 in cash. They assume they have to pay this full amount upfront and give up on the project.
The Smart Solution: The PM Surya Ghar Yojana is designed to work with special bank loans. The subsidy (₹78,000) acts as your instant down payment. You only need to finance the net amount. Major banks (like SBI) offer “Surya Ghar Loans” with:
- Very low interest rates (as low as 6.00%).
- No collateral (security) required for most home systems.
- The monthly EMI is often less than the EB bill you are already paying. This means you are cash-flow positive from the very first month!

Conclusion: Choose Your Partner, Not Just Your Panels

Buying solar is less about the brand of the panel and more about the quality of the partner you choose. A good partner will help you avoid all 8 of these mistakes. They will give you the right-sized system, install it with care, secure your subsidy, help with your loan, and be there to support you for the next 25 years.

Call to Action: Your 25-year investment deserves a partner you can trust. Don’t risk it. Call Asian Powertech today for a free consultation and free site visit. We’ll design a high-quality system and ensure you get it right from day one.