How do I choose a reliable EPC company for my Solar Rooftop project?

Solar PV Projects come for a high initial capital cost. The returns come back all through 25 years or more. So it's very important that you don't err in selecting the right material and engineers to do the job. First, a good EPC company would ensure that you get a good product, correct design and service on your purchase. So if you are not a technical person, it's of prime importance that you do due diligence on the guys who will install at your place.

Use a pen and paper and give rating to the companies that you meet on the basis of these.

1. Credentials:- Ask the number of projects they have done and what is the performance of the project. If possible check one or more of the customers to see if they have been given as committed.

2. Engineering understanding of the representative- if the representative has a good understanding of various versions of the product and it's quality, then there is a good chance that the whole company has an environment of engineering. If possible, meet or discuss more than one per person about different technical options in that company. Remember, in an engineering product the salesman is a 'Sales Engineer'. 

3. Selection of material - are they trying to over sell or hide anything. Have they disclosed all the bill of material on the first go or do you have to ask for it. If the company is minimally revealing the bill of materials, or answering only if asked, see why is this the case.

4. Pricing should be clear and final. Ask for a final payable price which does not exclude anything. Clarify that you won't pay even Rs 100 extra to anyone for any kind of payment. Have it written on paper. Ensure you have the correct GST (5% on 70% of the project and 18% on 30% of the project) total 8.9%. You should not save on GST and risk any dispute on such an expensive purchase. 

5. Have clear timelines on the completion. Ask if there could be a penalty clause. Net metering process is most time consuming, you you should be clear on a date when the system will go live.

6. Qualification of installation and service engineers, warranty claim process and Project Completion time should be clear. Ensure that you get all the documentation upon completion of the site.

7. Reviews, PV panel and inverter performance, datasheet, installation position and all other documentation or discussion should be done before finalizing the product and size of the project.

These points are not about selection of the product or brands, but about selecting the EPC company who will install and give you service. 

A well planned search for a good company will help you finalize your Solar PV Installation from a reliable engineering firm and avoid a lot of issues which arise from inexperienced solar EPCs.