Solar FAQ India

Question 1

What is the difference between the Free Passport and the Engineer-Verified Passport?

Accepted Answer

The Free Solar Passport is an instant self-assessment based on the information you enter. It gives you an estimate of system size, generation, cost, PM Surya Ghar subsidy, and a basic equipment list — useful for understanding your options and comparing installer quotes. It is not engineer-verified and cannot be submitted to your DISCOM. The Engineer-Verified Passport (₹5,000) is reviewed and stamped by a solar engineer. It includes a satellite roof layout, shadow analysis, Single Line Diagram (SLD), DISCOM-ready planset, final Bill of Materials with ALMM-listed equipment, product datasheets, installation and maintenance guide, and an approximate project quotation. It is delivered as a PDF in 5–7 working days and includes one free revision if your DISCOM requests changes.

Question 2

Can I submit the Free Passport to my DISCOM?

Accepted Answer

No. The Free Passport is an estimate based on the information you provide. It is not engineer-verified and does not include the technical documents (SLD, DISCOM-format planset, engineer stamp) required for DISCOM submission. To submit documents to your DISCOM for net metering or subsidy approval, you need the Engineer-Verified Passport (₹5,000), which includes all DISCOM-required documents with an engineer's stamp.

Question 3

How long does the Engineer-Verified Passport take?

Accepted Answer

The Engineer-Verified Passport is delivered as a PDF in 5–7 working days after we receive all your documents (free Passport, site photos, electricity bill, and meter/DB photos). If our engineer needs additional information, we will contact you by email or WhatsApp. The turnaround clock starts once all required uploads are received.

Question 4

What documents do I need to upload for the Engineer-Verified Passport?

Accepted Answer

You need to upload: (1) your Free Solar Passport PDF — created using our free tool at sonofsurya.com/create-passport; (2) site photos — photos of your roof or land from multiple angles, including the area where panels will be installed; (3) your latest electricity bill (last 3 months preferred); and (4) photos of your electricity meter and distribution board (DB). A Google Maps satellite view link of your site is optional but helpful for the roof layout.

Question 5

Can I get a refund on the Engineer-Verified Passport?

Accepted Answer

The ₹5,000 fee is refundable only before our engineer has started work on your documents. Once work has begun, no refund can be issued. If you need to cancel, email hello@sonofsurya.com with the subject 'Passport Cancellation' as soon as possible after ordering. We will confirm whether work has started and process a refund if it has not.

Question 6

How much can I save with rooftop solar in India?

Accepted Answer

Most Indian households with a 3 kW rooftop system save ₹2,000–₹4,000 per month on electricity bills, depending on their location, consumption, and whether they have net metering. The system typically pays for itself in 4–6 years, and panels last 25+ years.

Question 7

What government subsidies are available for solar in India?

Accepted Answer

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana scheme offers central subsidies of up to ₹78,000 for a 3 kW rooftop system. Many states add additional subsidies on top. For farmers, the PM-KUSUM scheme covers up to 70% of solar pump costs. Our Subsidy Guides cover both schemes in detail, including step-by-step application instructions.

Question 8

How much maintenance does a solar system need?

Accepted Answer

Very little. The main task is cleaning the panels every 2–4 weeks in dusty areas — a simple hose-down or wipe with a soft cloth. The inverter should be checked once a year. Most modern inverters have monitoring apps that alert you if something is wrong.

Question 9

Do I need a battery with my solar system?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. In areas with reliable grid supply and net metering, you can export excess power to the grid and draw from it at night — effectively using the grid as your battery. In areas with frequent power cuts, a battery makes a significant difference. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries are now the standard for home solar storage in India.

Question 10

What is net metering and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Net metering is a billing arrangement where your electricity meter runs backwards when your solar panels produce more power than you use. The excess units are credited to your account and offset your bill at night or on cloudy days. Most Indian DISCOMs now offer net metering for rooftop solar systems up to 10 kW.

Question 11

What are the Son of Surya digital guides?

Accepted Answer

Our digital guides are practical PDF documents written specifically for the Indian solar market. They cover topics like how to go solar as a homeowner, how to apply for PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM subsidies, how to evaluate EPC quotations, and how to use solar for farming. Each guide is written in plain language with real Indian examples, prices, and government scheme details.

Question 12

What format are the guides in? Can I read them on my phone?

Accepted Answer

All guides are PDF files. They are formatted to be readable on any device — phone, tablet, or computer. You can also print them. After purchase, you can download the guide immediately from the order confirmation page, from the email we send you, or from your account at sonofsurya.com/account.

Question 13

Can I get a refund on a digital guide?

Accepted Answer

Because digital guides are delivered instantly and cannot be returned, we do not offer refunds on completed purchases. If you have a problem with your download or believe you received the wrong file, email us at hello@sonofsurya.com and we will resolve it immediately.

Question 14

Is the Solar Savings Calculator free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Solar Savings Calculator at sonofsurya.com/solar-calculator is completely free. Enter your state, customer type, monthly electricity bill, and available roof area to get an instant estimate of system size, generation, cost, subsidy, monthly savings, payback period, and CO₂ saved.

Question 15

What is the Solar Electrical Design Planset?

Accepted Answer

The Solar Electrical Design Planset is a set of approval-ready electrical design documents for your solar installation, prepared to DISCOM, MEDA, and state nodal agency standards. It includes a complete electrical planset, Single Line Diagram (SLD), Bill of Materials (BOM), shadow analysis, product datasheets, installation and maintenance guide, and an approximate project quotation. It is priced at ₹2,500 and delivered in 3–5 working days.

Question 16

What is the difference between the Planset and the Passport?

Accepted Answer

The Electrical Design Planset (₹2,500) gives you the technical documents you need for DISCOM submission — SLD, BOM, shadow analysis, datasheets, installation guide, and a project quotation. The Solar Project Passport (₹5,000) includes everything in the Planset, plus a full roof layout and panel placement design, solar irradiance and generation estimate for your exact location, full ROI and payback calculation, subsidy eligibility check, and government-compliant product recommendations. The Passport is also checked by a solar engineer and includes free revisions if your DISCOM requests changes.

Question 17

What is DISCOM approval and why do I need it?

Accepted Answer

DISCOM stands for Distribution Company — the electricity utility that supplies power to your area (e.g. MSEDCL in Maharashtra, BESCOM in Karnataka, TPDDL in Delhi). Before a rooftop solar system can be connected to the grid and before you can receive subsidies, your DISCOM must approve the installation. This requires submitting technical documents including a Single Line Diagram (SLD) and other electrical drawings. Our Planset and Passport prepare these documents for you in the format your DISCOM requires.

Question 18

Do I need a licensed electrical contractor for DISCOM submission?

Accepted Answer

In many states, the final submission to the DISCOM must be signed by a licensed electrical contractor. We prepare all the technical content — your local installer or a licensed contractor signs and submits the documents. If your DISCOM requests changes to our design, we revise it free of charge (Passport only).

Question 19

Can I get a refund on the Planset or Passport?

Accepted Answer

The Planset and Passport fees are refundable only before work on the report begins. Once our team has started the design work, no refund can be issued. If you need to cancel, email hello@sonofsurya.com with the subject 'Planset Cancellation' or 'Passport Cancellation' as soon as possible after ordering.

Question 20

How do I track my physical order?

Accepted Answer

Go to sonofsurya.com/track-order and enter your order number. You will see the current status and courier tracking information. You can also access this from your account page. Once your order ships, you will also receive a tracking number by email.

Question 21

How are digital guides delivered?

Accepted Answer

After completing your purchase, you will receive an email with a download link within a few minutes. The link is valid for 30 days. You can also log in to your account at sonofsurya.com/account to re-download any guide you have purchased at any time. If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder or contact us at hello@sonofsurya.com.

Question 22

Will I receive email updates about my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You will receive an email when your order is confirmed, when it ships (with tracking number), and when it is delivered. For digital guides, you receive the download link immediately after purchase. Make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see these emails.

Question 23

What does my order number look like?

Accepted Answer

Son of Surya order numbers follow the format SOS-YYYY-XXXXX (e.g. SOS-2026-00123). You will find your order number in your order confirmation email. Use this number on the Track Your Order page.

Question 24

Is the website available in Indian regional languages?

Accepted Answer

We are working on adding regional language support for Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, Punjabi, and Odia. English is the current primary language. When regional languages are available, a language switcher will appear in the header. Join our waitlist or follow us on Instagram to be notified when this launches.

Question 25

Are the PDF guides available in regional languages?

Accepted Answer

Currently all guides are in English. We plan to release Hindi and Marathi versions of our most popular guides. If you need a guide in a specific language, email us at hello@sonofsurya.com — we will prioritise based on demand.

Question 26

How can I contact you?

Accepted Answer

Email us at hello@sonofsurya.com or use the contact form on our Contact page. We also respond to messages on Instagram (@sonofsurya). We read every message and typically reply within 1–2 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Solar Passport

Solar Basics

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Planset & Passport

Orders, Tracking & Delivery

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