SSREALTECH | Solar EPC & Energy Solutions | 9993070355

Introduction

Choosing a solar EPC company is not simply a price-comparison exercise. Two quotations can show the same 100 kW or 500 kW capacity while offering materially different equipment, engineering scope, mounting systems, electrical protection, monitoring, warranties, approvals and after-sales support.

EPC stands for Engineering, Procurement and Construction. In a solar project, the EPC contractor may be responsible for site assessment, engineering, equipment procurement, installation, testing, commissioning and documentation. The exact scope depends on the contract.

For a homeowner or business, the safest way to compare quotations is to normalize the scope first and compare price only after confirming that the proposals are technically and commercially comparable.

1. What Does a Solar EPC Company Do?

A solar EPC company coordinates the activities required to convert a solar design into an operating PV plant. Depending on the contract, this can include:

Site survey and feasibility assessment.
Solar PV system design.
Structural/mounting design coordination.
Electrical single-line diagram and engineering.
Module and inverter procurement.
Mounting-structure procurement.
DC and AC electrical work.
Protection, earthing and cable installation.
Monitoring and communications.
Utility/DISCOM documentation and coordination where included.
Installation, testing and commissioning.
Performance documentation and handover.
Warranty coordination and O&M where contracted.

A quotation should clearly state which of these items are included, excluded or supplied by the customer.

2. Why Solar Quotations Are Difficult to Compare

Quotation difference	Possible reason
Same kW, different price	Different modules, inverter, mounting, electrical scope or installation conditions.
Same modules, different price	Different structure, cables, protections, monitoring, warranties or O&M.
Low upfront price	Some civil, electrical, approval or maintenance items may be excluded.
Higher upfront price	May include stronger equipment, more detailed engineering, extended O&M or additional scope.
Different generation estimates	Different solar-resource, loss, degradation or shading assumptions.
Different payback claims	Different tariff, export, CAPEX, O&M or financing assumptions.

The goal is not to assume that the cheapest or most expensive quotation is correct. The goal is to understand what each proposal actually delivers.

3. Start With a Standard RFQ

Before asking EPC companies for quotations, give every bidder the same basic project information. This makes comparison much easier.

Site location.
Consumer category and electricity connection details.
Latest 12 months of electricity bills.
Sanctioned/contract demand where applicable.
Available roof/ground/carport area.
Preferred project capacity or target annual solar generation, if known.
Backup requirements.
Existing diesel generator information.
Expected commissioning timeline.
Any special site restrictions.
Required O&M period.
Whether utility/DISCOM coordination is expected from the EPC.

4. Compare the Engineering Scope First

A professional quotation should explain how the proposed system was developed.

Engineering item	What to verify
Site survey	Was the roof/site physically inspected?
Solar layout	Does it show modules, access paths and equipment locations?
Shading	Was shading assessed or modeled?
Structural assessment	Who checks roof capacity and mounting loads?
Electrical SLD	Is a project-specific single-line diagram included?
String design	Are module voltage/current limits matched to the inverter?
Generation model	Are yield and loss assumptions documented?
Utility design	Are interconnection and metering requirements addressed?
DG integration	Is generator operation considered where applicable?

5. Compare Solar Modules

Do not compare modules using efficiency percentage alone. Check the complete module specification.

Manufacturer and exact model.
Rated power.
Module efficiency.
Dimensions and weight.
Voc, Vmp, Isc and Imp.
Temperature coefficient.
Product warranty.
Performance/degradation warranty.
Applicable certification.
ALMM eligibility where the project requires it.
Availability and proposed delivery schedule.

For projects where MNRE ALMM requirements apply, verify the exact model/manufacturer against the current official list at procurement time. Do not rely on an old brochure or a generic statement that a manufacturer is ‘ALMM approved.’

6. Compare Solar Inverters

Exact inverter make and model.
AC rating.
Maximum DC input power.
Maximum DC voltage.
MPPT voltage range.
Maximum input current.
Number of MPPTs.
Temperature derating.
Protection functions.
Monitoring capabilities.
Warranty and service support.
Compatibility with the proposed PV string configuration.
DG/hybrid compatibility if backup operation is required.

A quotation should not simply say ‘premium inverter.’ The exact model matters because electrical limits and features differ between products.

7. Compare Mounting Structures

The mounting structure is a critical part of a rooftop solar system and should not be treated as a commodity line item without specifications.

Material and corrosion-protection specification.
Rail/member dimensions.
Fastener and clamp specification.
Roof attachment method.
Ballast arrangement if applicable.
Wind-load design basis.
Compatibility with the roof type.
Structural calculations or assessment responsibility.
Waterproofing details.
Warranty.

For metal sheds, standing-seam roofs, RCC roofs and specialized structures, the attachment method should be clearly documented.

8. Compare DC and AC Electrical Scope

Scope	Questions
DC cables	What cable type, size and specification are included?
Connectors	Are compatible, approved connectors included?
DC protection	What protection and isolation equipment is included?
AC cables	What size, type and route are proposed?
AC panels	Are required breakers, protection and enclosures included?
Earthing	What earthing system and conductors are included?
Lightning/surge protection	What is included and where?
Transformer	Is a transformer required and is it included?
Metering	Who supplies and coordinates the meter?
Testing	What testing and commissioning are included?

9. Check the Generation Estimate

The annual-generation number in an EPC proposal is one of the most important figures to examine.

A preliminary calculation is:

Annual generation ≈ PV capacity (kW) × specific yield (kWh/kW/year).

For example, a 500 kWp plant using an illustrative 1,400 kWh/kW/year yield assumption would model approximately 700,000 kWh/year before any additional project-specific adjustments.

Do not compare generation estimates without comparing the assumptions behind them.

Solar resource/location.
Module orientation and tilt.
Shading.
Temperature losses.
Soiling.
Mismatch.
DC cable losses.
Inverter losses.
AC losses.
Availability and downtime.
Degradation.
Export/self-consumption assumptions.

10. Compare Performance Guarantees Carefully

Words such as ‘guaranteed generation’ should be defined in the contract. Ask:

What generation is being guaranteed?
For what period?
Under what irradiation/resource assumptions?
Is the guarantee based on meter data or inverter monitoring?
What exclusions apply?
How are grid outages treated?
How are force-majeure events treated?
What remedy applies if the guarantee is missed?

A generation estimate in a sales presentation is not automatically a contractual performance guarantee.

11. Compare Project Cost on a Like-for-Like Basis

Cost category	Check whether included
PV modules	☐
Inverters	☐
Mounting structure	☐
DC cables/connectors	☐
AC cables	☐
AC/DC protection	☐
Earthing	☐
Lightning/surge protection	☐
Monitoring	☐
Civil work	☐
Structural work	☐
Transformer/switchgear	☐
Metering/utility-related work	☐
Installation	☐
Testing/commissioning	☐
Documentation	☐
O&M	☐
Taxes and duties	☐

12. ₹/kW Is Useful, But Not Enough

A simple installed cost per kW can help normalize proposals, but it should not be the only comparison metric.

Installed cost per kW = Total project cost ÷ installed PV capacity.

A quotation with a lower ₹/kW may exclude a transformer, structural work, utility coordination, monitoring, O&M or other necessary items. Conversely, a higher ₹/kW may reflect a more complex roof, higher electrical voltage, stronger mounting or broader scope.

Compare total project cost after normalizing the scope.

13. Compare O&M and AMC Scope

A solar plant requires ongoing inspection and maintenance. Check whether O&M is included and exactly what it covers.

Module cleaning frequency.
Inverter inspection.
String/MPPT checks where applicable.
Thermal inspection where included.
Electrical connection inspection.
Earthing inspection.
Monitoring and alarm response.
Preventive maintenance visits.
Corrective maintenance.
Spare-parts policy.
Emergency response.
Performance reports.

Warranty and O&M are not the same. A product warranty covers specified defects under its terms; an O&M contract covers operational maintenance services defined in the agreement.

14. Compare Warranty Terms

Component	Questions
PV module	Product warranty? Performance/degradation warranty? Claim process?
Inverter	Warranty duration, exclusions and service response?
Mounting	Material/structure warranty? Corrosion terms?
Workmanship	How long is installation workmanship covered?
Battery	If included, cycle/energy warranty and replacement terms?
Monitoring	Is software/platform support included?
O&M	What is included during and after the warranty period?

15. After-Sales Service Matters

A solar plant is a long-lived asset. The EPC’s ability to respond to inverter faults, communication failures, broken connectors, roof issues or performance deviations can affect system availability.

Local service presence.
Technician availability.
Spare-parts strategy.
Escalation process.
Remote monitoring.
Typical response commitments stated in the contract.
Warranty-claim responsibility.
Documentation and service history.

Ask for contractual service terms rather than relying only on verbal assurances.

16. Check Utility and DISCOM Scope

For grid-connected projects, clarify who is responsible for utility-related work.

Application preparation.
Technical feasibility submission.
Single-line diagram and documentation.
Metering coordination.
Inspection coordination.
Synchronization/commissioning coordination.
Utility fees where applicable.
Modification of sanctioned load or other approvals where required.

The exact requirements vary by state, DISCOM, consumer category and project size. A quotation should identify the EPC’s responsibility rather than simply saying ‘net metering included.’

17. Structural Responsibility

For rooftop systems, clarify who is responsible for confirming that the roof can safely support the proposed installation.

Structural site inspection.
Load assessment.
Wind-load design basis.
Mounting-point design.
Anchor/connection checks.
Ballast calculations where applicable.
Strengthening recommendations.
Structural drawings/certification where required.

The solar EPC should not make unsupported statements about roof capacity. The final structural assessment should be appropriate to the building and project.

18. Compare Installation and Commissioning Scope

Activity	Included?
Material unloading	☐
Roof transportation	☐
Mounting installation	☐
Module installation	☐
DC cabling	☐
AC cabling	☐
Earthing	☐
Protection equipment	☐
Monitoring setup	☐
Testing	☐
Commissioning	☐
Utility inspection coordination	☐
As-built documentation	☐
Training/handover	☐

19. Project Timeline

Ask each EPC company to provide a realistic schedule rather than a single number such as ’30 days.’

Stage	Typical milestone to document
Survey/design	Site and engineering approval
Procurement	Purchase orders and expected delivery
Civil/structural	Roof preparation or strengthening
Mounting	Structure installation
Electrical	DC/AC installation
Testing	Pre-commissioning checks
Utility process	Inspection/metering where applicable
Commissioning	Grid synchronization and handover
O&M	Service period begins

20. Payment Terms

Payment structure should be linked to measurable project milestones.

Advance/payment on contract.
Equipment procurement milestone.
Material delivery.
Mechanical completion.
Electrical completion.
Testing and commissioning.
Utility approval where applicable.
Final handover/documentation.

Avoid comparing quotations only by headline price when one proposal requires a much larger upfront payment than another.

21. CAPEX vs OPEX / PPA Offers

Some businesses may receive both an upfront EPC proposal and an OPEX/PPA-style proposal. These should not be compared as if they are the same product.

Model	Business pays upfront?	Important comparison points
CAPEX EPC	Usually yes	Project cost, financing, savings, ownership, O&M and asset life.
OPEX/PPA	Typically lower/no conventional upfront EPC payment	PPA tariff, term, escalation, minimum purchase, ownership, performance, roof obligations and exit terms.
Financed CAPEX	Partly through debt/loan	Interest, EMI, security, repayment term and project cash flow.

22. How to Compare Solar ROI

Simple payback is:

Payback (years) ≈ Net project investment ÷ first-year net annual savings.

For a more complete financial comparison, evaluate NPV and IRR and include degradation, O&M, financing, tariff changes, replacement assumptions, export settlement and taxes/accounting treatment where relevant.

Use the same financial assumptions for every EPC proposal before comparing results.

23. Practical Example – Comparing Three 100 kW Quotations

Parameter	Quote A	Quote B	Quote C
PV capacity	100 kW	100 kW	100 kW
Generation estimate	145,000 kWh	155,000 kWh	150,000 kWh
O&M	1 year	5 years	3 years
Structural assessment	Included	Included	Excluded
Monitoring	Included	Included	Basic
Utility coordination	Included	Included	Partial
Price	₹X	₹Y	₹Z

The table intentionally uses placeholders for prices because actual project costs vary by site and equipment. Before choosing between proposals, normalize the equipment, generation assumptions, O&M, structural scope, utility scope, taxes, exclusions and payment terms.

For example, Quote C may appear cheaper if structural assessment and part of utility work are excluded. That does not mean the underlying engineering cost has disappeared; it may simply have moved outside the quotation.

24. Red Flags in a Solar EPC Quotation

No exact module or inverter model numbers.
Only a total price with no technical bill of materials.
Unusually high generation estimate without assumptions.
Guaranteed ‘zero electricity bill’ without tariff analysis.
No mention of roof structural assessment.
Net-metering promised without identifying the applicable DISCOM process.
Very broad warranty language with no exclusions.
O&M described only as ‘free maintenance.’
No clear exclusions.
Large advance with no milestone structure.
No commissioning or handover documentation.
Pressure to sign before site survey or technical feasibility.

25. Questions to Ask Before Signing

What exact equipment models will be installed?
What annual generation is expected and how was it calculated?
What losses are included?
Who performs structural assessment?
What is included in the electrical scope?
Who handles utility/DISCOM coordination?
What happens if approval is delayed or denied?
What is the warranty claim process?
What does O&M include?
Are spare parts included?
What are the project exclusions?
What happens if the roof requires strengthening?
What are the payment milestones?
What documents will I receive at handover?

26. Solar EPC Comparison Scorecard Template

Instead of using a simplistic ranking, create a factual comparison sheet with the same fields for every bidder.

Category	Bidder 1	Bidder 2	Bidder 3
PV capacity	—	—	—
Module model	—	—	—
Inverter model	—	—	—
DC/AC ratio	—	—	—
Expected annual generation	—	—	—
Mounting specification	—	—	—
Structural scope	—	—	—
Electrical scope	—	—	—
Utility/DISCOM scope	—	—	—
Monitoring	—	—	—
Warranty	—	—	—
O&M duration	—	—	—
Total project price	—	—	—
Taxes included?	—	—	—
Payment milestones	—	—	—
Key exclusions	—	—	—

27. Residential vs Commercial EPC Selection

Factor	Residential project	Commercial/industrial project
Typical scale	Smaller	Often larger and more complex
Load analysis	Monthly bills may be sufficient for preliminary sizing	Interval/demand analysis often more valuable
Roof assessment	Important	Often critical, especially for large roofs
Electrical design	Household connection	LT/HT, transformer, protection and demand considerations
Monitoring	Basic to detailed	Detailed monitoring often useful
DG integration	Less common	Often important where backup generation exists
O&M	Can be relatively simple	Usually requires defined preventive/corrective scope
Utility process	Consumer-specific	Consumer category and project size can materially affect requirements

28. Specialized Sites Need Specialized EPC Experience

Not every solar installation has the same engineering challenges. Ask bidders about experience relevant to the actual site.

Industrial sheds and factories.
Warehouses.
Hotels and hospitals.
Petrol pumps.
Cold storage.
Schools and institutions.
Solar carports.
Ground-mounted systems.
Battery-storage systems.
Solar + DG hybrid systems.

Relevant experience should be evaluated using documented project scope and references rather than marketing claims alone.

29. EPC Handover Documents

Final system layout.
As-built single-line diagram.
Module and inverter datasheets.
Serial-number records where provided.
Warranty certificates.
Testing and commissioning records.
Monitoring credentials/instructions.
Electrical test results where applicable.
Structural documents where applicable.
O&M manual.
Cleaning/maintenance schedule.
Emergency shutdown/isolation information.
Utility approval/commissioning documentation where applicable.

30. How SSREALTECH Can Help

SSREALTECH can assist with solar site surveys, feasibility assessment, system sizing, EPC planning, equipment coordination, rooftop and electrical design, installation, commissioning and O&M. For quotation comparisons, the focus should be on a transparent scope and site-specific engineering assumptions rather than a headline price alone.

For solar EPC consultation and quotation review, contact SSREALTECH: 9993070355

31. FAQs

What does EPC mean in solar?

EPC means Engineering, Procurement and Construction. The exact contractor scope depends on the project contract.

How many solar EPC quotations should I compare?

There is no universal number. Comparing multiple technically comparable proposals can help identify differences in scope, equipment and commercial terms.

Should I choose the lowest solar quotation?

Price should be compared only after normalizing technical scope, equipment, generation assumptions, warranties, O&M, approvals, exclusions and payment terms.

What is the most important part of a solar quotation?

There is no single line item. Capacity, equipment, engineering, generation assumptions, electrical scope, structural design, utility work, warranties and O&M should all be reviewed together.

How do I compare two solar EPC companies?

Use the same factual checklist for both: equipment models, capacity, generation, structure, electrical scope, utility responsibility, warranties, O&M, price, exclusions and payment milestones.

What should a solar EPC quotation include?

It should clearly identify system capacity, major equipment, mounting, electrical works, installation, commissioning, documentation, commercial terms, warranties, O&M and exclusions.

Can an EPC company guarantee my electricity bill will become zero?

Such a claim should be treated cautiously. Fixed charges, demand charges, export treatment, seasonal consumption and other tariff components can remain.

Does a cheaper solar EPC quotation always mean lower quality?

Not necessarily. Price differences can result from scope, project complexity, equipment, financing, O&M and exclusions. The quotations need to be normalized before drawing conclusions.

Who is responsible for roof structural safety?

The contract should clearly assign responsibility. A site-specific structural assessment should be performed by an appropriate structural professional where required.

What should I check before paying an advance?

Confirm equipment models, scope, approvals/process, site feasibility, structural responsibility, payment milestones, cancellation terms, warranties and exclusions.

What is the difference between EPC and O&M?

EPC covers engineering, procurement and construction activities. O&M covers ongoing operation and maintenance services, which may be contracted separately or included for a defined period.

Can an EPC handle net-metering approval?

An EPC can often provide application and coordination support, but the actual approval is governed by the relevant utility/DISCOM and applicable regulations.

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33. Conclusion

A solar EPC quotation should be evaluated as a complete project scope rather than a single ₹/kW number. Start by standardizing the requirements, then compare system design, module and inverter models, mounting structure, electrical scope, generation assumptions, utility responsibilities, warranties, O&M, exclusions and payment terms.

The strongest comparison is transparent and site-specific. When every bidder is asked to state the same technical and commercial information, it becomes easier to identify genuine scope differences and avoid surprises during installation or commissioning.

Before signing, ensure that the final contract clearly records the equipment models, capacity, engineering responsibilities, expected-generation assumptions, utility scope, warranty terms, O&M, exclusions, payment milestones and handover documents.

Solar EPC Companies in India – How to Compare Quotations, Scope, Quality & Costs