- The DISCOM joint inspection gates the net meter, and the net meter gates the subsidy.
- The check follows CEA 2010 plus DISCOM SOPs that vary by state.
- Prep in groups: documents, electrical, earthing, mounting, modules, metering, labels.
- Most failures are earthing, SLD mismatch, non-ALMM modules and missing labels.
- Run a dry-run self-inspection with geotagged photos before you book the DISCOM visit.
- Use the free checklist card below — verify each item against your current DISCOM requirements.
A clean PM Surya Ghar inspection checklist is the difference between a one-visit pass and a week of return trips. The DISCOM joint inspection is the last technical gate before the net meter goes in, and the net meter is what unlocks the subsidy. Get the site ready once and your crew clears it the first time.
What the PM Surya Ghar joint inspection is
The joint inspection is the DISCOM site check that confirms your rooftop solar system is safe and built to the approved plan before the net meter is installed. A DISCOM officer visits the site, walks the install, and signs off only when the work meets the rules.
The inspection follows the CEA (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations 2010 plus the DISCOM's own standard operating procedure. The CEA 2010 rules set the national safety floor. The DISCOM SOPs add state-specific steps, and these vary by state — so verify every item against your current DISCOM technical requirements rather than assume a single universal rule.
Why the inspection gates the net meter and the subsidy
The order is fixed: inspection, then net meter, then commissioning, then subsidy. Under PM Surya Ghar, the subsidy is paid to the customer by DBT only after commissioning and the bidirectional net meter are in place. A failed inspection stalls the net meter, which stalls the subsidy and your final payment.
For systems up to 10 kW, the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules 2020 give deemed feasibility, which speeds up the approval side. The technical inspection still applies. A small system can still fail if the earthing, labelling or documents are not right.
Pre-inspection prep: documentation
Start with paper, because a missing document can end an inspection before the officer even looks at the roof. Keep a physical and a digital copy of each item on site.
The core set is the sanctioned load and feasibility letter, the final single-line diagram (SLD) that matches the as-built system, the module and inverter datasheets with ALMM listing details, test certificates and warranties, and the consumer KYC with the application reference. Some DISCOMs ask for more, so verify the exact document format with your current DISCOM requirements before the visit.
Pre-inspection prep: electrical safety
Electrical safety is where most CEA 2010 items live, so treat this group as non-negotiable. The officer checks that the system can be isolated, protected and shut down safely.
Confirm the DC and AC isolators are fitted, correctly rated and easy to reach. Check that cable sizing and routing match the SLD, with no exposed live parts. Make sure the MCB or MCCB and the surge protection device (SPD) are installed and rated, and that the inverter's anti-islanding feature trips on a grid outage. Exact ratings and clearances can differ by DISCOM, so verify them against your current DISCOM technical requirements.
Pre-inspection prep: earthing and lightning protection
Earthing is the single most common failure point, so give it extra care. Poor earthing fails both the safety rule and the inspection.
Provide separate earth pits for DC, AC and lightning as your design requires, bond the equipment earth to the module frames and mounting, and measure and record the earth resistance. Fit a lightning arrester where the design calls for one, and keep the earth-pit covers and labels in place. The acceptable earth-resistance limit can vary, so verify it against your current DISCOM technical requirements before you book the visit.
Pre-inspection prep: structural and mounting
The mounting check confirms the array is fixed safely and the roof stays watertight. A loose structure or a leaking penetration can fail the visit.
Make sure the mounting structure is fixed, levelled and corrosion-protected, that roof penetrations are sealed against water ingress, and that the structure is cleared for the expected wind and weight load. Torque the module clamps so no panel rattles, and keep walkways and maintenance access clear. The structural standard and wind-load basis can vary, so verify them against your current DISCOM requirements.
Pre-inspection prep: module and inverter compliance
Module and inverter compliance is checked against the datasheet, the ALMM listing and the physical nameplates. A mismatch here can fail both the inspection and the subsidy claim.
Confirm the module make and model match the datasheet and the ALMM listing, photograph and record the module serial numbers, and check that the inverter capacity matches the sanctioned system size. Make sure nameplate ratings are visible and the string layout matches the SLD.
ALMM and what changes in 2026
The Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) controls which modules and cells qualify. List-I covers modules; List-II covers cells. For PM Surya Ghar, ALMM List-II cells are mandatory from 1 June 2026. Non-ALMM modules can lead to subsidy rejection, so verify the current ALMM listing for every product before the inspection.
Pre-inspection prep: metering and net-meter readiness
Net-meter readiness means the site is set up so the DISCOM can swap in the bidirectional meter right after a pass. Getting this ready avoids a second visit.
Note the existing meter and CT details for the DISCOM, prepare the location and space for the bidirectional net meter, and set up a generation meter point where required. Label the meter board, keep seals intact, and check phase and polarity before energising. Metering rules and the meter model differ by DISCOM, so verify them against your current DISCOM technical requirements. Our net-metering process guide covers the full flow from application to a working bidirectional meter.
The PM Surya Ghar pre-inspection checklist
Use this grouped checklist as a free working tool. Walk the site group by group, tick each item, and fix gaps before you book the DISCOM visit. It is built from CEA 2010 and common DISCOM SOPs — treat it as a starting point and verify items against your current DISCOM technical requirements.
Free for site supervisors — print it or work through it on the roof.
- Sanctioned load and approved feasibility letter on site
- Final SLD (single-line diagram) matching the as-built system
- Module and inverter datasheets, with ALMM listing details
- Test certificates and warranty papers for module, inverter, cable
- Consumer KYC, electricity bill and application reference number
- DC and AC isolators fitted, rated and accessible
- Cable sizing and routing match the SLD; no exposed live parts
- MCB / MCCB and SPD (surge protection) installed and rated
- Inverter AC output connected through the approved point
- Anti-islanding / auto-disconnect feature confirmed working
- Separate earth pits for DC, AC and lightning as per design
- Equipment earthing bonded to module frames and mounting
- Earth resistance measured and recorded (verify the limit)
- Lightning arrester fitted where the design calls for it
- Earth pit covers and labels in place
- Mounting structure fixed, levelled and corrosion-protected
- Roof penetrations sealed; no water-ingress risk
- Structure cleared for wind and weight load (verify standard)
- Module clamps torqued; no loose or rattling panels
- Walkway and maintenance access kept clear
- Module make and model match the datasheet and ALMM listing
- Module serial numbers photographed and recorded
- Inverter capacity matches the sanctioned system size
- Nameplate ratings visible and readable
- String layout matches the SLD
- Existing meter and CT details noted for the DISCOM
- Net-meter location and space ready for the bidirectional meter
- Generation meter point prepared where required
- Meter board labelled; seals intact
- Phase and polarity checked before energising
- Danger / caution and "solar" warning labels fitted
- DC and AC circuit labels at isolators and the board
- Emergency shutdown procedure displayed
- Fire-safety and first-aid items on site
- Crew in PPE; ladders and access secured
SuryaHub plans to let supervisors run this same checklist inside the mobile field app and store each completed copy on the job. We are pre-revenue, so there are no faked app screenshots here — the checklist on this page is fully usable on its own, for free.
Why PM Surya Ghar inspections fail — and how to pre-empt each
Most inspection failures are predictable, which means most are preventable. Here are the common ones and the fix.
- Poor or missing earthing — provide and bond all earth pits, then measure and record the resistance before the visit.
- As-built does not match the SLD — update the SLD to the real install, or correct the install to the SLD.
- Non-ALMM modules or cells — check the current ALMM listing for every product to avoid subsidy rejection.
- Missing isolators, SPD or labels — fit and label every DC and AC isolator and warning sign per CEA 2010.
- Incomplete documents — assemble the full document set, in the DISCOM's format, before booking.
- Loose mounting or roof leaks — torque every clamp and seal every penetration.
For a deeper breakdown of what trips up crews on the day, read our guide to joint inspection failures and the wiring and mounting rules in our safety and structural compliance guide.
Run a dry-run self-inspection first
The most reliable way to pass first time is a dry-run self-inspection before you book the DISCOM. The crew is still on site, tools are out, and any gap is cheap to fix.
The dry-run workflow
Walk the full checklist above as if you were the DISCOM officer. For each item, capture a geotagged photo as evidence — module serials, earth pits, isolators, labels, the meter board and the mounting. Photos prove the work was done and help if anything is questioned later. Fix every gap you find, re-shoot, and only then book the joint inspection.
Keep the evidence with the job
Store the photos and the completed checklist against the project, not on a random phone. If a DISCOM raises a query, you can answer with dated, located evidence instead of a return trip. Keep the SLD, datasheets and test certificates in the same place.
How SuryaHub helps your crew pass first time
The checklist above is the manual version of what SuryaHub plans to put in the field supervisor's hand. With the mobile field app, a supervisor will be able to run the pre-inspection checklist on the roof, tick each item, and capture geotagged photos as evidence — module serials, earth pits, isolators and the meter board — all stored against the job. You can also run the wider job from lead through project management to the subsidy claim, so the inspection sits inside one record instead of scattered chats. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; real pilots are Suryantra Energy and RGESPL, and AI checks are on the roadmap, not live.
Run the inspection checklist in the field
See how SuryaHub plans to run checks and capture geotagged photos on every job.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What is the PM Surya Ghar joint inspection?+
The PM Surya Ghar joint inspection is the DISCOM site check that verifies your rooftop solar install is safe and built to plan before the net meter is fitted. The inspection follows the CEA 2010 safety regulations plus DISCOM SOPs that vary by state, so verify items against your current DISCOM requirements.
What does the PM Surya Ghar inspection checklist cover?+
A PM Surya Ghar inspection checklist covers documentation, electrical safety, earthing and lightning protection, structural mounting, module and inverter compliance, net-meter readiness, and labelling and safety gear. Each DISCOM can ask for more, so the supervisor should verify every item against current DISCOM technical requirements before booking the visit.
Why does the DISCOM inspection matter for the subsidy?+
The DISCOM inspection matters because it gates the net meter, and the net meter plus commissioning triggers the subsidy. Under PM Surya Ghar, the subsidy is paid to the customer by DBT only after commissioning and the bidirectional meter are in place, so a failed inspection delays everyone getting paid.
What are the most common reasons a PM Surya Ghar inspection fails?+
Common PM Surya Ghar inspection failures include poor or missing earthing, an as-built system that does not match the SLD, non-ALMM modules, missing labels and isolators, and incomplete documents. The site supervisor can pre-empt most of these with a dry-run self-inspection and geotagged photos before the DISCOM visit.
Do PM Surya Ghar inspection requirements change by state?+
Yes, PM Surya Ghar inspection requirements change by state because each DISCOM runs its own standard operating procedure on top of the CEA 2010 safety regulations. Earth-resistance limits, meter rules and document formats differ, so the supervisor should verify every item against current DISCOM technical requirements rather than assume a universal rule.
Should I run a dry-run before booking the PM Surya Ghar inspection?+
Yes, a dry-run self-inspection before booking the PM Surya Ghar visit catches failures while the crew is still on site and cheap to fix. The supervisor walks the checklist, captures geotagged photos as evidence, fixes any gaps, and only then books the DISCOM joint inspection to pass first time.
How does SuryaHub help with the PM Surya Ghar inspection?+
SuryaHub plans to let field supervisors run the PM Surya Ghar inspection checklist in the mobile field app and capture geotagged photos as evidence on each job. SuryaHub is pre-revenue and the real pilots are Suryantra Energy and RGESPL; the on-page checklist here is fully usable for free.
Sources & references
Inspection scope follows the CEA 2010 safety regulations plus DISCOM SOPs that vary by state. Always confirm the current process and technical requirements with your DISCOM and the National Portal before you book the visit.
- Central Electricity Authority (CEA) ↗
CEA (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations 2010 — the safety basis for the inspection.
- National Portal for PM Surya Ghar ↗
Inspection, net-meter and subsidy-claim process for the scheme.
- Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) ↗
Scheme guidelines, ALMM rules and module/cell requirements.
Written by the SuryaHub team · reviewed against CEA 2010, MNRE & National Portal sources · updated 19 June 2026.
Method: Checklist items are built from CEA 2010 and common DISCOM SOPs and re-checked every 30 days. DISCOM SOPs vary by state — verify each item against your current DISCOM technical requirements. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; only Suryantra Energy and RGESPL are real pilots, and AI checks are roadmap.
Change log: 19 Jun 2026 — first published.