Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Site visit to understand location and the project details
  2. Providing multiple installation options to customer.
  3. Close on final system design and cost with customer.
  4. Deliver all installation material at the site.
  5. Construction of rooftop solar system.
  6. Obtain required approvals from local electricity utility.
  7. Install net-metering to get the system on the grid.
  8. The solar system is up and running.
  • Net metering is the process by which the solar energy generated can be seamlessly pushed into the main power grid. This is necessary to obtain the benefits of solar - zero / reduced electricity costs, and zero carbon footprint.
  • This is the immediate effect of net metering on the customer’s electricity cost, and energy usage.
  • We recommend a monthly cleaning of the panels.
  • Other than that for any issues, you can reach out to STAR Energy Systems directly through the mobile app.
  • In order to get a net metering connection, the local utility company has to review and approve the solar project.
  • Once that the project is approved, they provide an updated bi-directional meter which has to be fitted into the main grid. This new meter is able to calculate net metering, while observing the electricity flows from both the solar system and the electricity utility into the customer’s establishment.
  • The time required for obtaining utility permissions is ever-evolving, and varies across states and regions:
    1. In Gujarat, the utility permission phase is completed in 2-3 weeks.
    2. In Rajasthan, it typically ranges from 3-4 weeks.
    3. In Maharashtra, it depends on the utility company and the city, and ranges between 4-5 weeks.
  • STAR Energy Systems helps customer through the application and review process with the local utility company, till the new bi-directional meter is installed.
  • From the time of sales confirmation (advance payment), it usually takes 3-4 weeks for installation to start. The on-site construction / civil work phase is typically, 7 days for residential projects, and 1-2 months for larger commercial projects.
  • The time required for obtaining utility permissions is ever-evolving, and varies across states and regions:
    1. In Gujarat, it typically ranges from 2-3 weeks.
    2. In Rajasthan, it depends on the utility company and the city, and ranges between 3-4 weeks.
    3. In Maharashtra, it generally takes 4-5 weeks.
  • Yes, you can. In this case, you might need to go with an off-grid or a hybrid solar approach, where the battery - inverter systems continue to work as earlier with solar power added to the system. Please see the next FAQ for a more detailed view.
  • No. On an average, solar panels add only 1-2 kg of weight per square foot of roof area. All roofs are typically able to withstand significantly more weight than this.
  • Also, when the Site Visit is done by STAR Energy Systems representative, they will inspect the roof for robustness. In the unusual event of the roof not being able to support the weight of the solar system, they would be able to suggest reinforcement mechanisms that would make a rooftop system possible.
  • Rooftop systems are very durable, and have an average lifetime of 25 years. During this period, if roof work ever has to be done, the rooftop system can be easily dismantled and reassembled. So, future roof work is always possible.
  • Yes, STAR Energy Systems helps customers with getting solar loans.
  • For residential projects, STAR Energy Systems facilitates customers get EMI-based term loans, and this facilitation fee is included in the cost of the project.
  • For commercial and industrial projects, both loans and OpEx/PPA financing might be available depending on the project size and customer profile.
  • Yes, as long as the quality of the components and project is feasible, banks can process the loan in parallel to the installation.
  • There are other activities that can be done while the loan is being processed. In most states, a permission is needed from the local utility before installation can begin; this can be done while the loan is being approved.
  • Yes, as long as the quality of the components and project is feasible, banks can process the loan in parallel to the installation.
  • There are other activities that can be done while the loan is being processed. In most states, a permission is needed from the local utility before installation can begin; this can be done while the loan is being approved.
  • You don’t need to do much to maintain the system in good condition.
  • The solar system uses Photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are very robust and low-maintenance.
  • We recommend a monthly cleaning of the panels.
  • Other than that for any issues, you can reach out to STAR Energy Systems directly through the mobile app.

Solar Panel:

  • 10 year manufacturing defect warranty by manufacturer.
  • 25 year performance warranty.
  • Less than 1% annual degradation in line with international standards.
  • MNRE and International Standards Certified.

Inverter:

  • 5 year warranty by manufacturer.
  • MNRE and International Standards Certified.

Free 2 year maintenance is included with all STAR Energy Systems systems:

  • Free data for STAR Energy Systems monitoring device, with information displayed on the STAR Energy Systems app.
  • Contact STAR Energy Systems Support directly from the STAR Energy Systems app itself.
  • Onsite troubleshooting.
  • Replacement of any part of the system, caused by design or structural.

Excluded:

  • Routine washing and cleaning of panels is to be done by the customer.
  • We would recommend you to do it. Think of the solar installation as analogous to buying a car; just like you would buy insurance for your car, we suggest you do the same for the solar installation.
  • In the case of systems purchased through bank solar loans, the bank would require insurance to be in place for the duration of the loan term.