Quick Answer: A solar EPC company handles the engineering, procurement, and construction of a solar installation under one contract. Depending on the project, its services may also include net metering approvals, government scheme documentation, operations and maintenance (O&M), and plant monitoring. Understanding which services are included helps you compare contractors and choose one that fits your project.
Picking a solar EPC company isn't just about finding someone who can install your panels at a good price. Who's handling the approvals? What happens if something goes wrong after installation? And is maintenance actually included in the deal? These are the things worth figuring out before you sign a contract. Let's look at what solar EPC companies do and what you should check before hiring one.
What a Solar EPC Company Actually Does
A solar EPC company designs, sources equipment for, and builds a solar installation under a single contract. EPC stands for Engineering, Procurement, and Construction: one contractor is accountable for the design, the materials, and the physical build, instead of a buyer coordinating separate vendors for each stage.
The biggest advantage of this setup is having one contractor responsible for the project from design through construction. If equipment is delayed, the design needs adjusting, or something goes wrong during installation, you have one point of contact to work with instead of chasing multiple vendors.
You can explore how Raycal Power structures this model on.
Services Offered by Solar EPC Contractors
Solar EPC contractors typically bundle several distinct service lines rather than just installation. Raycal Power's scope covers six areas:
- Ground Mounted Solar EPC
- Industrial Rooftop Solar
- Government Schemes (PM Surya Ghar, KUSUM)
- Net Metering Approvals
- O&M Contracts
- SCADA Monitoring
Net metering approval is often the most overlooked part of a solar EPC contractor's job. It requires coordination with the local distribution company to register the installation and get export credit for surplus power, a process that can stall a project if the EPC contractor does not handle it directly.
O&M contracts extend the EPC contractor's role past commissioning. A plant without a maintenance agreement in place can lose output to soiling, inverter faults, or wiring issues that go unnoticed for months.
Before you sign: Ask whether net metering approvals and O&M are included in the base contract or charged separately. A quote that looks cheaper upfront may cover less than you expect.
Ground Mounted Solar EPC for Power Plants
Ground mounted solar EPC is the standard approach for larger power plants built on open land rather than rooftops. Solar power plant EPC companies in India typically deploy ground mounted systems for industrial captive plants and utility-scale projects where roof space is limited or unavailable.
Ground mounted systems differ from industrial rooftop solar in structural design, land use planning, and cabling layout. Rooftop systems are suited to factories and commercial buildings with existing structures; ground mounted systems suit sites with available land and higher capacity requirements.
For larger ground-mounted plants, SCADA or another suitable monitoring system can help track inverter performance, electricity generation, and faults in real time. This gives plant operators a clearer view of how the installation is performing without relying entirely on manual inspections. Check which monitoring tools are included in the proposed EPC scope.
See how Raycal Power approaches ground mounted solar EPC in Gujarat for industrial-scale projects.
Government Schemes: PM Surya Ghar and KUSUM
An EPC contractor may also help with scheme-related documentation, applications, and coordination with the relevant authorities. However, the work covered varies by scheme and contractor. Before signing, confirm which steps the contractor will handle and which documents or follow-ups you'll need to take care of yourself.
If you're considering a scheme-linked installation, check eligibility and current requirements with the relevant authority before finalizing your budget. Don't assume a particular subsidy applies simply because a contractor offers installations under that scheme.
Before You Budget: Confirm the current subsidy rules, eligibility criteria, and application requirements directly with the relevant scheme authority. Ask the contractor to clarify what assistance is included in the quoted price.
Solar EPC Companies in India: What to Check Before You Sign
Before signing with a solar EPC contractor, make sure you know exactly what's covered by the contract. Use this checklist to compare proposals and spot services that may cost extra.
The table below outlines what to verify before signing with any solar EPC contractor in India.
| What to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Scope of work (design, procurement, construction) | Confirms whether it's a true single-contract EPC or partial service |
| Schemes handled (PM Surya Ghar, KUSUM) | Determines if subsidy paperwork is included or your responsibility |
| Net metering approval | Affects how quickly you get export credit after commissioning |
| O&M contract availability | Determines who maintains the plant after installation |
| Monitoring (SCADA or similar) | Affects visibility into plant performance over time |
You can also explore solar industry resources from WorldSolar and Acer Renewtech's renewable energy solutions for additional industry context when researching EPC contractors in India.
How to Shortlist a Solar EPC Company
Once you've identified the services your project needs, use the same questions to evaluate every contractor you're considering. A company's size or installed capacity won't tell you whether its proposal includes approvals, maintenance, or ongoing monitoring.
The important thing is to compare what each contractor has agreed to deliver, not just the final price on the quotation.
Before shortlisting, ask each contractor:
- Do you handle net metering approval directly, or outsource it?
- Is O&M included, and for how long?
- Do you manage PM Surya Ghar or KUSUM paperwork for us?
- Is SCADA or equivalent monitoring part of the contract?
Before You Sign: Get the complete scope of work in writing. Make sure it specifies what's included in the price, what's charged separately, and who is responsible for approvals, commissioning, and maintenance.
For a structured checklist, see Raycal Power's 10-point EPC selection guide.
Who Raycal Power Serves
Raycal Power serves industrial, commercial, and institutional customers across Gujarat, as well as farmers and residential customers exploring solar installations under schemes such as PM Surya Ghar and KUSUM. Its service areas include Amreli, Bhavnagar, Banaskantha, Surat, and Kalawad.
Different projects call for different solutions, whether that's a ground-mounted plant, an industrial rooftop installation, or a scheme-linked solar system. You can learn more about Raycal Power or get in touch for a solar assessment to discuss your requirements.
