Solar is one of the best home investments available in Bhopal right now — which is exactly why it attracts bad actors. Subsidy scams typically follow a predictable pattern. Here are the seven signs to watch for, based on how the PM Surya Ghar scheme actually works.
1. They guarantee subsidy approval
No installer can guarantee your PM Surya Ghar subsidy will be approved. The subsidy is disbursed by the government through the national portal and your DISCOM — not by the installer. "Guaranteed approval" is a promise no legitimate vendor makes, because it isn't theirs to make.
2. They ask for the subsidy amount upfront, in cash
Some scammers collect the ₹78,000 subsidy amount (or the 1kW/2kW tiers of ₹30,000/₹60,000) from you directly, in cash, claiming they'll "process it for you." The subsidy is a government disbursal, not something an installer collects from you in advance. If anyone asks you to hand over the subsidy amount before installation, stop.
3. They demand 100% payment before any work starts
A normal, safe payment structure is staged: a booking amount, a larger payment on material delivery, and the final payment after installation and commissioning. Full upfront payment — especially cash-only — removes your only leverage if the installer disappears mid-project.
4. They can't show DISCOM registration or PM Surya Ghar vendor status
Legitimate installers are registered vendors on the official PM Surya Ghar portal and empanelled with the local DISCOM for net metering. Ask to see this. A real installer will have no problem showing it; an unregistered one will deflect or stall.
5. They can't show real past installations
Ask for addresses, photos, or a site visit to see completed work in Bhopal — not stock photos or installations "in another city." Any installer with a genuine local track record will have real, verifiable projects to point to.
6. Warranty terms aren't in writing
Panel warranty, inverter warranty, and workmanship guarantee should all be specified in writing before you pay anything — including the exact number of years for each (they are usually different: panels typically carry longer warranties than inverters). Verbal promises about warranty length are not enforceable.
7. The timeline sounds too fast
A realistic PM Surya Ghar timeline is 4-8 weeks end to end — registration and DISCOM approval (1-2 weeks), physical installation (3-5 days), and net metering setup (30-45 days). Anyone promising subsidy money "in your account within days" is describing a timeline the actual government process doesn't support.
About Falak Enterprise: We've operated from the same Bhopal address since 2017, filed the PM Surya Ghar subsidy application for all 35+ of our installations, and we're happy to show you real completed projects before you decide anything. No upfront cash requests, no guaranteed-approval promises — just a written quote and a staged payment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an installer guarantee my subsidy will be approved?
No. The subsidy is disbursed by the government through the national portal and your DISCOM, not by the installer. Any guarantee of approval is a red flag.
Should I pay the full system cost upfront?
No — a staged payment plan (booking, delivery, completion) is standard and safer. 100% upfront, cash-only demands are a major warning sign.
How do I verify an installer is legitimate?
Check their PM Surya Ghar vendor registration, DISCOM empanelment, ask to see real past installations, and get warranty terms in writing before paying anything.
Want a straightforward, written quote?
No cash-only demands, no guaranteed-approval promises — just a free site survey and a clear, staged plan.
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