MNRE Releases Advisory, Clarifying Rooftop Solar Scheme to Vendors

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) released an advisory to clarify the Rooftop Solar Scheme regarding which many vendors are in confusion.

MNRE is implementing the Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme (Phase-II) to generate solar power by installing rooftop solar panels on the houses. Under which the ministry is providing 40 percent subsidy for the first 3 kW and 20 percent subsidy beyond 3 kW or up to 10 kW of installed capacity. The scheme is being implemented in the states by local Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOMs).

Moreover, some rooftop solar companies/vendors are setting up rooftop solar plants by claiming that they are authorized vendors by the Ministry. The MNRE however stated, “It is clarified that no vendor has been authorized by the Ministry. This scheme is being implemented in the state only by DISCOMs. The DISCOMs have empaneled vendors through a bidding process and have decided rates for setting up a rooftop solar plant.”

To resolve this problem MNRE released the advisory after receiving many complaints that some rooftop solar companies and vendors were setting up rooftop solar plants by claiming that they were authorized by the ministry.

Along with this, MNRE has also received complaints that some vendors are charging more price than the rates decided by DISCOMs from domestic consumers. “Which is incorrect. Consumers are advised to pay only according to the rates decided by DISCOMs. The DISCOMs have been instructed to identify and punish such vendors,” MNRE stated.

Under the Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme (Phase-II), all the DISCOMs have issued an online process for this purpose. Residential consumers willing to set-up a rooftop solar plant can apply online and get rooftop solar plants installed by listed vendors. For this, they have to pay the cost of the rooftop solar plant by reducing the subsidy amount given by the Ministry as per the prescribed rate to the vendor. The process of which is given on the online portal of the DISCOMs. The subsidy amount will be provided to the vendors by the Ministry through the DISCOMs.

Domestic consumers should install rooftop solar plants only from the impaneled vendors of the DISCOMs following due process of approval by DISCOMs to get subsidy under the scheme of the Ministry.