MNRE Releases Rules For Solar Module, Inverter Enlistment Under PM Surya Ghar

MNRE Releases Rule For Solar PV Module & Inverter Enlistment

The government introduced the PM-Surya Ghar Yojna this year to boost rooftop solar adoption. In tandem, it established eligibility criteria for solar module enlistment under the same initiative.

The key criteria included, The policy set laid down that the module must be enlisted as a star rating of a minimum of three stars under star labeling, a program of photovoltaic as notified by BEE from time to time. The MNRE notification set the minimum criterion for solar PV of 500p rated capacity.

The policy mandates that “Solar PV must be offered with a product warranty of a minimum of 10 years from the date of commissioning at the consumer premises concerning any manufacturing defect. The module is expected to have a minimum fill factor of 77% at standard test conditioning.”

The policy laid down, “Those inverters are qualified under the energy labeling program which falls under the notification set by BEE and laid down qualification for hybrid inverters. These qualifications are based on the minimum qualification laid down by MNRE”.

The MNRE mentioned, “Those inverters will qualify for the scheme which passes the qualification requirements. These requirements included a product warranty for 8 years from the date of commissioning. These programs are to assist consumers in making more informed choices about rooftop solar (RTS).”

For implementing the policy NISE was made the nodal agency for enlistment of solar PV modules and inverters. The policy mentioned, “The manufacturers can submit the request to NICE for enlistment through an online portal free of cost.  They can submit the request for multiple modules through a single application.”

The government approved PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana earlier this year, with a total outlay of Rs.75,021 crore for installing rooftop solar and providing free electricity up to 300 units every month for one crore households. The Prime Minister launched the scheme on 13th February 2024.

The major highlights of the scheme included providing Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for Residential Rooftop Solar. The scheme provides a CFA of 60% of system cost for 2 kW systems and 40% of additional system cost for systems between 2 to 3 kW capacity. The CFA will be capped at 3 kW. At current benchmark prices, this will mean Rs 30,000 subsidy for 1 kW system, Rs 60,000 for 2 kW systems, and Rs 78,000 for 3 kW systems or higher.

The households will apply for subsidy through the National Portal and will be able to select a suitable vendor for installing rooftop solar. The National Portal will assist the households in their decision-making process by providing relevant information such as appropriate system sizes, benefits calculator, vendor rating etc.

Households will be able to access collateral-free low-interest loan products of around 7% at present for installation of residential RTS systems up to 3 kW.

Availing Benefits of PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

The Government has launched a massive campaign since the launch of the scheme for raising awareness and generating applications from interested households. Households can register themselves on https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in  to avail of benefits under the scheme.