REC has issued a comprehensive guidance framework for vendor operations under the PM Surya Ghar, Muft Bijli Yojna, to facilitate the seamless implementation of the rooftop solar programme. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has designated REC as the national registering authority and the lead implementing agency for the initiative.

The framework outlines stringent requirements for vendors, mandating accurate and complete information during registration, with applications subject to rejection for false details. Vendors are tasked with ensuring all rooftop solar installations comply with MNRE’s technical specifications and quality standards, which distribution companies will verify during inspections. Delays in installation must be avoided, and safety checks must be conducted before handing over systems to consumers. Transparent communication regarding pricing, inclusive of taxes and fees, is required, with no hidden charges. Vendors are also responsible for educating consumers on system maintenance, safety protocols, and operational guidelines to ensure proper use.

Post-installation, vendors must offer free repair and maintenance services for a minimum of five years. This includes addressing malfunctioning components, monitoring system performance, and rectifying issues that may impede the commissioning of systems or the disbursal of central financial assistance (CFA). A system warranty certification covering all components for five years from the commissioning date must also be provided.

REC, DISCOMs, and MNRE retain the authority to inspect installations at any stage to evaluate system quality, adherence to guidelines, and overall performance. Non-compliance or substandard installations may result in vendor de-registration or penalties, following due notification. Vendors will also receive ratings based on criteria such as the scale of installations, equipment quality, workmanship, and service standards. To enhance consumer support, vendors must establish post-installation helplines for maintenance and service issues, with clear timelines for complaint resolution communicated to consumers.

In a related development, MNRE announced that CFA would be extended to real estate developers and promoters only upon submission of an undertaking to transfer the rooftop solar assets to group housing societies or residential welfare associations. Furthermore, MNRE plans to increase the number of vendors under the programme from 8,000 to 25,000, reflecting its commitment to scaling up rooftop solar adoption across the country.