MNRE Amends PM-Surya Ghar Program: Allows Multi-State Vendor Registration for Rooftop Solar

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has introduced amendments to the implementation process for the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, allowing for multi-state vendor registration on the National Portal for the residential rooftop solar program.

Responding to feedback from stakeholders, MNRE announced the inclusion of multi-state vendor registration alongside national registration. Earlier in April, the Ministry had invited input on draft guidelines for the residential rooftop solar program.

REC Limited has been designated as the registering authority for both national and multi-state registrations. Vendors seeking national registration are required to furnish a bank guarantee of INR 2.5 million, while those opting for multi-state registration must provide a bank guarantee equivalent to INR 250,000 per state/Union Territory for which they seek registration. These guarantees will remain valid for at least five years from the registration date or renewal.

Should a vendor registered for multi-states wish to expand its registration to additional states or secure national registration, it must augment its existing bank guarantee by INR 250,000 per additional state or INR 2.5 million for national registration.

Vendors with national registration are permitted to install rooftop solar systems across any district or state, provided they specify the areas of operation for display on the consumer search list. Similarly, vendors with multi-state registration can install rooftop solar systems in any district within the states/Union Territories they are registered for, specifying the districts of operation.

The Union government sanctioned the rooftop residential program in February with a budget of INR 750 billion. It has also established a mission directorate within MNRE to supervise program implementation and ensure goal attainment.