MNRE cautions consumers: Only DISCOMs authorised to implement Rooftop Solar Scheme

• DISCOMs have empaneled vendors through bidding process and have decided rates for setting up a rooftop solar plant, said the MNRE

• It has also been brought to the notice of the MNRE that some vendors are charging more price than the rates decided by DISCOMs from consumers, which is incorrect, it added

New Delhi: In an advisory released on Friday, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has flagged vendors who are claiming that they are implementing the ministry's grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme (Phase-II) and has said categorically that the scheme is being implemented by power distribution companies (DISCOMs) only. "It has been brought to the notice of the Ministry that some rooftop solar companies / vendors are setting up rooftop solar plants by claiming that they are authorised vendors by the Ministry. 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 bidding process and have decided rates for setting up a rooftop solar plant," the ministry said.

How is the Rooftop Solar Scheme being implemented?

To generate solar power by installing solar panels on the roof of the houses, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, is implementing grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme (Phase-II). Under this scheme, the ministry is providing 40 percent subsidy for the first 3 kW and 20 percent subsidy beyond 3 kW and upto 10 kW. The scheme is being implemented in the states by local DISCOMs.

Almost all DISCOMs have issued online process for this purpose. Residential consumers willing to set-up a rooftop solar plant under MNRE scheme can apply online and get rooftop solar plants installed by listed vendors. For this, they have to pay the cost of 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 are informed that to get subsidy under the scheme of the Ministry, they should install rooftop solar plants only from the empanelled vendors of the DISCOMs following due process of approval by DISCOMs.

The solar panels and other equipment to be installed by the empanelled vendors shall be as per the standard and specifications of the Ministry and also includes five-year maintenance of the rooftop solar plant by the vendor.

MNRE cautions consumers against vendors charging more than stipulated rates

"It has also been brought to the notice of the Ministry 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," said the advisory.

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For more information, contact the concerned DISCOM or dial MNRE's toll free number 1800-180-3333. Click on https://solarrooftop.gov.in/grid_others/discomPortalLinks to know the online portal of your DISCOM.

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