MNRE clarify there is no authorized rooftop solar vendor by the ministry
MNRE issues advisory on the false claims of rooftop solar installers as authorized vendors, stating that the scheme is implemented only by the state DISCOMs, which decide on rates through a bidding process…
As of Thursday, the New and Renewable Energy Ministry (MNRE) issued an advisory clarifying that no vendor is authorized for installation of a rooftop solar system. As a result, the ministry advised consumers to pay only the rates established by the utility or discom.
Clarification was issued after the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) uncovered vendors claiming to be authorized to install rooftop solar under the Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme (Phase-II).
Through a bidding process, discoms decide on vendors and set rates for rooftop solar installations.
Specifically, the ministry under the scheme provides a subsidy of 40% for the first 3 kW and 20% for 3 kW and more. Electricity distribution companies (discoms) in each state implement the scheme.
MNRE noted in the statement, “The Ministry has learned that some rooftop solar companies/ vendors claim to be authorized vendors for setting up rooftop solar plants under the Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme (Phase-II).
The statement further clarified, that no vendor has been authorised by the Ministry. This scheme will be implemented in the state only by the DISCOMs, which have decided rates for rooftop solar plants through the bidding process.”
Almost all the discoms have issued online systems for this purpose, explained MNRE. Residential consumers interested in setting up a rooftop solar panel plant under the MNRE scheme can apply online, and listed vendors will install the systems.
This requires that they pay for the rooftop solar plant by reducing the subsidy amount provided by the ministry as per the prescribed rate to the vendor. An online portal for the discoms indicates the process to be followed.
Vendors will receive the subsidy amount from the ministry via the Discom. In order to receive subsidy benefits under the scheme of the ministry, customers should install rooftop solar plants only from the approved vendors of Discoms, following the approval procedure by Discoms, the statement stated.
In addition to installing solar panels and other equipment in accordance with the ministry’s specifications, the vendor will also be responsible for five-year maintenance of the rooftop solar plant, according to the ministry.
It was also brought to the Ministry’s attention that some vendors were charging consumers higher prices than those set by discoms, which is incorrect. We recommend that consumers pay only according to the rates set by the discoms. Also, the discoms have been instructed to identify and punish such vendors, the statement added.
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