The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has clarified that it has not authorised any vendor to set up rooftop solar plants as the scheme is being implemented by the state DISCOMs.

The warning has been issued as 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 authorized vendors of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

The Government of India is implementing Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme (Phase-II). Under this scheme MRNE is providing 40% subsidy for the first 3 kW and 20% subsidy beyond 3 kW and up to 10 kW.

This scheme is being implemented only by DISCOMs of states. The DISCOMs have empanelled vendors through bidding process and have decided rates for setting up a rooftop solar plant.

Domestic consumers are informed that to get benefit of 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 subsidy amount will be provided to the vendors by the Ministry through the DISCOMs, the Ministry has informed.

Almost all the DISCOMs have started an 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 a 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 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 5-year maintenance of the rooftop solar plant by the vendor.

It has also been brought to the notice of the Ministry that some vendors are charging a higher 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.

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/discomPortalLink to know the online portal of DISCOM.