Guidance Framework for Vendor Operations under PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojna

This document provides broad Guidance framework for vendor’s operations under PM Surya Ghar
Muft Bijli Yojna to ensure smooth implementation of scheme to the satisfaction of all
stakeholders including consumers.

1. Vendor Registration & Compliance

• Accurate Information: Vendors must provide accurate and complete details during the
registration process. Any falsification or misleading information will lead to rejection of
Application.

• Adherence to Regulations: Vendors must comply with all applicable state and central
regulations in addition to prescribed guidelines under the scheme.

2. Installation Standards and Consumer Education

• Compliance with Specifications: Vendors must ensure that all rooftop solar (RTS)
systems installed under the scheme adhere to the minimum technical specifications and
quality standards as published by MNRE. This includes proper handling, installation, and
commissioning. This will also be checked by the DISCOM at the time of inspection.

• Installation Timeliness: Once a consumer’s application is received, vendors should

avoid delays and complete the installation at the earliest.

• Safety and System Checks: Vendors must conduct all necessary safety checks before
the handover of the system to the consumer. The system should be fully functional and
compliant with safety standards before commissioning.

• Transparency in Pricing: Vendors must clearly communicate pricing, inclusive of all

charges, taxes, and fees. There should be no discrepancies or hidden charges discovered
later on.

• Consumer Education: Vendors should educate consumers on system maintenance,

safety protocols, and operational guidelines. Vendors should also provide consumers
with appropriate informational material regarding the rooftop solar system to ensure
proper understanding and usage.

3. Post-Installation Services and Warranty

• Comprehensive Maintenance Contract (CMC): Vendors must provide free repair and
maintenance services for a minimum of 5 years from the date of system commissioning.
This service period, under the CMC, must include:

• Repair or replacement of any non-performing or malfunctioning components.

• Proactive monitoring to ensure the system’s performance remains within expected

operational parameters.

• Any deficiency of the RTS system leading to non-disbursal of CFA/non- commissioning of

the RTS on account of system quality/component issues shall be rectified by the vendor.

• Warranty Provision: System warranty certificates should be provided to the consumer.

The complete system should be warranted for 5 years from the date of commissioning by
DISCOM. Individual component warranty documents provided by the manufacturer shall
 be provided to the consumer and all possible assistance should be extended to
the consumer for claiming the warranty from the manufacturer.

4. Monitoring & Compliance Mechanisms

• Inspection and Monitoring: The Implementing Agency (REC Ltd, DISCOMs or MNRE), or
any authorized agency, reserves the right to inspect installations at any stage. These
inspections will assess system quality, adherence to scheme guidelines, and overall
performance.

• Vendor Rating System: All the vendors registered on the National Portal will be given a
vendor rating depending on the size and scale of installations done, quality of equipment,
quality of workmanship, quality of service and other criteria. This vendor rating will be
visible to the consumers on the National Portal.

5. Secure Payment Methods

• Promotion of Secure Payment Channels: Vendors must promote and encourage

consumers to use secure payment methods for all financial transactions related to
rooftop solar installations.

• Payment Invoicing: The vendor must provide clear invoicing and documentation to
consumers for all payments.

6. Post-Commissioning Service Details

• Service/Helplines: Vendors shall maintain post installation service/ helplines where

consumers can contact for RTS system maintenance and service-related issues.

• Timely Service Delivery: Vendors are required to respond promptly to any service-
related issues, ensuring minimal downtime for the consumer’s solar system. A timeline
for addressing complaints should be established and communicated to the consumer.

• Consumer Complaint Handling: Vendors must provide a structured grievance redressal

mechanism for consumers to address any issues related to installation, system
performance, or services.

7. Relationship with Customer

• Professional and Ethical Behaviour: The vendors must maintain high standards of
professionalism, integrity, and transparency when interacting with consumers,
government officials, and other stakeholders under the scheme.

• Advisory on Misrepresentation: Vendors are advised to ensure transparency in their

services and compliance of scheme guidelines.

8. Penalties for Non-Compliance

• The Implementing agency (State DISCOM or agency) or MNRE officials or any other
designated agency may inspect the ongoing installation or installed plants. In case the
systems are not as per standards, non-functional on account of poor quality of
installation, or in non-compliance of scheme guidelines, the respective registering
authority will reserve the right to de-register the vendor and/or levy such penalties as may
be prescribed, after giving due notice to the vendor.
 • The Vendor must follow all the standards and safety guidelines prescribed under state
regulations and technical standards prescribed by MNRE for RTS projects, failing which
the vendor is liable for blacklisting from participation in the govt. project/ scheme and
other penal actions in accordance with the law. The responsibility of supply, installation
and commissioning of the rooftop solar project/system in complete compliance with
MNRE scheme guidelines lies with the Vendor.

9. Insurance

Insurance: Vendors are encouraged to provide customers with insurance coverage options for
rooftop solar installations, protecting against risks such as natural calamities, theft, or
unforeseen events.

10. Dispute

In-case of any dispute between consumer and vendor (in supply /installation/maintenance of
system or payment terms), both parties must settle the same mutually or as per law.
MNRE/REC/DISCOM/designated State agency shall not be liable for, and would not be a party to
any dispute arising between vendor and consumer.

11. Amendments to the Policy

REC and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) reserve the right to modify, amend,
or add new rules to this policy based on the evolving needs of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojna
and the national rooftop solar goals.

The vendors are mandated to follow the operational guidelines vide MNRE OM dated 07.06.2024,
its amendments and all other related guidelines that shall be issued by MNRE from time to time
in respect of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojna.

References

1. MNRE OM dated 07-06-2024 - Operational Guidelines for implementation of PMSG for the
component of “CFA to Residential Consumer” and amendments thereof issued from time to
time by MNRE/REC.

(https://pmsg-production-public.s3.ap-south-
1.amazonaws.com/notifications/PMSG_Guidelines_for_Residential_CFA_Capex_Mode.pdf )

2. Vendor/Consumer Installer Manual for RTS National Portal: PM Surya Ghar:MBY

(https://pmsg-production.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/notifications/189.pdf?X-Amz-
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