New Vendor Rating System Introduced For Rooftop Solar Industry

The Vendor Rating Programme (VRP) will assess vendors on various parameters, including workmanship, component quality, installation practices, and safety standards. The ratings will be displayed on a national portal, enabling consumers to make informed choices when selecting vendors.

Implementation of Awareness & Outreach Under PM Surya Ghar

This government initiative aims to incentivize rooftop solar installations in residential homes across India. The program aims to achieve 1 crore rooftop solar installations and provide free or low-cost electricity to participating households.

MNRE Announces Three New Operational Guidelines Providing Incentives And Component Building

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has unveiled several new operational guidelines under the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. These include guidelines on incentives to DISCOMs, to accelerate rooftop solar installation across India. The PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has also unveiled a component to accelerate rooftop solar deployment through incentives for Local Bodies. Additionally, the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has launched a Capacity Building program to empower a skilled workforce for India’s rooftop solar revolution.

On-boarding of Solar PV Manufacturers on DCR Verification Portal

The DCR Verification Portal aims to ensure that domestically manufactured solar panels are used in government-backed solar projects. All manufacturers enlisted under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) are required to register their facilities on the portal and start entering relevant data. This data will be crucial for future DCR verification.

Certain Renewable Energy Plants To Be Exempt From ALMM & RLMM Requirements

Renewable energy plants located within Special Economic Zones (SEZs) or Export Oriented Units (EOUs) will be exempt from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) requirements for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and Revised List of Models and Manufacturers (RLMM) requirements for wind turbine models. These exemptions apply to all qualifying renewable energy plants commissioned by December 31, 2030.

Changes In Approval Process for Public Sector Solar Parks

Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and Joint Ventures of CPSUs are now exempt from State Government Committee approval for Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and charges. State Government PSU’s DPRs and related charges still require approval from the state’s Department of Power, Energy, or Renewable Energy. The existing process remains unchanged for private developers.