GoogleThe Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has introduced a framework for enlisting solar photovoltaic modules and inverters under the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. This initiative aims to assist consumers in selecting high-efficiency products with better warranties for their rooftop solar installations.
Key Points:
- Objective: The program aims to increase residential rooftop solar capacity, empowering 10 million households to generate electricity by 2026-27, with an outlay of ₹750 billion.
- Consumer Assistance: The framework sets minimum technical standards for key components, addressing the challenge for average consumers to understand technical specifications. The goal is to provide confidence in high-performance models from original equipment manufacturers.
Solar Modules:
- Must have a minimum 3-star rating under the Bureau of Energy Efficiency’s (BEE) Star Labelling Programme.
- Minimum rated capacity of 500 W.
- Product warranty of at least ten years from the date of commissioning, covering manufacturing defects.
- Minimum fill factor of 77% under standard test conditions.
Inverters:
- Must qualify under BEE’s Energy Labelling Program.
- Product warranty of at least eight years from the date of commissioning, covering manufacturing defects.
- Minimum overall efficiency requirements vary with power rating: 92% for 1 kW inverters, 93% for 1-3 kW, 95% for 3-5 kW, 96% for 5-10 kW, and 97% for 10-20 kW inverters.
Implementation:
- The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) will act as the nodal agency for enlistment.
- Enlistment is voluntary, and installations using non-enlisted models are still eligible for subsidies if they comply with the guidelines.
- NISE will conduct sample selection and testing at no cost to manufacturers, with MNRE reimbursing testing fees and administrative costs.
- Enlisted models meeting the eligibility criteria will be displayed on the National Portal, guiding consumer purchasing decisions.
Challenges:
- The National Portal has experienced bugs and glitches, complicating the tracking of application progress and obtaining approvals.
This framework aims to standardize and enhance the quality of rooftop solar installations, fostering consumer trust and contributing to India’s renewable energy goals.
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