FCC

MNRE Issues Operational Guidelines for PM-Surya Ghar

2025-01-15

The ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) has issued operational guidelines for implementing various components under the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. The scheme aims to facilitate the adoption of rooftop solar systems across the residential sector through innovative financing and implementation models.

The guidelines detail the implementation of two models for rooftop solar installations. Under the RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) model, third-party entities will invest in rooftop solar installations, allowing consumers to pay only for electricity consumed without bearing upfront costs. The Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) model involves DISCOMs or state-designated entities installing rooftop solar systems on behalf of individual households.

A Rs 1 billion corpus fund has been allocated for the Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) to mitigate investment risks in RESCO-based grid-connected rooftop solar models for the residential sector. The fund may be supplemented through additional grants and other sources, subject to approval from the ministry.

The guidelines are designed to complement the existing capex-based implementation mode available through the national portal. These alternative models aim to accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar systems while addressing key barriers to investment and implementation.