MNRE issues solar module warranty SOP for PM Surya Ghar, PM KUSUM

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has released a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for warranty management and claims settlement of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules installed under its distributed renewable energy programmes, including PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM KUSUM. 

Under the new framework, manufacturers are required to provide a minimum 10-year product warranty covering defects related to design, materials and workmanship. In addition, a 25-year performance warranty is required to ensure minimum specified power output over the operational life of the module.

The SOP states that both warranty periods will begin from the date of installation, provided the module is installed within six months from the manufacturer’s invoice date. If installation takes place after six months, the warranty duration will be reduced proportionately.

For warranty settlements, manufacturers are required to replace faulty modules with new units having equivalent or higher specifications. The use of refurbished or remanufactured modules has been prohibited. In cases where repair or replacement is not possible, manufacturers will have to refund the original purchase price without applying annual depreciation.

The SOP also lays down testing requirements for module commissioning and warranty claims. Electroluminescence (EL) testing and I-V (Current-Voltage) testing have been made mandatory, with all procedures required to comply with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. Testing is to be conducted through National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)-accredited laboratories.

According to the procedure, a warranty claim linked to power output degradation will be considered valid if the measured wattage falls below the nameplate wattage after accounting for manufacturer-specified tolerance, applicable degradation and measurement uncertainty.

Manufacturers are also required to create online portals for complaint registration and warranty certificate access. Consumers will be able to download module-level warranty certificates and submit complaints digitally. Complaint acknowledgement is to be issued within 24 to 48 hours, inspections completed within seven days, and module replacement carried out within 30 days where applicable. If fresh manufacturing is required, supply timelines may extend up to 90 days.

For third-party testing, the SOP provides that costs will initially be shared equally between the manufacturer and the consumer. After testing, the party found responsible will bear the full cost. Both parties are required to agree to this arrangement in writing before testing begins.

The SOP also provides for integration between manufacturers’ warranty portals and the Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) portal. Under this arrangement, the B2C DCR Certificate will also function as the warranty certificate. Consumers will be able to access manufacturer portals using OTP authentication linked to the mobile number registered on the DCR portal, removing the requirement for separate registration.

Distribution companies (DISCOMs) and implementing agencies have been excluded from warranty disputes under the SOP. Warranty claims and settlements will remain strictly between consumers and manufacturers or vendors based on contractual agreements.

The procedure further requires manufacturers to ensure continuity of warranty obligations in the event of restructuring, mergers or dissolution. Appropriate legal or financial arrangements are to be maintained to support obligations throughout the full 25-year performance warranty period.

The memorandum, dated May 6, 2026, was signed by Scientist-D Anubhav Uppal and circulated to all solar PV module manufacturers participating in MNRE schemes. Compliance with the SOP is mandatory.

The featured photograph is for representation only.