Substandard solar installations under PM Surya Ghar scheme to face vendor deactivation
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for handling complaints against vendors registered under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG-MBY).
Issued through an Office Memorandum dated June 22, 2026, the SOP establishes a time-bound framework for addressing complaints related to installation quality, safety compliance, consumer payments, documentation and after-sales service.
Three complaint categories
The SOP classifies complaints into three categories based on their source.
Case-A covers grievances submitted directly through the PMSG-MBY portal or by email.
Case-B relates to defects, deficiencies or violations identified during third-party inspections conducted by agencies appointed by REC Limited.
Case-C includes complaints received through high-level references or those referred directly by MNRE.
Time-bound enforcement process
The ministry has introduced an escalating compliance mechanism for vendors that fail to address complaints. Upon receipt of a complaint, the vendor will be notified and asked to provide an explanation within eight days. If no response is received, a reminder will be issued between the ninth and fifteenth day.
Failure to respond within fifteen days will trigger a Show Cause Notice. The notice will warn the vendor that its account may be deactivated on the national portal for one month if the matter remains unresolved.
Deactivated vendors will be allowed to appeal within 30 days by submitting explanations and supporting documents to the concerned registering agency. If the agency finds the response satisfactory, the vendor’s registration will be restored within one month.
Vendors that fail to respond or provide an acceptable explanation will remain deactivated. MNRE has also provided that the names of deactivated vendors will be displayed on the national portal.
Violations covered under the SOP
The SOP identifies several categories of violations that may attract action. These include the use of substandard solar PV modules, inverters, mounting structures or cables, improper wiring practices and the absence of mandatory safety measures such as earthing and surge protection.
The framework also covers non-installation or incomplete installation despite receipt of advance or full payment, delays in project execution, failure to provide mandatory warranties and technical documentation, obstruction of third-party inspections, mismatch in equipment serial numbers and non-compliance with Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) norms verified through the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) portal.
Consumer protection focus
The SOP has been introduced as rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana continue to expand across the country.
According to MNRE, the framework is intended to strengthen consumer protection, improve vendor accountability and ensure that installations meet prescribed quality and safety standards through a transparent and structured grievance redressal process.
The featured photograph is for representation only.
