Phase-II Of The Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme

Application Process

Applicants wanting to install a rooftop solar system under the simplified procedure must apply through the National Portal. Registering on the National Portal requires an active mobile number and e-mail ID, and applicants will also need to download the SANDES app to receive the OTP.

The full process is laid out in the steps below.

Step-1: Download the SANDES app and register on the National Portal, selecting your local Distribution Company or Electricity department (referred to as DISCOM), and entering your Electricity connection number/Consumer number (as shown on the electricity bill), e-mail id and mobile number. Registration involves OTP verification of the mobile number and activation via the email id; the activation-link email will also explain the full procedure.

Step-2: Once registered, applicants can go ahead and submit their application to install a grid connected rooftop solar system at a residential house. Details entered during registration get prefilled into the application form, and applicants then add information such as the name on the electricity bill, address, proposed rooftop solar system capacity, and details of any existing rooftop solar capacity already installed. A copy of the latest electricity bill must also be uploaded. Once submitted, a copy of the application is emailed to the applicant and can also be downloaded after logging into the portal.

Step-3: The application goes to the DISCOM for technical feasibility approval as per prevailing regulations. Applicants are advised to begin installing the rooftop solar system only after DISCOM grants feasibility approval, and the approval or rejection decision is communicated to the applicant through email.

Step-4. Once DISCOM approves feasibility, the applicant can proceed with installation, which must be carried out by a vendor registered/empaneled with DISCOM. The Ministry has specified minimum technical specifications and standards that rooftop solar systems must meet, though applicants may opt for equipment of higher quality/efficiency. Only domestically manufactured solar modules made using domestically manufactured solar cells listed in the ALMM should be used, and the inverter must also be BIS certified. To protect the applicant's interest, an agreement must be signed between the applicant and the vendor — a model format is available on the National Portal under the Help Document section. It is mandatory for the vendor to provide comprehensive maintenance of the installed rooftop solar plant for at least 5 years.

Step-5: After installation is complete, the applicant has to submit project completion details for net-metering and approval — covering wattage, make and number of solar modules, make and wattage of the inverter, name of the vendor that installed the system, photographs of the system, etc. The applicant also has to apply for net-metering; this application will be forwarded to DISCOM, and the applicant has to follow DISCOM's instructions regarding payment of net-metering charges, signing of the net-metering agreement, etc., as applicable.

Step-6: DISCOM officials will install the net-meter and inspect the system for fulfilment of minimum technical specifications and standards.

Step-7: Upon successful inspection and installation of the net-meter, a commissioning certificate will be generated online by DISCOM.

Step-8. The applicant has to submit bank details and upload a copy of a cancelled cheque. The fund handling agency will release the Central Government subsidy directly into the bank account. Details of the Central Government subsidy available under the simplified procedure may be checked on the National Portal.

Note: The applicant shall also check various informative material placed in the Help Document section of the portal for a better understanding of the procedure.