Introduction

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has rolled out a pivotal update to the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, requiring vendors to generate and input a 16-digit Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) certificate number into the National Portal. This change, effective from December 2024, is designed to tackle the issue of duplicate solar module serial numbers and streamline the verification of rooftop solar installations.

Key Changes and Benefits

The new mandate eliminates manual entry of module serial numbers, which previously led to errors and delays. Vendors must now obtain a B2C DCR certificate via the DCR verification portal, operated by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE). The system automatically fetches the verified module serial numbers by entering the DCR certificate number into the PM Surya Ghar portal, ensuring accuracy and compliance with domestic content standards.

This integration supports key government initiatives, including the CPSU Phase-II, PM Surya Ghar, and PM-KUSUM programs, by ensuring only DCR-compliant modules are used. The process minimizes the risk of duplicate serial numbers, which had been a recurring issue due to incorrect or falsified entries by some vendors.

Addressing Implementation Challenges

For installations with flagged duplicate serial numbers, vendors must submit a legal undertaking and correct the details. This applies to both module and inverter serial numbers, with the latter still entered manually. Applications already submitted with duplicates will be returned for reverification, ensuring data accuracy through additional checks, including 1% third-party inspections.

Impact on the Solar Industry

This update reinforces the MNRE’s commitment to promoting domestic solar manufacturing while enhancing transparency and traceability. By automating serial number verification, the process reduces errors, speeds up project timelines, and boosts confidence among vendors and consumers. The PM Surya Ghar program, aiming to bring rooftop solar to 10 million households by 2027, benefits from this streamlined approach, paving the way for more efficient and reliable solar installations across India.

Conclusion

The mandatory integration of DCR certificate numbers into the PM Surya Ghar portal marks a significant step toward improving the efficiency and integrity of India’s rooftop solar ecosystem. This initiative not only addresses technical glitches but also supports the nation’s renewable energy goals by prioritizing locally manufactured solar components.