The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has invited suggestions on construction standards for civil, mechanical, and electrical works for rooftop solar and off-grid solar PV systems.

The ministry is implementing several solar programs, for example- grid connected solar rooftop, small solar power plant, off-grid and decentralised power application and has observed that the lack of specified construction standards has resulted in inconsistent workmanship and use of poor materials in rooftop and off-grid solar system. Mercom recently reported that the lack of regulations for product quality certification, intense competition, and absence of requisite awareness have emboldened the problem of poor-quality materials in rooftop installations across the country..

There is already a well-defined specification for electrical equipment and a specific construction standard will further ensure the quality and reliability of off-grid solar systems like solar pumps, solar street lights, and solar power-packs. It will also guarantee the robustness of grid-connected rooftop solar systems.

The suggestions can be sent as a technical write-up with supporting documents such as drawing, calculations, case-studies, and experiences. Last date for the submission is 8 June 2018.

Earlier this month, Mercom had reported about the damage of solar assets in northern India caused by severe and widespread dust storms. Talking to Mercom on the losses incurred by project developers, a government official blamed the damages on the neglecting high quality balance of systems and other materials in order to enjoy better profit margins.

In another notification issued recently, the MNRE has asked all the implementing agencies in the country to adhere to the grid-connected rooftop (GCRT) solar guidelines issued in 2016.

India plans to achieve 40 GW of rooftop solar as part of its broader goal of achieving 100 GW of solar capacity across the country by 2022.

According to the Mercom’s India Solar Project Tracker, India has an installed capacity of ~2 GW of solar rooftop installations as of March 2018.

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