Power Ministry Orders Unified Digital Process for Rooftop Solar

10 Oct 2025 CW Team

The Ministry of Power has directed all States and Union Territories to streamline the approval process for rooftop solar systems by eliminating separate net-metering agreements and removing associated fees such as application, registration, and testing charges. The directive applies to installations under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGY), a flagship initiative aimed at expanding rooftop solar adoption among households across India.

Citing Sub-rule 10 of Rule 4 of the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, the Ministry emphasised that any agreement between consumers and distribution licensees should be integrated within the online application form rather than issued as a standalone document. States have been instructed to implement a fully digital process that allows consumers to complete all formalities through the PMSGY portal itself, thereby reducing physical interactions with local distribution companies.

The move seeks to address one of the major deterrents to residential solar adoption—complex and time-consuming paperwork. By simplifying procedures, the government expects a faster rollout of rooftop solar systems and improved participation from urban and rural households alike.

Several states, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Haryana, and Puducherry, already employ digital net-metering processes that comply with this directive. So far, 17 states and Union Territories have waived related charges, reflecting growing alignment with the national policy.

The PM Surya Ghar scheme aims to equip 10 million households with rooftop solar installations, targeting a cumulative capacity of 30 GW by 2027. Nearly 2 million systems have already been commissioned, enabling households to significantly reduce or even eliminate electricity bills—while some earn credits by supplying surplus power back to the grid.

Building Material

27 Nov 2025

Shalimar Paints Launches New Durable Luxury Interior and Exterior Range

Shalimar Paints has introduced three additions to its portfolio: Hero Insignia Luxury Interior Emulsion, Superlac PU Gloss Enamel and Hero Weather Guard 12 Luxury Exterior Emulsion. The new range is designed to combine finish, durability and environmental responsibility for modern residential spaces.Hero Insignia is a water-based luxury interior emulsion formulated with hybrid binder technology, providing a silky finish, stain resistance and protection from scuff marks. It offers more than 2,000 colour options, a 10-year promise and zero VOC levels, and can be applied on plaster, concrete and ..

Trimble Promotes Harsh Pareek as VP Direct Sales for APAC

Trimble has promoted Harsh Pareek to Vice President, Direct Sales, Asia-Pacific for its Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AECO) division. Mr Pareek joined the company in 2017 and has more than 27 years of industry experience. He most recently served as Regional Sales Director for India for over eight years, during which he played a major role in accelerating Trimble’s growth and expanding its footprint across the Indian Subcontinent.Expressing his focus for the new role, Mr Pareek said that the AECO sector in Asia-Pacific is entering a phase driven by technology, sustai..

Rajasthan Moves Mining Processes Fully Online From 15 December

The Rajasthan government will make all mining-related processes entirely paperless from 15 December, a senior official said. The Mines, Geology and Petroleum Department will halt all offline work across its mining modules, requiring officials to operate exclusively through online systems. Principal Secretary (Mines) T Ravikant said compliance monitoring will begin on 1 December while addressing an orientation workshop for officials from the Jaipur, Bharatpur, Ajmer, Kota and Bikaner zones. Ravikant explained that the department has developed two mobile applications and fourteen online modules..