MNRE Mandates 10-Year Product and 25-Year Performance Warranty for Solar Modules
MNRE has introduced a standardised warranty framework mandating a minimum 10-year product warranty covering defects in design, materials and workmanship, along with a 25-year limited power output warranty for solar PV modules, under its DRE schemes, including PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM KUSUM Yojana.
May 11, 2026. By Mrinmoy Dey
The SOP will apply to MNRE-backed schemes, including PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, PM KUSUM, and the New Solar Power Scheme. The ministry said that the move follows multiple representations regarding varying warranty procedures and claim settlement practices adopted by solar module manufacturers.
Under the new framework, all solar PV module manufacturers supplying modules either directly or indirectly for MNRE-supported DRE projects will be required to comply with standardised warranty and claims management provisions.
As per the SOP, manufacturers must provide a minimum 10-year product warranty covering defects in design, materials, workmanship, and manufacturing that materially affect module performance. The warranty commencement date will be linked to the installation or commissioning date of the solar system, provided the modules are deployed within six months of invoice issuance. Delays beyond six months will proportionally reduce the warranty period.
In addition, the SOP mandates a 25-year limited power output warranty for solar PV modules. Manufacturers will need to ensure that modules maintain specified performance levels under Standard Test Conditions (STC), in line with applicable Indian Standards (IS), IEC standards, and Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) technical requirements.
To reduce future disputes and improve defect detection, MNRE has introduced standardised testing and commissioning protocols. These include field-level Electroluminescence (EL) testing to identify micro-cracks, soldering defects, inactive cells, and other module anomalies, along with I-V tests to verify actual power output against rated performance.
The SOP specifies that warranty claims related to power degradation will only be admissible if measured wattage falls below prescribed thresholds after accounting for manufacturer-specified tolerances, degradation factors, and measurement uncertainty.
Further, wherever laboratory validation is required, testing must be conducted through National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)-empanelled laboratories.
The ministry has also clearly outlined warranty exclusion conditions. Manufacturers may reject claims only if they can provide documented technical evidence linking installation deficiencies or environmental factors directly to module failure. Exclusions include unauthorised repairs or modifications, tampering of module serial numbers, verified external damage, abnormal voltage exposure, and installations in marine or non-standard environments unless specifically approved.
Notably, the SOP narrows the definition of force majeure events to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and cyclones, while explicitly excluding supply chain disruptions arising from wars, riots, or logistical challenges.
A major focus of the SOP is digitalisation and consumer grievance management. All manufacturers will now be required to establish online complaint registration and tracking systems, along with customer care support through phone, WhatsApp, or email channels.
The SOP also proposes integration of manufacturers’ warranty portals with the Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) portal. Under the proposed mechanism, the B2C DCR Certificate generated through the portal will also function as a DCR-cum-Warranty Certificate, enabling consumers to access panel-level warranty information digitally.
Manufacturers will be required to acknowledge complaints within 24 to 48 hours, conduct inspections within seven days, and complete replacement processes within 30 days wherever applicable. An escalation matrix for unresolved complaints must also be defined.
For technical disputes requiring third-party testing, the SOP proposes an initial 50:50 cost-sharing arrangement between manufacturers and consumers. However, the final testing cost burden will rest entirely on the party found to be at fault after investigation.
MNRE stated that the SOP is intended to improve accountability, standardise industry practices, strengthen consumer confidence, and support the long-term reliability of rooftop and distributed solar installations across India.
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