Rajasthan Energy Department Directs DISCOMs to Exempt “Give It Up” Solar Consumers from DCR Certificate Requirements

The Core Directive: Rajasthan Energy Department Implementation Order

The Rajasthan Energy Department has issued a formal implementation order to all state power distribution companies (DISCOMs) regarding the administration of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. This directive mandates strict adherence to Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) guidelines, specifically for the “Give It Up” consumer category. The order serves as a corrective measure following documented field-level confusion and misinterpretation of regulations after the June 1, 2026, rollout of Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II. By issuing this state-level directive, the department aims to eliminate administrative ambiguity and ensure that field offices do not erroneously demand Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) documentation from exempt consumers.

DISCOM Compliance Guidelines

To standardize the processing of rooftop solar applications, the Rajasthan Energy Department has outlined specific prohibitions and requirements for DISCOM personnel. The following table identifies the mandated actions and the underlying federal authority for these instructions.

Policy Context: ALMM List-II and Technology Exemptions

The “Give It Up” category comprises residential consumers who voluntarily forgo Central Financial Assistance (CFA) or subsidies during the registration process on the PM Surya Ghar National Portal. This selection is a critical prerequisite to trigger the specific regulatory workflow and subsequent exemptions.

The primary distinction in the current framework lies between ALMM List-I (modules) and ALMM List-II (cells). As of June 1, 2026, all government-backed and net-metered projects are generally required to use modules featuring domestically manufactured solar PV cells (List-II). However, “Give It Up” consumers are explicitly exempt from these cell-level domestic requirements. While they typically continue to use modules from ALMM List-I to ensure quality, they are permitted to use non-DCR modules—those incorporating imported cell technology. This provides these consumers with access to a broader range of global solar technologies and potentially more competitive pricing. According to the MNRE framework, these exemptions are scheduled to expire on March 31, 2027.

Expected Operational Outcomes and Field Impact

The implementation of this directive is expected to stabilize the residential solar ecosystem in Rajasthan through the following impacts:

1. Uniform Interpretation: The order provides a single standard for policy application, ensuring that all DISCOM field offices—regardless of geography—apply the same rules for non-subsidized installations.
2. Administrative Efficiency: By removing the DCR certificate requirement, the directive eliminates documentation bottlenecks and redundant compliance checks. This includes the clarification that eligible consumers do not need to file separate applications on the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) DCR portal.
3. Immediate Tactical Relief (One-Month Window): For projects where modules were installed prior to June 1, 2026, but commissioning was delayed by the DISCOM, a specific one-month window from the date of the clarification is provided to complete commissioning under the previous ALMM List-I rules.
4. Execution Certainty and Procurement Flexibility: Project developers and vendors gain the ability to utilize imported cell technology (non-DCR) for “Give It Up” projects without the risk of application rejection. This predictability allows for more stable inventory planning and procurement strategies in the residential segment.
5. Process Simplification: The directive ensures that the “Give It Up” selection made at the time of registration on the National Portal is sufficient to bypass domestic cell requirements, significantly reducing the administrative burden on both installers and applicants.