The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a standardised branding framework for the placement of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG: MBY) logo on rooftop solar (RTS) installations undertaken under the scheme. The guidelines will apply to both regular CAPEX and Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) mode installations.
Issued through an Office Memorandum, the ministry said the move is aimed at ensuring uniform identification, visibility and recognition of rooftop solar installations executed under the flagship residential solar programme, which targets installation of rooftop solar systems in one crore households by FY2026-27.
Applicable to all vendors
The guidelines are applicable to all vendors undertaking installations under PM Surya Ghar and cover solar PV modules, solar inverters, AC distribution boxes (ACDBs) and other equipment used in rooftop solar systems. The ministry has also released illustrative diagrams showing the correct placement of logos on different system components.
Under the framework, vendors are required to affix the PM Surya Ghar logo on the lower right corner of the front aluminium frame of solar PV modules. At least one logo sticker must be provided per kilowatt of installed capacity, with a minimum of one sticker on every module. The recommended sticker size is 25 mm × 25 mm, and the branding must not obstruct OEM nameplates, serial numbers, QR codes, safety labels, warranty information or technical specifications.
For solar inverters and ACDBs, the ministry has prescribed a larger 50 mm × 50 mm sticker to be placed on the lower right corner of the front exterior surface, ensuring that displays, ventilation openings, equipment labels, safety instructions and regulatory markings remain unobstructed. The illustrations accompanying the guidelines depict the recommended placement for each component.
Durable Branding
MNRE has specified that the branding material must be durable, weather-resistant, UV-resistant, waterproof, corrosion-resistant and suitable for long-term outdoor use. Vendors will also be responsible for replacing damaged stickers during the Comprehensive Maintenance Contract (CMC) period. Importantly, any additional cost associated with branding will have to be borne by vendors, with no extra Central Financial Assistance (CFA) available under the scheme.
The guidelines also assign responsibility to the National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA), State Implementing Agencies (SIAs) and DISCOMs to inspect installations during and after commissioning to verify compliance. They have been empowered to approve, modify or seek rectification of branding arrangements where required.
MNRE has warned that vendors failing to comply with the branding requirements could face regulatory action after due notice. Such action may include de-registration of vendors and other penalties under the applicable provisions if installations are found non-compliant during inspections.
