Hundreds of rooftop solar projects across Punjab are facing serious delays and uncertainty due to technical issues at Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). The problem has emerged as PSPCL shifts its billing and metering systems from SAP to a new Oracle-based platform. During this transition, many important online services related to rooftop solar projects have become unavailable, affecting solar engineering, procurement, and Construction (EPC) companies across the state.
According to industry representatives, vendors are currently unable to register new net-metering applications, extend sanction files that are nearing expiry, process pending requests, or obtain approvals for bidirectional meter installation and project commissioning. As a result, several rooftop solar projects that have already been installed remain stuck despite being physically ready for operation.
The issue has become more critical because of a recent policy deadline from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). From June 1, 2026, the use of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II solar cells has become mandatory for net-metering projects. However, projects commissioned before this date are exempt from the requirement.
Solar vendors argue that many projects were installed before the deadline and should qualify for the exemption. However, because the PSPCL portal is not functioning properly, these projects cannot complete the commissioning process. Industry estimates suggest that around 14,000 rooftop solar projects have been affected. Vendors warn that the disruption could result in financial losses ranging from ₹100 crore to ₹200 crore due to blocked capital, unsold inventory, and delayed customer payments.
In response, Solavesta, representing a large group of solar vendors in Punjab, has submitted a formal representation to the PSPCL Chairman-cum-Managing Director. The representation has also been shared with the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC), Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA), and MNRE.
The industry has requested four immediate measures. These include a time extension for projects already installed before the deadline, a temporary offline application process, assurance that vendors and consumers will not be penalized for delays caused by the utility, and the appointment of a dedicated nodal officer to address grievances.
The vendors’ request is supported by an MNRE Office Memorandum issued on May 25, 2026, which advised distribution companies and state agencies to expedite inspections and commissioning of eligible projects installed before May 31.
Industry leaders have stressed that the current challenge is a system-related issue rather than a policy problem. They say businesses completed installations within the prescribed timeline but are now facing uncertainty due to delays beyond their control.
Statement — Solavesta: “This is a system failure, not a policy failure. Vendors did everything within their control — procured, contracted, installed — on the express basis of the commissioning window central policy provided. PSPCL’s migrated system has prevented the timely commissioning of legitimate projects. We are seeking a time extension and a manual fallback, in line with MNRE’s own 25 May advisory. The vendor community is willing to work with PSPCL; we are simply asking that vendors and consumers are not penalised for a technology transition they did not cause,” said Vinod K Bali, Founder, Solavesta
Statement — Affected vendor: “Our modules were ordered in March, and the project was physically installed in May. We have been trying to get the commissioning meter installed for weeks. There is no response on the portal and no written acknowledgement of the delay. Our customer is asking when their plant will be live, and we have no answer to give them,” said Barjesh Kumar, United Solar Engineering and Technologies, SAS Nagar.
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