Question : SUB STANDARD SOLAR POWER PRODUCTS

(a) whether the Government is aware that sub-standard solar power products have flooded the market in the country and customers are duped with low quality products;

(b) if so, the number of such cases reported during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise;

(c) whether the Government has taken any action against the persons who are producing or selling sub-standard solar power products to the people;

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government to ensure availability of high quality solar power products in the market at reasonable rates?

THE MINISTER OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (DR. FAROOQ ABDULLAH)

(a) & (b): No formal complaint has been received regarding flooding of market with sub-standard solar products. However, through informal channels it has come to notice of the Ministry that some sub-standard products are being sold in the open market other than the supply under GOI schemes.

(c) & (d): The Ministry has fixed quality standards for all products supplied under its programmes. These products need to have appropriate test certificates to be accepted. In any case of sub-standard products or poor quality, the implementing agencies are obliged to take corrective action including replacement.

(e): A list of channel partners has been put up on the website of the Ministry. The list is frequently up dated. All State Nodal Agencies are also regularly informed about the quality requirement and standards.