The Government of India is evaluating a new policy framework tentatively called the Solar Contract Transparency Act (SCTA-2026), aimed at standardizing rooftop solar contracts, regulating installer quotations, and ensuring transparency in pricing. Officials familiar with internal discussions told SolSetu that the Act would focus on protecting consumers from misleading proposals, hidden charges, and manipulated performance guarantees.

The initiative comes at a time when rooftop solar adoption is accelerating rapidly, but consumer disputes related to unclear contracts are also increasing.

Key Issues the SCTA-2026 Could Address

According to industry analysts, rooftop solar customers frequently encounter:

• Ambiguous quotations with no component brand details
• Performance guarantees without measurable criteria
• Hidden charges added after installation
• Incorrect subsidy eligibility claims
• Mismatch between promised and installed components
• Contracts without structured warranty terms

The proposed Act aims to bring clarity and uniformity to the entire contracting process.

What the New Act May Include

Early framework discussions indicate the Act may enforce:

• Mandatory standardized rooftop solar contract templates
• Clear disclosure of component brands & model numbers
• Predefined performance guarantee calculation methods
• Standard warranty disclosure format
• QR-verified contract copies for consumers
• Penalty for installers providing misleading information
• Fixed timelines for installation & service response

The Act may also require installers to upload each consumer contract to a central verification portal.

Benefits for Consumers

If implemented, SCTA-2026 would allow homeowners and small businesses to:

• Clearly understand their system cost and components
• Avoid hidden charges and incorrect claims
• Receive verified and traceable contract documents
• Ensure fair warranty and service commitments
• Reduce disputes with installers

Experts say this reform could become one of India's strongest consumer-protective frameworks in the solar sector.

Expected Timeline

The Act may undergo consultation in early 2026, followed by pilot adoption in states such as:

• Gujarat
• Maharashtra
• Tamil Nadu
• Karnataka
• Delhi NCR

A nationwide rollout could follow once stakeholder feedback is incorporated.

SolSetu will continue reporting as India moves toward greater transparency in rooftop solar contracting.