India is evaluating a plan to launch the Unified Solar Technician Certification (USTC-2026), a national skill accreditation system designed to improve the quality of rooftop solar installations across the country. Sources told SolSetu that MNRE and the Skill Council for Green Jobs are reviewing the proposal to ensure that all rooftop systems are installed only by trained, certified technicians.

The reform aims to reduce system failures, wiring mistakes, inverter issues, and safety incidents caused by untrained manpower—one of the biggest challenges in India’s rapidly expanding rooftop market.

Why Technician Certification Is Needed in 2026

Technical audits show that over 55% of rooftop system faults relate to improper installation practices, including:

• Incorrect DC cable routing
• Loose or overheated MC4 connectors
• Poor earthing and SPD installation
• Improper inverter placement
• Weak rooftop mounting structures

A national certification aims to make rooftop solar installations safer and more reliable.

What USTC-2026 May Include

The proposed technician certification may introduce:

• Three certification levels — Basic, Advanced, and Expert
• Skill training modules on wiring, structure design, and safety
• Mandatory practical tests for certification
• Digital ID cards for certified technicians
• Annual renewal with performance-based evaluation
• Penalties for installers employing unqualified workers

Technicians may also be listed on a national solar directory accessible to consumers.

Benefits for Consumers & Installers

If introduced, consumers may gain:

• Higher installation quality and safety
• Lower inverter failures
• Better long-term generation performance
• Transparency in technician credentials

Installers may benefit from better-trained workers and reduced service call-backs.

Pilot Rollout Expected in Key States

USTC-2026 may first launch in states with high rooftop volume:

• Maharashtra
• Gujarat
• Karnataka
• Rajasthan
• Delhi

The national roll-out may begin in late 2026 based on pilot results.

SolSetu will continue tracking updates as MNRE finalizes the certification structure.