Rajasthan ULA Tender 2026: A Complete Guide to Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) Rooftop Solar Scheme

Introduction

India is rapidly transitioning toward clean and sustainable energy, with rooftop solar playing a pivotal role in achieving the nation's renewable energy targets. To accelerate adoption, the Government of India launched the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, aiming to install rooftop solar systems on millions of households.

To simplify implementation, ensure quality, and reduce installation costs, Rajasthan has adopted the Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) model. Under this approach, DISCOMs aggregate consumer demand and empanel qualified vendors through a competitive tendering process. This eliminates the need for individual consumers to search for installers while ensuring standardized pricing, quality, and after-sales service.

What is the Rajasthan ULA Tender?

The Rajasthan Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) Tender is a centralized procurement model where DISCOMs invite bids from qualified Solar EPC companies to design, supply, install, commission, and maintain rooftop solar systems for residential consumers.

Unlike the traditional model, consumers register through the PM Surya Ghar portal, while the utility allocates work to empanelled vendors based on tender outcomes. This aggregated approach improves transparency, quality assurance, and project execution.

Objectives of the ULA Model

The primary objectives of the Rajasthan ULA Tender are:

• Accelerate rooftop solar adoption across residential consumers.

• Standardize system quality and installation practices.

• Reduce installation costs through bulk procurement.

• Ensure timely subsidy processing.

• Improve monitoring and maintenance through centralized oversight.

• Promote reliable and accountable Solar EPC companies.

• Support India's Renewable Energy and Net Zero goals.

Scope of Work

Selected vendors are responsible for the complete lifecycle of the project.

ActivityResponsibilitySite SurveyRoof assessment and feasibilitySystem DesignCapacity calculation and engineeringSupplySolar modules, inverter, BOS componentsInstallationMechanical and electrical installationTestingElectrical safety and performance testingCommissioningGrid synchronizationNet MeteringAssistance with approvals and installationDocumentationConsumer and subsidy documentationMonitoringRemote monitoring setupO&MFive years of maintenance and service

Vendor Eligibility & Registration

To participate, vendors must register on the Rajasthan Rooftop Solar Portal and satisfy technical, financial, and legal eligibility requirements.

Technical Requirements

• Experience in rooftop solar installation.

• Qualified engineers and technicians.

• Availability of service infrastructure.

• Compliance with MNRE guidelines.

• Use of ALMM-listed solar modules.

Financial Requirements

• Positive net worth.

• Minimum annual turnover (as specified in the tender).

• Audited financial statements.

• Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG).

Legal Requirements

• GST Registration.

• PAN.

• Company Registration Certificate.

• Electrical Contractor License.

• No blacklisting declaration.

Vendor Selection Process

The ULA Tender follows a transparent evaluation process:

Selection is primarily based on technical qualification followed by competitive financial bidding.

Commercial Terms

The tender includes several commercial provisions to protect both utilities and consumers.

Payment Terms

Payments are milestone-based:

1. Consumer registers on the PM Surya Ghar Portal.

2. Vendor is allocated by DISCOM.

3. Survey and installation are completed.

4. Inspection and net metering are carried out.

5. System is commissioned.

6. Subsidy and eligible payments are released after successful verification.

This structure ensures payment is linked to completed and verified work.

Warranty Structure (5+5 Years)

One of the key strengths of the Rajasthan ULA model is its comprehensive after-sales support.

ComponentWarrantyComplete System5 Years Comprehensive WarrantyOperation & Maintenance5 YearsSolar Modules10-Year Product Warranty + 25–30 Year Performance WarrantyGrid-Tied Inverter10 YearsMounting Structure10 Years (Corrosion Protection)

Vendor Responsibilities

• Preventive maintenance.

• Fault diagnosis.

• Replacement of defective components.

• Customer complaint handling.

• Performance monitoring.

• Service during the warranty and O&M period.

Penalty Structure

The tender includes a robust penalty mechanism to ensure accountability.

DefaultPossible ActionDelay in InstallationLiquidated damagesPoor WorkmanshipRectification at vendor costSafety ViolationsFinancial penaltiesUse of Non-Compliant MaterialsReplacement and penaltiesDelay in Complaint ResolutionService deductionsWarranty FailureFree repair/replacementNon-performanceCapacity reductionRepeated ViolationsBlacklistingFailure to Meet Contract TermsPerformance Security forfeitureSerious DefaultContract termination

Important: Vendors are expected to maintain service quality throughout the warranty period. Persistent poor performance may lead to reduced future allocations or removal from the empanelled vendor list.

Traditional Rooftop Model vs ULA Model

Traditional ModelULA ModelConsumer selects installerUtility allocates vendorVariable pricingStandardized pricingQuality variesUniform technical standardsSeparate subsidy processIntegrated subsidy supportLimited monitoringUtility-led monitoringLimited accountabilityPerformance-based accountabilityIndividual procurementAggregated procurement

Benefits of the ULA Model

For Consumers

• Trusted empanelled vendors.

• Standardized pricing.

• Better installation quality.

• Simplified subsidy process.

• Reliable after-sales service.

• Reduced project risk.

For Vendors

• Large volume of projects.

• Reduced customer acquisition cost.

• Transparent work allocation.

• Long-term business opportunities.

• Enhanced credibility through empanelment.

For DISCOMs

• Better project monitoring.

• Improved grid planning.

• Faster renewable energy adoption.

• Centralized quality control.

• Efficient subsidy administration.

Key Takeaways

• Rajasthan has adopted the Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) model to accelerate rooftop solar deployment.

• The model supports the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

• DISCOMs aggregate consumer demand and empanel qualified vendors.

• Vendors are selected through a transparent competitive tender.

• The scope includes survey, design, supply, installation, testing, commissioning, net metering, and O&M.

• Vendors must meet technical, financial, and legal eligibility criteria.

• Payment is linked to project milestones and successful commissioning.

• The tender provides a 5-year comprehensive warranty and 5 years of O&M.

• Solar modules typically carry 25–30 years of performance warranty, while inverters and mounting structures are covered by longer manufacturer warranties.

• A structured penalty framework promotes quality, timely execution, and customer satisfaction.

• The ULA model benefits consumers, utilities, vendors, and the Government through standardized execution and improved accountability.

• It creates significant business opportunities for EPC companies and contributes to India's clean energy transition.