Govt launches technical support platform for rooftop solar modules, `Surya Mitra’ Mobile App

The government has introduced a GPS-based mobile app, an innovative mobile approach that will enhance the employment of trained youth in solar PV technology and also improve the businesses of solar entrepreneurs, making available professionals for quality servicing, maintenance and repairing to customers at the click of a button on their mobiles.

Minister of state (independent charge) for power, coal and new and renewable energy Piyush Goyal launched the technical platform `Surya Mitra' Mobile App at a National Workshop on Rooftop Solar Power in New Delhi today.

Developed by National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), an autonomous institution of the ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE), the Surya Mitra Mobile App is currently available in Google play store, which can be downloaded and used across India. This App is a high end technology platform which can handle thousands of calls simultaneously and can efficiently monitor all visits of Suryamitras.

The trained Suryamitras who opt for entrepreneurship have joined in the Mobile App in several states. These Suryamitras are once again sensitised by NISE on soft skills customer relations management, punctuality and are now ready to deliver the services, an official release stated.   

These Suryamitras will act as technical support for lakhs of off-grid solar PV systems installed across the country under the Nabard scheme, which require regular maintenance. To keep the system in good condition skilled manpower is required, therefore, the proposed technical platform of Suryamitra Mobile App can be utilized for this purpose too.

MNRE has an ambitious target of installing 100,000 solar PV pumps in several states. Suryamitra Mobile App would come handy with respect to O & M, repair and maintenance of solar pumps. Similarly, millions of square meters of solar water heater systems are already installed in various states. In order to maintain the existing system and to install new systems properly, Suryamitra App would be very useful, says a power ministry release.

NISE has fixed a price Rs150 per visit as visiting charges for Suryamitra services and for installation and O&M charges Suryamitra's would charge standard charges as per MNRE advised rates. Govt hopes the Suryamitra Mobile App to act as an effective catalyst in creating demand for solar products in the country and in offering employment and business opportunities for Suryamitras.

Part of the Make in India skill development initiative, the Suryamitra course is a 600-hour (3 months) skill development programme designed to create skilled manpower in installation, commissioning, and operation and maintenance of solar power plants and equipment. The course is jointly designed by MNRE and NISE. The objective of this program is to provide employability and entrepreneurship to rural and urban youth and women.

The qualification required to participate in the program is ITI (Electrical & Wireman) / diploma in engineering (electrical, electronics and mechanical). Higher qualified participants such as B Tech etc are not eligible. The course teaches the basics of electrical, SPV applications and solar power plant including standards, preventive maintenance, trouble shooting etc. To achieve and maintain the target of 100 GW solar power plants for 25 years, India requires about 6.5 lakh personnel, trained in solar energy sector (estimated by CII). This course is designed and oriented as per requirement of solar industry.