MNRE sets new compliance rules for rooftop solar inverters

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued draft guidelines for inverter communication systems under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. 

All inverter communication devices must now transmit data only to government-owned servers located in India. Use of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) SIMs is mandatory for secure transmission. The data will be monitored through a national software platform managed by MNRE, which will prevent original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) from using third-party servers to access consumer data.

The guidelines introduce a vendor-neutral communication framework. Technical requirements for integration testing are expected by 1 September 2025. Each inverter system must use Transport Layer Security (TLS/SSL), Advanced Encryption Standard (AES-256), and one-time password (OTP)–based authentication. Devices must also be registered with unique IMEI numbers and follow the MQTT protocol.

The system allows for real-time monitoring and remote commands, such as adjusting power output or initiating shutdowns. Data transmission formats and device specifications are standardised through annexures to the draft.

All OEMs participating in the rooftop solar scheme will need to comply, though the final implementation deadline is yet to be announced. REC Limited will serve as the nodal agency. Public comments on the draft are open until 31 July 2025.

According to MNRE, the guidelines address cybersecurity threats and aim to secure sensitive data on electricity generation and consumption. Mint reported that recent discoveries of undocumented communication hardware in certain China-made inverters have raised national security concerns. The ministry cited risks of external servers enabling unauthorised control and compromising energy sovereignty.

The scheme targets 10 million rooftop solar installations, adding 30 GW of capacity. As of 15 July 2025, more than 1.54 million households had been enrolled. The policy aligns with ongoing efforts to reduce dependence on Chinese imports and promote domestic solar manufacturing.