As India advances rooftop solar installations via the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has introduced draft guidelines. These compel original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) supplying inverters to connect them to national servers managed by the MNRE or a designated entity.

The guidelines address grid stability and cybersecurity for integrating 10 million systems totaling 30 GW. Key requirements include direct inverter-server communication, M2M SIMs for secure data transfer, and open, vendor-neutral protocols. Final notification is anticipated later in 2025 post-stakeholder input.

Industry support is evident, though concerns persist on execution, expenses, and feasibility. Saurabh Marda, Freyr Energy co-founder, said: “The MNRE’s guidelines lay a strong foundation for long-term grid stability and data-driven solar deployment, but several short-term implementation hurdles must be addressed for successful execution.” He stressed: “Clarity on cost allocation is critical, particularly regarding who bears the additional INR 18,000 per system cost for M2M SIM-based data transmission over 10 years. Without a clear definition of the full compliance scope, financial planning becomes uncertain for both developers and consumers.”

Marda called for policy alignment across levels, reliable connectivity in underserved areas, and global coordination amid overseas manufacturing reliance. He noted: “Technical disparities and supply chain dependencies—especially given that most inverter manufacturing is overseas – require both global coordination and lead time. Smaller installers and price-sensitive segments risk being disproportionately impacted by cost escalations and added complexity.”

He suggested phased rollout, broad consultations, and cost-benefit support for rural infrastructure. Arvind Kumar, Exolar Energy founder, endorsed the guidelines but advocated phased implementation: “Most Indian manufacturers are still dependent on imported components – especially the inverter control cards. So, there needs to be a phased and cooperative implementation of these guidelines. We need to set up a framework that will give inverter companies from India, an opportunity to adjust at their own pace. In doing so, a boost to local R&D, as well as offering technical assistance, would certainly contribute to creating a secure, self-reliant solar ecosystem in India.”

Charusmita, Statcon Energiaa director, emphasized India-based servers and firmware for security, urging retrospective compliance. She added: “Additionally, the MNRE’s draft guidelines to enforce BIS certification under Scheme-I for solar inverters will mark a major policy shift, if approved, ensuring local manufacturing verification and minimum 50% Indian content. This is expected to curb the import of finished inverters, pushing traders and foreign OEMs into CKD/SKD-based tie-ups within India.”

by pv magazine