In Short : The government now requires all rooftop solar inverters under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana to connect to national servers via MNRE-approved communication systems. Devices like data loggers and dongles must use secure M2M SIMs for real-time monitoring. Integration testing starts September 1, 2025, aiming to enhance system transparency, security, and performance across India’s rooftop solar network.
In Detail : The Indian government has introduced a new mandate aimed at strengthening monitoring and security for rooftop solar installations. All inverters installed under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana must now be connected to national servers.
This move is designed to ensure real-time data collection and improve transparency in energy generation under the central rooftop solar subsidy scheme. It also aims to enhance system accountability and long-term performance tracking.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) or an authorized central agency will manage the central data platform. All solar inverters will be required to relay operational data to this system.
To facilitate this, communication devices such as data loggers, dongles, and remote monitoring systems (RMS) must be used in every rooftop solar installation under the scheme. These devices will serve as the bridge between the solar system and the national server.
Each communication device must be equipped with a machine-to-machine (M2M) SIM to ensure secure and uninterrupted transmission of data. The use of M2M technology is expected to minimize data breaches and enhance system reliability.
The MNRE has released draft guidelines outlining security protocols for these communication devices. The guidelines focus on cybersecurity, device authentication, data encryption, and update mechanisms to maintain the integrity of the monitoring process.
Manufacturers and system integrators have been advised to begin preparations for compliance. Integration testing of systems with the national server is scheduled to begin on September 1, 2025.
This mandate will also help verify actual generation data for subsidy disbursement and better detect underperforming systems. It ensures both government and consumers have access to accurate system performance data.
With rooftop solar adoption rising across India, the new guidelines mark a major step toward a smarter, more connected renewable energy infrastructure, aligned with India’s goals for digital governance and clean energy.
