MNRE Mandates M2M SIM-Based Monitoring For Rooftop Solar Under PM Surya Ghar Scheme

In a major step toward modernizing India’s renewable energy infrastructure, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has mandated the use of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) SIM-based communication for all rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG: MBY). This move aims to create a secure and reliable system for real-time monitoring of solar power generation across the country.

Under the new policy, inverter communication devices such as dongles and data loggers equipped with M2M SIMs will be used as the primary source for measuring solar generation. This approach removes the need for separate physical solar meters, helping to reduce installation costs for consumers. The Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) has already aligned with these national guidelines by issuing an amendment on November 27, 2025, recognizing M2M-enabled inverters as valid generation meters. This step facilitates a more streamlined and cost-effective process for adopting solar energy in the state.

The MNRE’s decision is motivated by concerns for grid security and national energy sovereignty. The PMSG: MBY scheme aims to install rooftop solar plants in one crore households, which could result in an aggregate capacity of tens of gigawatts. Using third-party servers located outside India for data management presents risks, including potential unauthorized control and data manipulation that could disrupt the grid. To address these concerns, the Ministry plans to centralize all solar data on a National Software Platform hosted on Indian servers and managed by government agencies.

From September 1, 2025, the Ministry will begin integration testing for inverter devices based on vendor-neutral and open communication protocol standards. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) participating in the scheme must ensure that their devices are able to connect directly to these national servers. The specific deadline for full integration will be announced soon.

This framework will ensure that all solar data is encrypted, localized, and accessible to the government, providing better visibility and control over the grid as rooftop solar becomes a significant part of India’s energy mix. By enforcing secure, real-time tracking standards, the government is promoting a technologically advanced solar infrastructure that is resilient to cybersecurity threats.

The MNRE’s initiative is expected to make rooftop solar adoption simpler, more affordable, and safer for both consumers and the national grid. With M2M-enabled inverters replacing physical meters and centralized monitoring becoming mandatory, India is taking a significant step toward a modern, secure, and sustainable clean energy future.

This policy highlights the government’s commitment to balancing renewable energy growth with grid stability and data security, ensuring that India’s transition to solar power is efficient, reliable, and resilient.