MNRE Introduces New RMS And Datalogger Testing Guidelines For Rooftop Solar Under PM Surya Ghar Scheme

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has introduced a new set of testing guidelines for Inverter Remote Monitoring Systems (RMS) and dataloggers used in rooftop solar systems. These guidelines, released on March 27, 2026, are aimed at improving the performance and reliability of equipment deployed under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, a major government initiative focused on expanding grid-connected solar installations across households in India.

The move is part of the government’s effort to create a uniform system where all solar inverters and communication devices can properly connect and share data with centralized monitoring platforms. This will help authorities track electricity generation, system performance, and overall progress of rooftop solar adoption in real time. The guidelines build on earlier instructions issued in July and December 2025, which had already outlined communication structures and security measures for such systems.

According to the new document, manufacturers and developers must follow a clear testing process to ensure their devices meet the required standards. The guidelines apply to both solar EPC companies and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that produce dataloggers and related communication hardware. The aim is to ensure that all installed systems operate smoothly and deliver accurate data without errors.

A key focus of the guidelines is on security and data protection. Devices must support strong identification methods such as IMEI-based authentication. In addition, all communication ports must be secured using encryption protocols like TLS and SSL to prevent data breaches. The Ministry has also specified how data should be structured and transmitted. Information such as power generation, system status, and on-demand readings must be shared in a defined JSON format, following a standard topic structure.

To support manufacturers, the Ministry has launched an interim testing platform where companies can check the performance of their devices before the final centralized system goes live. This allows them to identify technical issues and fix them early. Companies interested in testing must submit their details, product model numbers, and a signed declaration to the MNRE’s solar generation division.

The guidelines also include a detailed checklist covering various technical aspects. Devices must have proper connectivity options such as LAN and Wi-Fi, sufficient internal memory for data storage, and support for communication protocols like Modbus RTU and TCP. A built-in Real-Time Clock is also required to ensure accurate time-stamping of solar data.

Overall, the new guidelines aim to ensure that rooftop solar systems in India not only generate clean energy but also provide reliable and secure data. This will help the government monitor the effectiveness of the scheme and improve long-term performance for users.