MNRE Proposes Revised Solar Pump Controller Standards To Improve Efficiency And Farm Asset Utilization

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has invited public comments on draft revised specifications for Solar Pump Controllers, aimed at improving the performance, reliability and utilization of solar-powered agricultural pumping systems. The draft has been prepared by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) through MNRE’s Standards and Quality Control Division. Stakeholders have been asked to submit their comments to the designated ministry officials by August 28, 2026.

The proposed standards seek to address the underutilization of solar water pumping systems, which are mainly used for seasonal irrigation and remain idle for significant periods of the year. The draft therefore proposes multi-functional solar pump controllers capable of supporting agricultural machinery and other electrical loads.

The controllers would be designed for off-grid, battery-supported off-grid and hybrid grid-interactive applications. In multi-functional off-grid configurations, a controller could provide up to four independent outputs, including two three-phase outputs for agricultural machinery and two single-phase outputs for farm appliances and household electricity.

The draft also proposes wider DC input voltage ranges of up to 1,000 V to accommodate newer PV modules, different module configurations and varying temperatures across India. Controllers would require advanced Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) capabilities to improve solar energy extraction.

Static power conversion efficiency would need to reach at least 93% for systems below 5 HP and 94% for systems rated 5 HP and above. Static MPPT efficiency would be required to remain at 98% or higher, while dynamic MPPT efficiency would need to achieve at least 97% during changing weather conditions. Systems rated 10 kVA and above would require multi-channel MPPT to reduce mismatch losses.

For controllers powering heavy agricultural equipment, including chaff cutters and flour mills, the draft proposes a 150% torque overload capability for 30 seconds. It also includes requirements for IP65 weatherproof enclosures, 6 kV surge protection, thermal and electrical safeguards, controlled harmonic distortion and automatic anti-islanding protection.

Grid-connected systems would be required to disconnect from the grid within two seconds following a power outage. The proposed standards also introduce integrated Remote Monitoring Systems using GSM/GPRS connectivity and geo-tagging.

The monitoring system would track parameters such as power generation, water output, operating hours, grid status and fault conditions, including dry-run events. MNRE said the revised specifications are intended to protect farmer interests, improve asset utilization and support reliable clean-energy solutions for sustainable agricultural development.