India’s rooftop solar market crossed 12 GW of cumulative installed capacity in 2025, and the sector is accelerating. The central government’s PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana targets 1 crore (10 million) households by 2027. For solar installers, understanding the compliance framework is not optional — every project touches at least three regulatory layers before the net meter goes live.
This guide explains India’s complete solar compliance framework and links to detailed guides for each component.
The India Solar Compliance Stack
Every rooftop solar installation in India operates within five parallel regulatory systems. Unlike some markets where one standard covers everything, India’s framework distributes authority across national ministries, technical bodies, state regulators, and local distribution utilities.
| Layer | Standard/Scheme | Authority | Applies To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subsidy programme | PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana | MNRE | Residential ≤ 3 kW (central subsidy) |
| Product approval | ALMM List I & II | MNRE | All subsidised projects |
| Product certification | IS 14086 / IS 16221 (BIS) | Bureau of Indian Standards | All grid-connected systems |
| Technical connectivity | CEA Connectivity Regulations 2013 | Central Electricity Authority | All grid-connected systems |
| Net metering | CERC model + state SERC orders | CERC + SERCs | All grid-export systems |
| Grid connection | DISCOM approval process | State DISCOMs | Every installation |
Every installation must pass all six layers. A system with ALMM-compliant products that lacks DISCOM technical sanction cannot be legally commissioned.
MNRE and PM Surya Ghar
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy sets India’s rooftop solar policy. The current flagship scheme, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (launched February 2024), targets 1 crore residential rooftop installations. The central financial assistance structure is:
| System Size | Subsidy per kW | Total Subsidy |
|---|---|---|
| First 2 kW | Rs. 30,000/kW | Rs. 60,000 |
| 2–3 kW (third kW) | Rs. 18,000/kW | Rs. 18,000 |
| Above 3 kW | None | — |
| Maximum | — | Rs. 78,000 |
Only residential consumers can access the central subsidy. Systems must be installed by empanelled vendors registered on the pmsuryaghar.gov.in portal. Components must be on the MNRE ALMM list.
Using solar design software that generates MNRE-compliant documentation — including single-line diagrams and equipment specs — simplifies the DISCOM application and reduces delays.
ALMM: Approved List of Models and Manufacturers
The ALMM is MNRE’s mandatory approved-product registry for subsidised projects. List I covers solar PV modules; List II covers solar inverters. Manufacturers must hold BIS certification and pass an MNRE application process to be listed.
For installers, ALMM compliance means:
- Verifying module and inverter model numbers against the current ALMM lists before procurement
- The lists update quarterly — a product listed today may be delisted if the manufacturer’s certification lapses
- Using non-ALMM products in a PM Surya Ghar project disqualifies the installation from central financial assistance
CEA Technical Standards
The Central Electricity Authority (Technical Standards for Connectivity of Distributed Generation Resources) Regulations 2013 set the technical requirements for connecting solar PV to the grid. Key provisions:
- Anti-islanding protection (compliant with IS 16221 for inverters)
- Earthing: module frames, inverter chassis, DC array
- Maximum system voltage: 1,000V DC for commercial, commonly 600V DC for residential in many states
- Metering requirements aligned with CEA Metering Regulations
- Commissioning documentation: single-line diagram, test certificates, insulation resistance tests
BIS Certification
The Bureau of Indian Standards certifies solar products against Indian Standards:
- IS 14086 (solar modules) — Parts 1 (performance, equivalent to IEC 61215) and 2 (safety, equivalent to IEC 61730)
- IS 16221 (solar inverters) — Parts 1 (anti-islanding, equivalent to IEC 62116) and 2 (safety)
The BIS Quality Control Order 2022 made IS 14086 certification mandatory for all solar modules sold in India, including imports. Products without a valid BIS licence cannot legally be sold or installed.
Net Metering: CERC Framework and State Implementation
CERC issued model net metering regulations in 2013 (amended 2016). State SERCs implement their own orders within this framework. The result: every state has net metering, but the details vary significantly.
Key parameters that differ by state:
- System size limits: Most states allow residential up to sanctioned load; commercial varies (typically up to 1 MW)
- Export rate: Typically the APPC (Average Power Purchase Cost) — ranges from Rs. 3.00 to Rs. 5.50 per unit nationally
- Settlement period: Monthly or annual (annual carry-forward is more favourable)
- Bidirectional meter: DISCOM installs at applicant’s cost
DISCOM Grid Connection
Every rooftop solar installation requires DISCOM approval before commissioning. The process varies by state but follows a general sequence:
- Application (with documents: load sanction letter, site plan, SLD, equipment certifications)
- DISCOM feasibility check (transformer capacity review)
- Technical sanction
- Installation by installer
- DISCOM inspection
- Net meter installation by DISCOM (at applicant’s cost)
- Net metering activation
Typical timeline: 30–90 days depending on state and DISCOM.
Solar proposals that include pre-formatted DISCOM documentation — single-line diagrams, equipment spec summaries — help clients understand the process and reduce back-and-forth during applications.
State Variation
India’s 28 states and 8 union territories each implement the national framework differently. Ten states account for most of India’s rooftop solar installations. Each has its own SERC, DISCOMs, net metering rules, and state-level subsidy schemes.
The guides below cover each major state in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What approvals does a rooftop solar installer need in India?
A rooftop solar installer needs DISCOM approval for grid connection, ALMM-compliant components for subsidised projects, BIS-certified inverters and panels, and a net metering agreement. For PM Surya Ghar projects, the vendor must be registered on the national portal at pmsuryaghar.gov.in.
Which regulator oversees solar policy in India?
MNRE sets national solar policy. CERC issues model net metering regulations. State SERCs implement state-level net metering orders. CEA sets technical connectivity standards. BIS certifies solar products.
Is net metering available across all states in India?
Net metering is available in all major states, but limits, export rates, and settlement periods vary by state. Most states allow residential net metering up to the sanctioned load. Export rates are typically the APPC, ranging from roughly Rs. 3 to Rs. 5 per unit nationally.
What is the PM Surya Ghar subsidy amount?
PM Surya Ghar provides central financial assistance capping at Rs. 78,000 for a 3 kW residential system. No central subsidy applies above 3 kW for residential installations, though states may offer additional top-up subsidies.
What is the ALMM list?
The ALMM is MNRE’s registry of approved solar modules (List I) and inverters (List II) for subsidised projects. Using non-ALMM components in a PM Surya Ghar installation disqualifies the project from central financial assistance.
