MNRE Solar Guidelines 2026: Technical Standards & Empanelment Rules

The Short Answer

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) sets the technical standards that all subsidised rooftop solar installations in India must follow. Key requirements: BIS-certified panels (IS 14286), BIS-certified inverters (IS 16169), installation by an MNRE-empanelled vendor, and compliance with safety standards for earthing, wiring, and protection systems. Non-compliance means subsidy rejection.

What Is MNRE and Why Do Its Guidelines Matter?

MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy) is the central government ministry responsible for India's renewable energy policy. For rooftop solar, MNRE:

  • Designs and funds subsidy schemes (PM Surya Ghar, KUSUM)
  • Sets technical standards for subsidised installations
  • Manages vendor empanelment for the PM Surya Ghar portal
  • Coordinates with DISCOMs for scheme implementation
  • Monitors installation quality and consumer grievances

MNRE guidelines are non-negotiable for PM Surya Ghar subsidy. Even a technically sound installation with non-BIS equipment will be denied subsidy. These standards exist to protect consumers from substandard equipment that fails prematurely.

BIS Certification Requirements for Solar Panels

Solar panels used in subsidised installations must carry Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification:

StandardCoversWhat It Ensures
IS 14286 (Part 1)Crystalline silicon PV modulesDesign qualification and type approval
IS 14286 (Part 2)Thin-film PV modulesDesign qualification for thin-film technology
IS 61730PV module safetyElectrical and mechanical safety certification

How to verify: Every BIS-certified panel has a BIS mark (ISI mark) on the module label along with the license number. Your installer should provide the BIS certificate for the specific panel model being used.

Note: IEC certification (international standard) is not sufficient for Indian subsidy. The panel must have Indian BIS certification specifically.

BIS Certification Requirements for Inverters

Grid-tied inverters must meet these BIS standards:

StandardCoversKey Feature
IS 16169Grid-connected PV invertersGrid synchronisation and anti-islanding safety
IS 16221Grid interaction of PV systemsPower quality and voltage regulation

Anti-islanding is critical — the inverter must automatically disconnect from the grid during a power outage to prevent backfeeding (which could endanger lineworkers). All BIS-certified grid-tied inverters include this safety feature.

Off-grid inverters and hybrid inverters with battery storage have separate standards but are generally not eligible for PM Surya Ghar subsidy (which requires on-grid systems only).

Vendor Empanelment: Who Can Install Subsidised Systems

Only MNRE-empanelled vendors can install systems that qualify for PM Surya Ghar subsidy. Empanelment requirements include:

  • Business registration: Valid company/firm registration (LLP, Pvt Ltd, proprietorship)
  • Technical capability: Demonstrated experience in rooftop solar installation
  • Certified manpower: Trained technicians with MNRE/NSDC-recognised solar installer certification
  • Financial standing: Minimum turnover and net worth requirements
  • Insurance: Public liability insurance covering installation work
  • After-sales commitment: Warranty service infrastructure in the regions they operate

Empanelled vendors are listed on the PM Surya Ghar portal. Solar Vipani only works with empanelled installers — every installer on our platform is verified.

Find empanelled installers in your area →

Installation Quality Standards

MNRE specifies technical requirements for the installation itself:

  • Mounting structure: Hot-dip galvanised iron or anodised aluminium. Must withstand wind loads as per IS 875 for your location
  • Wiring: UV-resistant DC cables (4 sq mm or 6 sq mm depending on system size). AC wiring per Indian Electricity Rules
  • Earthing: Double earthing mandatory — one for the panel frame/mounting structure, one for the inverter. Resistance below 5 ohms
  • Protection devices: DC isolator, AC isolator, surge protection device (SPD), miniature circuit breakers (MCBs)
  • Panel orientation: South-facing at 10–15° tilt angle (optimised for Indian latitudes)
  • Cable routing: Protected conduits, no exposed DC cables. Proper labelling of all connections

DISCOM inspectors check these parameters during the commissioning inspection. Deficiencies delay subsidy processing.

Warranty Requirements

MNRE mandates minimum warranty periods for subsidised installations:

ComponentMinimum WarrantyTypical Market Warranty
Solar panels25-year performance warranty25-year linear (≥80% at year 25)
Inverter5-year product warranty5–10 years (extendable to 15)
Mounting structure5-year warranty10–15 years against corrosion
Workmanship5-year warrantyVaries by installer

Insist on written warranty cards from your installer. In case of equipment failure, you deal with the installer (under workmanship warranty) or the equipment manufacturer (under product warranty).

Compliance Checklist for Homeowners

Before your DISCOM inspection, verify these with your installer:

  • ☐ Panels have BIS mark (IS 14286) visible on module label
  • ☐ Inverter has BIS mark (IS 16169) on the unit
  • ☐ Installer is listed as empanelled vendor on PM Surya Ghar portal
  • ☐ Double earthing installed and tested (resistance < 5 ohms)
  • ☐ DC and AC isolators installed and accessible
  • ☐ Surge protection device installed
  • ☐ All wiring in conduits, properly labelled
  • ☐ System generating power and exporting to grid

Your installer is responsible for compliance, but knowing the checklist protects you.

Questions About Compliance?

Solar Vipani's empanelled installers follow all MNRE guidelines by default. Every installation meets BIS, safety, and quality standards required for subsidy eligibility.

Get quotes from MNRE-compliant installers →

Common questions

What is BIS certification for solar panels?
BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification confirms that solar panels meet Indian quality and safety standards (IS 14286). It is mandatory for PM Surya Ghar subsidy eligibility. The BIS mark is printed on the panel label along with the manufacturer's license number. IEC certification alone is not sufficient.
How do I check if my installer is MNRE-empanelled?
Log in to the PM Surya Ghar national portal and navigate to the vendor selection section. All empanelled vendors for your area are listed there. You can search by state and district. If a vendor is not listed, they cannot process your subsidy application.
What happens if non-BIS equipment is used in my installation?
Your subsidy application will be rejected during the DISCOM inspection. The inspector verifies BIS marks on panels and inverters. If non-certified equipment is found, you will need to replace it with BIS-certified components and schedule a re-inspection, adding weeks to the process.
Are Chinese solar panels BIS-certified?
Some Chinese manufacturers have obtained BIS certification for specific models. BIS certification is granted per product model, not per manufacturer. Verify the specific panel model's BIS certification — your installer should provide the certificate. Many Indian brands (Tata, Adani, Waaree) also use cells sourced from various countries.
What safety standards are required for rooftop solar installation?
MNRE requires: double earthing (frame + inverter), DC and AC isolators, surge protection, UV-resistant wiring in conduits, anti-islanding protection in the inverter, and mounting structures rated for local wind loads. The DISCOM inspects all these during commissioning.

Ready to go solar? Find verified solar installers across India

Get free solar quotes in India