What Solar Installers Need to Know About New Regulations and Standards for Solar Energy Systems in India
As India accelerates its clean energy mission, especially with schemes like the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the solar landscape is evolving rapidly. Along with growth comes responsibility — and for solar installers, that means keeping pace with new rules, technical standards, and safety norms that govern how systems are designed, installed, and maintained.
Whether you’re a seasoned EPC or an independent installer, here’s what you must know to stay compliant, credible, and competitive.
Why Regulations Are Tightening — And Why It Matters
India is aiming for 280 GW of solar capacity by 2030, and with government subsidies, net metering, and residential rooftop schemes taking off, authorities want to ensure:
- Grid safety
- Consumer protection
- Long-term system performance
That’s why MNRE, BIS, CEA, and state DISCOMs are all tightening the screws on installation standards, equipment certifications, and operational compliance.
Failing to meet these standards can result in:
- Rejection of subsidy claims
- Net metering approvals getting delayed or denied
- Poor customer satisfaction and legal risks
BIS Certification Is Now Non-Negotiable
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) compliance is now mandatory for key solar components. Here’s what you need to ensure:
Component | Standard Code | Requirement |
Solar PV Modules | IS/IEC 61215 & 61730 | Structural integrity & safety |
Solar Inverters | IS 16221 & IS 16169 | Conversion efficiency & protections |
ACDB / DCDB | IS 16270 | Distribution safety |
Earthing Systems | IS 3043 | Protection against faults |
If you’re installing Feston’s BIS-compliant products, you’re already aligned with the required national standards.
ALMM Listing Is Mandatory for Subsidies
The Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) maintained by MNRE now applies to:
- Grid-connected rooftop systems (especially under government schemes)
- Systems applying for net metering
Always cross-check that:
- The PV modules used are ALMM-listed
- Inverters are from a certified OEM that is updated on CEA and DISCOM norms
Feston’s inverters and systems are manufactured with these evolving requirements in mind.
Net Metering Protocols Are State-Specific — But Getting Stricter Everywhere
While net metering guidelines vary by state, some common requirements have emerged:
- Inverters must support anti-islanding protection
- Remote monitoring capabilities are becoming necessary in several states
- Single-line diagrams (SLDs), compliance declarations, and commissioning reports are now standard part of the process
In states like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Delhi, delays in net metering often trace back to documentation gaps or non-standard installations.
Electrical Safety: From Optional to Essential
Safety is no longer negotiable. DISCOMs now evaluate:
- Whether surge protection devices (SPDs) are used
- If DC isolators are placed properly
- Earthing quality and resistance levels
- Labeling of system components for clarity and audits
Feston’s ACDB/DCDB boxes are designed with safety, clarity, and long-term use in mind — complete with proper labelling, fuses, MCBs, SPDs, and weather-resistant enclosures.
Training & Empanelment for PM Surya Ghar Yojana Installers
To be eligible for the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, installers must:
- Register on the National Portal
- Use only ALMM and BIS-certified components
- Submit installation photos, test reports, and GPS-based site proof
- Be empanelled with state DISCOMs (as required by states like Rajasthan, MP, and Kerala)
Installers trained under NISE or Suryamitra programs are being given preference for larger deployments.
How Feston Is Helping Installers Stay Ahead
Feston isn’t just a product supplier — we’re partners in your compliance journey. Here’s how we help:
- Inverters with 98.5% efficiency, certified under IS 16169 and IS 16221
- ACDB/DCDB boxes designed per IS 16270
- 10-year warranty and performance documentation for subsidy paperwork
- FestonCare App for monitoring, service, and commissioning records
- Proactive technical documentation and customer support
- Ready for future compatibility with hybrid and storage systems
Conclusion: Stay Ready, Stay Compliant
The solar industry is no longer a wild west — it’s a regulated ecosystem. Installers who align with updated regulations will not only avoid compliance issues but also build stronger customer trust and long-term project success.
To stay informed. Choose the right components. And partner with brands like FESTON that make compliance easier — from hardware to handover.
𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗔𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗢𝗻 – 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄!
📲 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲:
📢 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘂𝘀: https://lnkd.in/gmD3hb5G
📧 𝗘𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹: sales@festonsev.com
📞 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘂𝘀: +91 8925827701
📱 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽: https://bit.ly/4fGQn3f