The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has urged all State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) and Joint Electricity Regulatory Commissions (JERCs) to implement Machine-to-Machine (M2M) SIM-based Remote Monitoring Systems (RMS) for recording solar generation from rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG-MBY).
The directive follows a recent amendment by the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC), which now recognizes real-time measurement and transmission of generation data through inverter communication devices, dongles, or data loggers equipped with M2M SIM communication protocol as a valid alternative to physical solar meters.
“By enabling real-time monitoring of rooftop solar output through digital communication systems, this approach eliminates the need for additional solar meters, reducing installation costs for consumers and simplifying system deployment,” said an MNRE spokesperson.
The OERC amendment, dated November 27, 2025, also allows the use of hybrid inverters for rooftop solar connections and introduces provisions for M2M SIM-based RMS. The order added that, “Inverter communication devices/dongles/data loggers having Machine-to-Machine (M2M) SIM communication protocol can also be relied upon for real-time measurement and transmission of generation data in lieu of a generation meter.”
MNRE highlighted the importance of adopting M2M SIM-based protocols not only from a cybersecurity perspective, but also for maintaining grid stability and security.
“This will also enable smoother integration of peer-to-peer power trading and electric vehicle-to-grid (EV-to-grid) mechanisms in the future,” the ministry added.
The move aligns state-level net metering regulations with MNRE’s earlier directive, issued on July 21, 2025, mandating M2M SIM-based monitoring for systems installed under the PMSG-MBY scheme. The ministry had requested that all inverter communication devices under the scheme be equipped with M2M SIM-based RMS for reliable data transmission, with connection to central servers managed by MNRE or a designated government agency.
MNRE also noted that a vendor-neutral, open communication protocol for rooftop solar monitoring is being finalized, with a national portal planned for integration testing of inverter communication devices from September 1, 2025.
“The hon’ble OERC’s amendment reflects the Commission’s proactive efforts to align its net metering regulations with technological advancements and MNRE guidelines, especially under the PMSG-MBY,” said the MNRE spokesperson.
This initiative is expected to support the scalable deployment of rooftop solar systems across India, while ensuring real-time monitoring, efficient grid management, and enhanced energy security.
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