India is evaluating a proposal to launch a nationwide National Solar DC Wiring Standard 2026 to address rising concerns about rooftop solar fire safety. Sources told SolSetu that MNRE, BIS, and state DISCOMs are currently reviewing incident data from the past three years to create a unified DC safety rulebook.

The standard would ensure that every rooftop solar installation in India follows consistent wiring, conduit, and connector safety practices — reducing the risk of arc faults and overheating.

Why a DC Wiring Standard Is Needed

Safety audits reveal that over 70% of rooftop fire-related complaints are linked to:

• Poor-quality DC wiring
• Improper MC4 connector crimping
• Loose terminal connections
• Unprotected cable runs exposed to weather
• Lack of proper conduit and routing

Experts say a national standard will significantly reduce these risks.

What the New Standard May Include

Draft discussions suggest the regulation may mandate:

• Minimum cable thickness based on array size
• Compulsory UV-resistant conduits for all DC lines
• Approved MC4 connectors (UL/TUV certified)
• Mandatory heat-shrink insulation for terminations
• Standardized rooftop cable routing patterns
• DC isolator installation near array & inverter
• Digital safety certificate after installation

The rules may also apply to hybrid and on-grid rooftop systems.

Expected Benefits for Consumers

A uniform wiring standard will:

• Reduce rooftop safety incidents
• Increase inverter lifespan
• Improve system efficiency
• Help installers follow best practices
• Boost consumer confidence in rooftop solar

Possible Rollout Timeline

The National DC Wiring Standard may be announced in early 2026 and implemented in phases across major states before nationwide adoption.

SolSetu will publish updates as MNRE finalizes the standard structure.