The Government of India is preparing a new national framework called the Solar Monitoring Device Standard (SMDS-2026) to unify the accuracy, format, and data protocols used by rooftop solar monitoring devices and mobile apps. Officials involved in the drafting process told SolSetu that the new standard aims to eliminate the inconsistencies that consumers currently experience across different inverter brands and monitoring platforms.

With more than 60% of new rooftop systems using app-based generation tracking, a unified national protocol has become essential.

Why This Standard Is Urgently Needed

Today, homeowners face several issues:

• Inaccurate generation readings in some apps
• Different calculation methods across inverter brands
• Missing real-time data from budget monitoring devices
• Mismatches between app generation and DISCOM meter readings
• Confusing dashboards with inconsistent terminology

As one official stated, “Solar monitoring accuracy should not depend on the brand of inverter you buy.”

What the SMDS-2026 May Include

The standard is expected to cover:

• Unified energy generation calculation method
• Minimum accuracy requirement for monitoring hardware
• Standardized real-time data refresh intervals
• Common terminology for dashboards (e.g., ‘Daily Generation’)
• Mandatory error reporting and notification system
• Cloud security protocols for user data protection
• Integration support for state DISCOM monitoring portals

The government may also introduce a “Monitoring Device Compliance Seal” for SMDS-approved hardware.

Benefits for Consumers

The national standard will help users:

• Get more accurate generation data on mobile apps
• Compare results across brands more easily
• Track the real performance of their rooftop system
• Ensure installations meet digital compliance standards
• Receive notifications for faults, underperformance, or shading issues

Installers will also benefit from reduced disputes caused by mismatched readings.

Rollout Expected in Mid-2026

SMDS-2026 may launch first in:

• Maharashtra
• Gujarat
• Karnataka
• Tamil Nadu
• Delhi NCR

Nationwide adoption may follow soon after inverter OEMs integrate the standard.

SolSetu will continue reporting updates as the digital standard enters final review.