India is reviewing a proposal to introduce dedicated Rooftop Solar Cybersecurity Guidelines 2026 after multiple reports suggested attempted digital intrusions targeting Wi-Fi and IoT-enabled smart inverters. According to sources who spoke with SolSetu, MNRE and CERT-In are collaborating to draft new cybersecurity rules aimed at protecting residential solar systems from unauthorized access.

With most new rooftop solar systems using smart monitoring apps, cloud portals, and remote-controlled inverters, cyber risks are becoming a growing national concern.

Why Cybersecurity Guidelines Are Necessary

Industry observers note that several vulnerabilities have been identified in recent years:

• Weak default inverter Wi-Fi passwords
• Unsecured cloud communication channels
• Unpatched firmware with known exploits
• Insecure app APIs exposing user data
• Remote shutdown risks through unauthorized access

A senior official said, “As rooftop solar becomes smarter, it must also become safer. Digital safety is now as important as electrical safety.”

What the 2026 Cybersecurity Guidelines May Include

Draft proposals indicate the guidelines may mandate:

• Encrypted inverter-to-cloud communication
• Mandatory strong password setup during installation
• Annual firmware security patches
• Secure onboarding for mobile monitoring apps
• Two-factor authentication for remote inverter access
• DISCOM alerts for suspicious inverter activity
• Cyber audit trails for installers and OEMs

Installers may have to certify cybersecurity compliance before commissioning the system.

Benefits for Consumers

The cybersecurity rules could help homeowners:

• Protect solar system controls from unauthorized access
• Secure personal generation and usage data
• Avoid remote shutdown risks
• Prevent tampering with inverter settings

It may also reduce risks related to connected smart-home devices.

Expected Rollout and Pilot States

Pilot testing of cybersecurity audits may begin in 2026 in:

• Maharashtra
• Gujarat
• Tamil Nadu
• Karnataka
• Haryana

Nationwide rollout may follow before the end of 2026.

SolSetu will continue tracking this development as cybersecurity becomes a growing pillar of India’s clean-energy transition.