MNRE allows old off-grid PV systems to be grid-connected

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Credit: WBSCD

India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a notice allowing old off-grid solar plants to be connected to the grid, after receiving requests from state nodal and implementing agencies under the decentralised PV programme.

In cases where an off-grid solar plant was installed at a location where grid supply became available at a later date with net metering capabilities, the off-grid PV plant can now be connected to the grid. MNRE stated that this will lead to “optimal utilisation of assets”.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

Conversions like this will, however, be subject to applicable regulatory provisions and the cost of the conversions will be borne by state governments.

As of April 2018, every village in India had some form of access to electricity whether it be through an on or off-grid solution, according to prime minister Narendra Modi, however, there are still millions of households across India, both urban and rural, without access to electricity.

Last year, India approved implementation of Phase-Ill of its ‘Off-grid and Decentralised Solar PV Application Programme’, which targeted an additional 118MW off-grid solar PV capacity by 2020.

Read Next

July 22, 2025
Spanish independent power producer (IPP) Zelestra  has begun commercial operations at its 435MWdc Gorbea solar project in the state of Rajasthan, India. 
July 17, 2025
Indian solar manufacturers are among the targets of a new petition filed by US producers alleging illegal trade practices by overseas firms.
July 15, 2025
Indian renewable energy company SAEL Industries is developing a 5GW solar cell and 5GW module manufacturing facility in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
July 11, 2025
Indian independent power producer (IPP) Juniper Green Energy has commissioned an additional 71MWp at Chapalgaon Solar Project in Solapur, Maharashtra.
July 9, 2025
Indian solar water pump and motor manufacturer Shakti Pumps has successfully raised INR2.9 billion (US$34.1 million) to build a solar cell and module manufacturing plant.
July 8, 2025
German solar glass manufacturer Glasmanufaktur Brandenburg (GMB) has filed for insolvency after posting monthly losses of €900,000 this year.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 22, 2025
Bilbao, Spain
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK