SolarSavings
Navigating the Indian solar market requires understanding a highly specific set of acronyms and regulatory terms. This glossary provides simple, accurate definitions.
ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers)
A list maintained by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) of verified solar panel models and their manufacturers. Panels used in subsidized projects must be ALMM-compliant to ensure quality and reliability.
CFA (Central Financial Assistance)
The official term for the central government subsidy provided to residential solar consumers. Under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, this is currently capped at ₹78,000 for systems 3kW and above.
DCR (Domestic Content Requirement)
A mandate requiring that solar panels are manufactured in India using Indian-made solar cells. Compliance is strictly required to claim the PM Surya Ghar CFA.
Net Metering
A bidirectional billing mechanism. Excess solar power exported to the grid is subtracted 1:1 from the power imported from the grid at night. You are billed only for the net difference.
Net Billing (Gross Metering)
A billing mechanism where exported solar power is credited at a fixed, lower rate (Feed-in Tariff), while imported power is billed at standard high retail rates. In many states, this applies to systems over 10kW.
CEIG (Chief Electrical Inspector to Government)
A state-level regulatory body that must inspect and approve the safety of larger electrical installations (typically above 10kW) before they can be synchronized with the grid.