You will hear two terms when you buy solar panels: DCR and non-DCR. Both types are assembled in India and must be on MNRE’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). The difference is the solar cells inside.
| DCR | Non-DCR | |
|---|---|---|
| Solar cells | Made in India | Imported |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| PM Surya Ghar home subsidy | Required | Not eligible |
| Business rooftops on net metering | Allowed | Allowed if commissioned by 31 Dec 2026 |
For homes
If you want the PM Surya Ghar subsidy, your panels must be DCR. A non-DCR system will not get the subsidy, so the lower panel price does not make up for it.
For businesses
Businesses do not get the PM Surya Ghar subsidy, so either type can be used. Non-DCR panels cost less, but from 1 January 2027 net-metering projects must use panels with ALMM-listed cells. See our article on the 31 December deadline.
Brands we install
Adani Solar, Waaree, Premier Energies, Vikram Solar and Tata Power Solar. Your quote names the exact model.
