With the aim of boosting product reliability, safety, and efficiency the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced new quality control norms for solar photovoltaic (PV) products. The new Solar Systems, Devices, and Components Goods Order, 2025, replaces the 2017 version and introduces stricter standards for solar PV modules, inverters, and storage batteries.
Published in the Gazette on January 27, 2025, the order will take effect 180 days from publication.
The revised order follows extensive consultations with stakeholders, including manufacturers, testing laboratories, the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), over a two-year period. Comments from World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries were also considered.
Key Highlights of the New Quality Control Order:
Mandatory Standards: Solar PV modules, inverters, and storage batteries must adhere to the latest Indian Standards (as notified by BIS) and carry the Standard Mark under a BIS license.
Minimum Efficiency Criteria: The order introduces minimum efficiency requirements for solar PV modules at Standard Test Conditions: i) 18% for Mono Crystalline Silicon and Thin-Film PV Modules ii) 17% for Poly Crystalline Silicon PV Modules
Applicability: The order applies to manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, sellers, and lessors of solar PV systems and components. Products intended solely for export are exempt.
Certification and Enforcement: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will be responsible for granting licenses and enforcing the order. Market surveillance will be conducted by BIS or an agency designated by BIS in consultation with MNRE.
Concurrent Operation: Existing licenses under the 2017 order remain valid. Renewals and new registrations will fall under the 2025 order.
Penalty for Non-Compliance: Violations of the order will be subject to penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
Focus on Innovation and Efficiency: The revised order includes detailed testing and efficiency requirements for solar PV technologies, including crystalline silicon and thin-film modules. It also specifies rigorous safety measures for inverters and storage batteries.
Promoting Public Interest: The updated standards aim to ensure the availability of safe, high-performance solar products in India’s growing renewable energy market.
The revised QCO, 2025 introduces detailed testing and efficiency requirements for solar PV technologies, including crystalline silicon and thin-film photovoltaic modules. It also specifies rigorous safety measures for inverters and storage batteries to meet global standards.
