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MNRE notifies revised quality control order for solar photovoltaic products

The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued the Solar Systems, Devices, and Components Goods Order, 2025, revising and replacing the previous Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices, and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017. The new order has been officially notified in the Gazette of India on January 27, 2025, under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016, and will take effect 180 days from its publication date. The order applies to Solar PV modules, inverters, and storage batteries used in solar photovoltaic applications.

The Quality Control Order (QCO, 2025) has been developed through extensive consultations over 24 months with key stakeholders, including solar PV module manufacturers, inverter manufacturers, storage battery manufacturers, testing laboratories, the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This revision is in line with the Indian governmentโ€™s commitment to ensuring high-quality and efficient solar photovoltaic (PV) products, thereby promoting sustainable energy development. The updated order aims to enhance product reliability, safety, and efficiency while supporting Indiaโ€™s ambitious renewable energy goals.

Under the mandatory standards, all solar PV modules, inverters, and storage batteries must comply with the latest Indian Standards (as notified by BIS) and carry the Standard Mark under a valid BIS license. Additionally, minimum efficiency criteria at standard test conditions have been introduced: 18% efficiency for Mono Crystalline Silicon and Thin-Film PV Modules, and 17% efficiency for Poly Crystalline Silicon PV Modules.

The revised order applies to manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, sellers, and lessors of solar PV systems and components. However, products meant exclusively for export are exempted from this regulation.

For certification and enforcement, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will oversee the licensing process and implementation of the order. Additionally, market surveillance will be conducted either by BIS or by an agency notified by BIS in consultation with MNRE.

The order also ensures concurrent operation, allowing existing licenses under QCO, 2017, to remain valid. However, renewals and new registrations will now be governed by QCO, 2025.

In terms of penalties for non-compliance, violations of the order will attract strict penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This step is expected to ensure strict adherence to the quality norms set for solar PV products.

The revised quality control framework prioritises public interest, ensuring the availability of safe, high-performance solar products in Indiaโ€™s rapidly growing renewable energy market. Furthermore, the QCO, 2025, places a strong emphasis on innovation and efficiency, introducing detailed testing and performance requirements for crystalline silicon and thin-film photovoltaic modules. It also outlines stringent safety measures for inverters and storage batteries, aligning with global quality benchmarks.

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