Industry Update – MNRE notifies Revised Quality Control Order for Solar Photovoltaic Products

MNRE notifies Revised Quality Control Order for Solar Photovoltaic Products

The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has officially notified the Solar Systems, Devices, and Components Goods Order, 2025, which supersedes the previous Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices, and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017.

This revised order was published in the Gazette of India on January 27, 2025, and will take effect 180 days from this date.

It encompasses regulations for Solar PV modules, inverters used in Solar PV applications, and storage batteries.

Key Highlights of the Order:

1. Mandatory Standards:
   • All solar PV modules, inverters, and storage batteries must comply with the latest Indian Standards as specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and must carry the Standard Mark under a BIS license.
   • Minimum efficiency standards have been established:
     • 18% for Mono Crystalline Silicon and Thin-Film PV Modules.
     • 17% for Poly Crystalline Silicon PV Modules.
2. 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 from these regulations.
3. Certification and Enforcement:
   • The BIS will be responsible for granting licenses and enforcing compliance with the order. Market surveillance will be conducted by BIS or an agency designated by BIS in collaboration with MNRE.
4. Concurrent Operation:
   • Existing licenses under the 2017 order will remain valid; however, renewals and new registrations will be governed by the 2025 order.
5. Penalties for Non-Compliance:
   • Violations of this order will result in penalties as outlined in the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
6. Promoting Public Interest:
   • The updated standards aim to ensure that safe and high-performance solar products are available in India’s expanding renewable energy market.

The revised Quality Control Order reflects MNRE’s commitment to advancing high-quality solar photovoltaic products that align with India’s renewable energy goals.

This initiative is expected to enhance product reliability and safety while supporting innovation within the sector.

For further details, please visit MNRE website – http://www.mnre.gov.in/

Source: https://mnre.gov.in/en/notice/notification-for-solar-systems-devices-and-components-goods-order-2025/