Industry Leaders Convene to Enhance Solar DC Cable Standards and Safety in Solar PV Systems

In a collaborative effort to address challenges related to the adoption of the Solar DC Cable Standard, the International Copper Association India (ICA India) and the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) organized a roundtable discussion in New Delhi. The focus was on the Quality Control Order (QCO) mandates for Solar DC Cables, emphasizing the importance of adherence to standards throughout the planning, design, and installation phases of Solar PV systems.

Industry stakeholders, including manufacturers, installers, and regulatory bodies, participated in the roundtable, fostering collective advocacy and action. The discussions aimed to identify challenges experienced in the adoption of the mandatory Solar DC Cable Standard and proposed viable solutions. The ultimate goal is to present these recommendations to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

Key government representatives, including Dr. Ashish Kumar from DPIIT and Shri Ashok Kumar Rajput from the Central Electricity Authority of India (CEA), highlighted the significance of quality control to ensure safety in solar PV systems. The roundtable emphasized the urgent need to maintain quality, particularly in products crucial for safety.

Solar DC Cables play a vital role in transmitting direct current generated by photovoltaic panels, and the roundtable addressed the risks associated with the use of non-standard cables. It underscored the potential safety hazards, adverse effects on system performance, and costly maintenance arising from the use of substandard materials. By enhancing awareness and advocating for standard-compliant Solar DC Cables, the industry aims to contribute to a safer, more reliable, and sustainable future for solar energy in India.