MNRE Issues New BIS Testing Guidelines For SPV Module Series Approval Under Quality Control Order 2025

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has issued detailed guidelines for the series approval of Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) modules to standardize testing in accredited laboratories for compliance under the Solar Systems, Devices and Components Goods Order, 2025. These guidelines aim to assist manufacturers and labs in forming product families for performance testing, including changes in design or materials, for compulsory registration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). SPV modules ranging from 0.2 to 20 watts, used in solar luminaries, are currently excluded from the series guidelines until a suitable BIS standard is introduced for the 5–20W category.

A product family is defined by its maximum configuration of components or sub-assemblies, with common design, construction, and essential parts to ensure conformity with applicable standards. From the range of models under registration, at least two modules each from the lower, median, and higher power classes must be tested to represent the entire family. Testing costs will only apply to these selected modules, but reports will cover all wattages in the family, provided product labels are included in the report. Any change in the Bill of Materials (BOM) will require retesting, with applicable charges.

If a median power class is unavailable, the next higher class will be tested. In cases where a single power class qualification is extended to additional power bins as per IEC TS 62915, modules from the relevant ends of the range will be tested for label verification. All referenced Indian Standards in the Quality Control Order include detailed scope, references, test procedures, criteria, and documentation requirements for labs.

For licensing, the lowest, highest, and median samples of the family must meet the minimum efficiency criteria defined in the Quality Control Order. All modules must display clear, indelible markings laminated inside the glass, including manufacturer name or trademark, model number, unique serial number, nominal wattage with tolerance, year and country of origin, efficiency at standard test conditions, and brand name if applicable. Tolerance up to ±3% is acceptable. Additional details as per IS 14286 and IS/IEC 61730-1 must be provided, and actual power output (Pmax) should be labeled on the back. For thin film modules, information need not be inside the glass but must follow marking standards elsewhere.

Labs must not accept modules lacking the required details, and testing must follow the prescribed sequence and pass criteria. Any change in BOM or manufacturing process requires retesting as per IS/IEC 62915:2023. Manufacturers who submitted samples under the January 27, 2025, Quality Control Order, in compliance with IS/IEC 61730-1:2016 and IS/IEC 61730-2:2016 before the issuance of these guidelines, will receive licenses after submitting test reports to BIS, provided proof of earlier submission is given. However, any renewal or addition to the license after these guidelines will follow the latest applicable standards.

The latest versions of Indian Standards, along with amendments notified by BIS, will apply from their notification date. Laboratories may use separate test sequences for IS 14286 and IS/IEC 61730 or a combined flow as per IS/IEC TS 62915, but separate reports must be issued for each standard.