The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a clarification on the Quality Control Order (QCO) for solar storage batteries under the Solar Systems, Devices, and Components Goods Order, 2025. This clarification, released by Hiren Chandra Borah, Scientist E, on October 21, 2025, explains that item number 3 of the order, which covers “Storage Batteries,” applies to all types of secondary cells and batteries used in solar photovoltaic off-grid applications. The definition follows the scope given in the Indian Standard IS 16270:2023. The clarification has been shared with all stakeholders and uploaded to the MNRE website from the Atal Akshaya Urja Bhawan in New Delhi.
Earlier in January 2025, MNRE had notified the revised Solar Systems, Devices, and Components Goods Order, 2025, through a Gazette Notification dated January 27, 2025. This new order replaces the earlier 2017 Quality Control Order under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016. The QCO 2025 will come into effect 180 days after publication and covers solar photovoltaic modules, inverters, and storage batteries used in solar PV applications.
The revised QCO was prepared after extensive consultations held over 24 months with various stakeholders, including manufacturers of solar PV modules, inverters, and batteries, as well as testing laboratories, the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Comments were also invited from World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries through the WTO-TBT (Technical Barriers to Trade) website for 60 days before the final notification.
The main goal of the revised Quality Control Order is to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of solar products in India. It aligns with the government’s mission to promote reliable and high-performance renewable energy technologies, supporting India’s renewable energy targets. Under this order, solar PV modules, inverters, and storage batteries must follow the latest Indian Standards and carry the Standard Mark from BIS. The minimum efficiency levels for solar PV modules are set at 18% for monocrystalline silicon and thin-film modules, and 17% for polycrystalline silicon modules. The order applies to manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, and sellers, while products meant only for export are exempted. The BIS will handle the licensing and enforcement process, with market surveillance done in coordination with MNRE. Existing licenses under the earlier 2017 order will remain valid. Any violations of this order will invite penalties as per the BIS Act, 2016, ensuring better quality and performance of solar products in India’s renewable energy market.
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