MNRE Mandates 10-Year Product Warranty And 25-Year Performance Guarantee For Solar PV Modules

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has introduced a major policy update to improve the quality and reliability of solar power installations in India. The ministry has now made it mandatory for solar photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturers to provide a 10-year product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty for solar panels used in the country. The move is aimed at protecting consumers, improving investor confidence, and ensuring the long-term success of India’s renewable energy expansion.

According to the new guidelines, the 10-year product warranty will cover manufacturing defects, material failures, and structural issues that may occur during the first decade of the panel’s operation. If any solar module develops problems because of faulty workmanship or poor-quality components, the manufacturer will be responsible for repairing or replacing the product. This requirement is expected to reduce the circulation of low-quality solar modules in the market and improve overall product standards.

In addition, the ministry has made a 25-year performance warranty compulsory for solar panels. Solar modules generally lose efficiency over time due to natural degradation. Under the new rule, manufacturers must guarantee that the panels will continue to generate a minimum performance level throughout the warranty period. Typically, the modules are expected to maintain at least 80% of their rated power output even after 25 years of operation.

The new warranty standards will apply to all solar modules listed under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). The ALMM is a government-approved registry of solar products eligible for use in government-supported solar schemes and projects. By introducing uniform warranty requirements, the government aims to create consistency across the solar sector, as warranty conditions previously varied between suppliers and created uncertainty for project developers and rooftop consumers.

Industry experts believe the decision will support India’s long-term renewable energy targets by improving trust in solar infrastructure. Financial institutions and investors are more likely to support projects that use reliable equipment backed by long-term guarantees. The policy is also expected to encourage manufacturers to strengthen their production quality and adopt better technologies to meet the new standards.

For consumers, the move provides greater assurance regarding the durability and performance of their solar systems. Whether for utility-scale solar parks or residential rooftop projects, users will now benefit from stronger protection and long-term reliability. The MNRE’s latest step reflects the government’s focus on building a sustainable and dependable solar ecosystem while supporting the continued growth of India’s renewable energy sector.