On January 27, 2025, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) issued a significant update for the solar energy sector in India—the “Solar Systems, Devices, and Components Goods Order, 2025”. This new order, which will come into effect 180 days after its publication, replaces the previous Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices, and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points and implications for stakeholders in the solar industry:
1. New Standard Mark Requirements
The primary objective of this order is to ensure that solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, devices, and components adhere to established Indian standards for quality and safety. The products listed in the order must conform to the relevant Indian Standards (IS) and bear the "Standard Mark" under a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as per the Bureau’s Conformity Assessment Scheme.
2. Efficiency Criteria for Solar PV Modules
One of the major updates in the 2025 Order is the introduction of efficiency criteria for solar modules, which directly impacts manufacturers. The following efficiency benchmarks are now set:
- Mono Crystalline Silicon Terrestrial PV Modules: Efficiency of 18% at Standard Test Conditions (STC).
- Poly Crystalline Silicon Terrestrial PV Modules: Efficiency of 17% at STC.
- Thin-Film PV Modules: Efficiency at STC to be specified based on technology (e.g., CdTe, a-Si, Cu(In, Ga)(S, Se)2).
This will encourage more advanced and efficient solar module manufacturing while ensuring quality across the market.
3. Certification and Enforcement
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will serve as the certifying and enforcing authority for the goods covered under this order. This includes monitoring market surveillance to ensure that only certified products are available for sale in the market.
4. Renewal of Existing Licenses
Manufacturers with existing products licensed under the 2017 Solar PV Registration Order need not worry about immediate impact. These existing licenses remain valid. However, for renewals or new registrations after the validity period, manufacturers will need to comply with the new efficiency criteria and registration process as outlined in the 2025 Order.
5. Penalties for Non-Compliance
Manufacturers, distributors, and sellers must ensure their products comply with the requirements of this new order. Non-compliance with any of the provisions, including the efficiency standards, will attract penalties as per the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
6. Specific Goods and Standards
The Order outlines several goods and their corresponding Indian Standards (IS) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. Key categories include:
- Crystalline Silicon Terrestrial PV Modules: Si wafer-based technology.
- Thin-Film Terrestrial PV Modules: Includes CdTe, a-Si, and Cu(In, Ga)(S, Se)2 technologies.
- Storage Batteries: Designed for solar applications.
- Power Inverters: Used in PV systems, including both standalone and utility-interconnected inverters.
7. Effective Date and Transition
The 2025 Order will come into force 180 days after its publication. This gives stakeholders in the solar industry sufficient time to ensure compliance with the new regulations, including obtaining the necessary certifications from BIS.
Conclusion
This new order aims to streamline the solar energy landscape in India by enforcing higher standards of quality, efficiency, and safety for solar components. As the solar industry continues to grow rapidly, these updates will help ensure that the products entering the market are not only more efficient but also comply with global safety standards.
We encourage all manufacturers, importers, and distributors in the solar industry to familiarize themselves with the details of the Solar Systems, Devices, and Components Goods Order, 2025 to stay ahead of the curve and ensure their products meet the new requirements.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the full notification in the Official Gazette.
