Hybrid Meeting on ” Second Call for Proposals for R&D projects” under the R&D Scheme – EQ

Summary:

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## **Guidelines for Series Approval of Solar PV Modules – Testing in BIS-Recognized Labs**

**Issued by:** Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) – Standards & Quality Control Division
**File No.:** 313-12/5/2025-S AND QC
**Date of Issue:** 13 August 2025

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### **Objective**

To provide **standardized procedures** for test laboratories and manufacturers in **forming product families** and conducting performance testing of **Solar PV (SPV) modules** for compulsory registration with BIS, as per the **Solar Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Quality Control) Order, 2025**.

The guidelines define how series approval will be granted for modules of **crystalline, thin-film, and bifacial types**, including rules for changes in design, materials, and manufacturing processes.

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### **Scope & Applicability**

* Applies to **SPV modules** under BIS registration as per QCO 2025.
* **Exemption:** Modules of **0.2–20 W** for solar luminary applications:

* Up to **5 W** (solar lanterns) → Tested as per IS 16476 (Part I).
* **5–20 W** → New standard to be developed by BIS; excluded until notification.

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### **Definition – Product Family**

A **product family** is defined by the maximum configuration of components/sub-assemblies and how models are constructed from them. Modules in the family must share **common design, construction, and essential parts** to ensure conformity.

**Testing Protocol:**

* Minimum of **2 modules each** from lower, median, and higher power classes to be tested.
* If median power class doesn’t exist, next higher is used.
* Test cost applies only to these samples; test reports will cover the full family.
* Label of each series model must be included in the report.
* BOM changes require **retesting** as per guidelines.

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### **Minimum Efficiency Criteria**

* Lowest, highest, and median sample must meet **minimum efficiency** requirements as per QCO 2025.
* Efficiency calculation method as defined in QCO.

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### **Marking Requirements**

All modules must have **clear, indelible markings laminated inside the glass** (except thin-film, where alternate placement is allowed) showing:

1. Manufacturer name/trademark
2. Model number
3. Unique serial number
4. Nominal wattage & tolerance (±3% acceptable)
5. Year & country of origin
6. Module efficiency at STC
7. Brand name (if applicable)

Additional markings as per IS 14286 (Part 1):2023 and IS/IEC 61730-1 clause 6.2.2.

* Pmax to be printed on back label.
* Test labs must reject modules lacking complete markings.

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### **Retesting Guidelines**

* Any change in BOM or process modifications requires retesting under IS/IEC 62915:2023.

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### **Transitional Provisions**

* Manufacturers who submitted samples before these guidelines (under QCO 2025, IS/IEC 61730-1:2016 & 61730-2:2016) will be licensed upon receiving test reports, provided proof of sample submission is furnished.
* Renewals or inclusions post-guidelines will follow **latest applicable standards**.

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### **Standards & Test Sequences**

* Latest versions of relevant **Indian Standards** (and amendments) notified by BIS apply from notification date.
* Labs may follow:

* Separate test sequences for IS 14286 & IS/IEC 61730
* Combined test flow (IS/IEC 61730 + IS 14286 / IEC 61215) per IS/IEC TS 62915.
* Separate test reports required for IS/IEC 61730 and IS 14286 / IEC 61215.

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