MNRE Clarifies Scope of Solar Thermal QCO, Excludes Glass Evacuated Solar Collector Tubes
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has clarified that Glass Evacuated Solar Collector Tubes are not covered under the Solar Thermal Systems, Devices and Components (Quality Control) Order, 2024.
June 22, 2026. By Mrinmoy Dey
In an office memorandum (OM), MNRE has clarified that the QCO covers only three categories of products: Solar Flat Plate Collectors for Solar Water Heating Systems, All Glass Evacuated Tubes Solar Water Heating Systems, and Storage Water Tanks for All Glass Evacuated Tubes Solar Water Heating Systems.
"The Glass Evacuated Solar Collector Tubes are not covered under this QCO," the ministry said in the memorandum.
The clarification comes amid industry queries regarding the applicability of the QCO to individual components used in solar thermal systems, particularly evacuated solar collector tubes, which are widely used in solar water heating applications.
The Solar Thermal Systems, Devices and Components (Quality Control) Order, 2024 was notified by MNRE on October 8, 2024, under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016. The order seeks to improve the quality and standardisation of solar thermal products marketed in India by mandating compliance with specified Indian Standards.
The QCO requires notified solar thermal products to conform to the relevant Indian Standards and bear the BIS Standard Mark under a valid licence issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards. The order was scheduled to come into effect 180 days after its publication in the Official Gazette, providing manufacturers and suppliers a transition period to align with the new requirements.
Under the original notification, the covered product categories included Solar Flat Plate Collectors, All Glass Evacuated Tubes Solar Water Heating Systems and Storage Water Tanks for evacuated tube-based solar water heating systems. The BIS has been designated as the certifying and enforcement authority for these products.
The order also provides for market surveillance by BIS and other agencies notified by it in consultation with MNRE to ensure compliance with the prescribed standards. Non-compliance with the provisions of the QCO attracts penalties under the BIS Act, 2016.
The latest clarification narrows the interpretation of the QCO by making it explicit that while complete All Glass Evacuated Tubes Solar Water Heating Systems are covered, the Glass Evacuated Solar Collector Tubes as standalone components do not fall within the ambit of the order.
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