MNRE Issues Draft Guidelines for SPV Module Series Approval and Testing

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued draft guidelines for the series approval and testing of Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) modules under the proposed Solar Systems, Devices and Components Goods Order, 2025.

As per the draft, "The guidelines are issued to facilitate labs/manufacturers in formation of series of products for approval of product family including change in design, materials, etc. for performance testing of SPV Modules in test labs for compulsory registration with BIS for implementation of the Solar Systems, Devices and Components Goods Order, 2025. The following series guidelines will now be followed for conducting tests on SPV Modules by test labs."

According to the draft, a product family will be defined based on a maximum configuration of components and subassemblies, with variants assembled using these elements. To qualify as part of the same family, modules must share core design features and materials. For modules grouped into multiple power bins as per IEC TS 62915, the guidelines require testing of two samples each from the lower, median (or the next higher bin if the median is unavailable), and higher power classes. Certification granted to one power class may be extended to adjacent classes only if comprehensive testing is conducted on at least two modules from each end of the power bin range.

The draft guidelines also emphasise strict verification of performance and labeling parameters. Hysteresis loss in high-capacitance PV modules must be limited to 0.5 percent in accordance with IEC 60904-1:2020. Additional diagnostics such as rate of change of current (dI/dt) and voltage (dV/dt) for maximum current and voltage may be applied for further verification. In the event of any change to the Bill of Materials (BOM), re-testing will be mandatory, and applicable testing fees will apply.

For modules undergoing tests under IS 14286:2023, a total of twelve modules must be randomly selected from production batches built according to the approved design and manufacturing processes. All modules must carry indelible markings visible beneath the glass, including manufacturer name, model number, serial number, rated wattage, and date and place of manufacture. Modules with permanently sealed junction boxes must be supplemented with an extra module featuring an openable junction box to allow testing of bypass diodes.

In the case of safety testing under IS/IEC 61730-1:2023, manufacturers will be required to submit a complete Bill of Materials and detailed fabrication records. If any component used in the module has already been certified under corresponding Indian or IEC standards, a valid compliance certificate must be submitted. Safety testing under IS/IEC 61730-2:2023 will require at least ten framed and two unframed modules. Additional samples may be required depending on the need for specific tests such as joint adhesion or pollution degree verification. Modules submitted for safety testing must be technically identical and sourced randomly from production lots.

The guidelines also specify re-testing protocols for any modifications in design, materials, dimensions, or manufacturing processes that may influence module safety or performance. Such changes will trigger full or partial re-testing in accordance with IS/IEC 62915:2023. Manufacturers must clearly disclose any variation and justify whether it constitutes a deviation from the originally certified configuration. Depending on the nature and extent of the change, and the results of verification against defined tolerance limits, the test lab may require requalification of the module or family.

The MNRE’s move to formalise these testing and certification protocols comes as part of its larger push to ensure product reliability and long-term performance as India scales up its solar capacity to meet its 2030 renewable energy targets. Industry stakeholders and testing laboratories have been invited to submit their comments on the draft guidelines before the final framework is notified.