MNRE Issues Testing Guidelines for Series Approval of SPV Modules for Compulsory BIS Registration
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued new guidelines for series approval of SPV modules for conducting testing in test labs for compulsory registration with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for the implementation of Solar Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Quality Control) Order, 2025.
August 14, 2025. By Mrinmoy Dey
The new framework aims to help labs and manufacturers define product families, manage design and material changes, and conduct performance tests efficiently for the compulsory BIS registration.
As per the guideline, all models which are included in the family typically have common design, construction, parts or assemblies essential to ensure conformity with applicable requirements.
“Out of the entire range of models intended to be covered under registration, at least 2 modules each, from the lower end, median and higher end power class must be tested to cover the entire range of family,” mentioned the guideline.
It further added that if median power class does not exist the next higher class shall be used. “If qualification of a single power class shall be extended to further bins of power classes within the boundaries given in IEC TS 62915, then at least 2 modules each, from the lower end and higher end power class shall be used for label verification,” it said further adding that test reports will cover the entire range in the family, provided all meet the minimum efficiency criteria specified in the QCO.
Modules must carry indelible markings inside the glass — including manufacturer name, model and serial numbers, wattage with tolerance, year and country of origin, efficiency at STC, and brand name where applicable. Tolerance of up to ±3 percent is permitted. Additional marking requirements follow IS 14286:2023 and IS/IEC 61730-1 standards.
“In case of thin film modules information need not be provided laminated inside the glass, however, it should be provided as per IS 14286 (Part 1) :2023 clause 5.1 and IS/IEC 61730-1 clause 6.2.2 at an appropriate place with clear and indelible marking,” it said.
The guidelines exclude SPV modules of 0.2–20 W used in solar luminaries from the series guidelines until appropriate BIS standards for the 5–20 W range are issued. “It has been decided that modules of capacities up to 5W used for solar lantern applications will be tested as per IS 16476(Part I),” it said.
The guidelines also set out retesting requirements under IS/IEC 62915:2023 for any changes in the bill of materials or manufacturing processes. Manufacturers who submitted samples under earlier QCO provisions before the guidelines’ issue will receive BIS licences upon successful test report submission, but renewals will follow the latest standards.
MNRE has mandated that the latest notified versions of Indian Standards and amendments will apply from their date of notification. “The labs may follow separate test sequence for IS 14286 and IS/IEC 61730 or combined test flow of IS/IEC 61730 and IS 14286 /IEC 61215 as provided in IS/IEC TS 62915. However separate test reports have to be issued for IS/IEC 61730 and IS 14286 /IEC 61215,” it added.
please contact: contact@energetica-india.net.
Satish Talmale
CEO
India is Well-placed to Become a Global Leader in Energy Storage: EnerGrid CEO Satish Talmale
Anand Sri Ganesh, CEO, NSRCEL
Sapna Bhawnani
Alstom and NSRCEL on Empowering the Green Mobility Disruptors
Vasudha Madhavan
Founder & CEO
She Matters: Targeted Training and Mentorship Can Propel Women’s Careers in Energy
Rishi Agrawal
Co-Founder and CEO
Draft Energy Conservation Rules, 2025: How Energy-Intensive Sectors Can Brace for Change
Himanshu Kumar Gupta
Sr. Director – Government Business and Channels, India & SAARC
When the Lights Go Out: Securing Power Grids against Cyber Chaos