New Delhi: The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has introduced the Solar Systems, Devices, and Components Goods Order, 2025, revising and replacing the 2017 regulations under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016. Officially published in the Gazette of India on January 27, 2025, the updated order will come into effect 180 days from the date of notification. The order applies to Solar PV modules, inverters used in solar PV systems, and storage batteries.
Key Highlights of QCO 2025
1. Mandatory Standards:
- All solar PV modules, inverters, and storage batteries must comply with updated Indian Standards set by BIS and carry the BIS Standard Mark.
- Minimum efficiency requirements under Standard Test Conditions (STC):
- 18% for Mono-Crystalline Silicon and Thin-Film PV Modules.
- 17% for Poly-Crystalline Silicon PV Modules.
2. Applicability:
- The revised order applies to manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, sellers, and lessors of solar PV systems and components.
- Products exclusively for export are exempt from the mandate.
3. Certification and Enforcement:
- BIS will oversee licensing and enforcement. Market surveillance will be conducted by BIS or designated agencies in consultation with MNRE.
4. Concurrent Operation:
- Licenses granted under QCO 2017 remain valid, but renewals and new registrations will now follow QCO 2025 guidelines.
5. Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- Violations will be penalized under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
6. Public Interest and Innovation:
- The revised standards aim to enhance product safety, efficiency, and reliability, ensuring high-performance solar products for India’s renewable energy market.
- Rigorous testing protocols and safety measures for solar PV modules, inverters, and storage batteries align with global benchmarks, supporting innovation and sustainability.
Implementation Process
The QCO 2025 was developed after extensive consultations over two years with stakeholders, including manufacturers, testing laboratories, the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), and BIS. Input was also invited from World Trade Organization (WTO) member nations through the WTO-TBT platform, ensuring compliance with international trade norms.
This initiative reaffirms the Government of India’s commitment to sustainable energy growth and achieving its ambitious renewable energy targets.
For more details, visit the official MNRE website: www.mnre.gov.in
Source : PIB
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