The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has released the “Solar Systems, devices and Components Goods Order, 2025,” setting performance standards for solar modules, inverters and storage batteries.

The order aims to enhance the quality and reliability of solar components and boost the adoption of high-performance solar technologies.

The order will become effective 180 days after its publication in the Official Gazette.

BIS Standards

All goods, including crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic modules, thin-film modules, storage batteries, power inverters, and utility-interconnected inverters, must conform to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) standards and have its ‘standard mark’ under license.

BIS will be the certifying and enforcing authority and conduct market surveillance in consultation with MNRE to ensure that the goods bear the standard mark.

The 2017 ‘Requirements for Compulsory Registration’ order will not affect the validity of existing goods with a valid license under the Solar ‘Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices, and Components Goods’ order.

The fresh registration or license grant to use the standards mark and renewal of registration after the expiry of their validity will be conducted per the order.

The order introduced a minimum efficiency criterion for various categories of modules under the standard test conditions as follows:

• Monocrystalline silicon terrestrial modules: a minimum efficiency of 18%
• Thin-film terrestrial modules: a minimum efficiency of 18%.
• Polycrystalline silicon terrestrial modules: a minimum efficiency of 17%

Non-compliance with the order will attract penalties per the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

The relevant authority may direct any individual or entity involved in manufacturing, importing, distributing, selling, leasing, storing, or displaying goods to provide necessary information for effectively implementing the order.

Last June, MNRE prescribed minimum technical standards for various components of rooftop solar installations to ensure the quality of solar modules and inverters specified in the Bureau of Energy Efficiency’s Star Labelling Programme.

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