The revised Quality Control Order (i.e., QCO, 2025) has been notified by the MNRE after due consultations for over 24 months with all the relevant Stakeholders i.e., Solar PV Module manufacturers, Inverter manufacturers, Storage Batteries manufacturers, Testing laboratories for the products, National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Comments from World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries were also sought by uploading the draft notification on WTO-TBT (Technical Barrier to Trade) website (https://www.epingalert.org/) for 60 days before publishing in the Gazette of India.
The revised Quality Control Order aligns with the Government of India’s commitment to promoting high-quality and efficient solar photovoltaic (PV) products for sustainable energy development. The revision aims to enhance product reliability, ensure safety, and support India’s ambitious renewable energy targets.
Key Highlights of the Order:
1. Mandatory Standards:
- Solar PV modules, inverters, and storage batteries must conform to the latest Indian Standards (as notified by BIS) and bear the Standard Mark under a license from the BIS.
- Minimum efficiency criteria (@ Standard Test Conditions) for solar PV modules are introduced which are as follows:
- 18% for Mono Crystalline Silicon and Thin-Film PV Modules.
- 17% for Poly Crystalline Silicon PV Modules.
2. Applicability:
- The order applies to manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, sellers and lessor of solar PV systems and components.
- Products meant exclusively for export are exempted.
3. Certification and Enforcement:
- The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will oversee grant of licence and enforcement of the order. Market surveillance will be done by BIS or agency notified by BIS in consultation with MNRE.
4. Concurrent Operation:
- Existing licenses under the QCO, 2017 remain valid, with renewals and new registrations governed by the QCO, 2025.
5. Penalty for Non-Compliance:
- Any violation of the provisions of this order will attract penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
6. Promoting Public Interest:
- The updated standards and specifications will ensure the availability of safe, high-performance solar products in India’s growing renewable energy market.
Focus on Innovation and Efficiency:
The revised QCO, 2025 introduces detailed testing and efficiency requirements for solar PV technologies, including crystalline silicon and thin-film photovoltaic modules. It also specifies rigorous safety measures for inverters and storage batteries to meet global standards.
This initiative underscores MNRE’s commitment to ensuring the highest quality standards while fostering innovation and sustainability in the renewable energy sector.
For further details, visit the official MNRE website: www.mnre.gov.in.
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