The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy announced on Wednesday sweeping revisions to India’s quality standards for solar photovoltaic products, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring high-performance and safe solar energy solutions.

The updated Solar Systems, Devices, and Components Goods Order, 2025, notified in the Gazette of India on Jan. 27, 2025, replaces the existing 2017 order and will take effect 180 days from the date of publication.

The revised Quality Control Order mandates stringent compliance with Indian standards for solar PV modules, inverters and storage batteries, aligning with the government’s push for enhanced reliability and efficiency in the nation’s renewable energy sector.

The MNRE finalized the order after extensive consultations spanning two years, engaging manufacturers, testing laboratories, and regulatory bodies, and incorporating feedback from World Trade Organization member countries.

Key Changes and Requirements

Under the new order, all solar PV modules, inverters, and storage batteries must meet the latest standards of the Bureau of Indian Standards and bear the BIS certification mark. To bolster efficiency, the order introduces minimum performance thresholds:

  • 18 percent efficiency for mono-crystalline silicon and thin-film PV modules
  • 17 percent efficiency for poly-crystalline silicon PV modules

The QCO applies to all manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers of solar PV components within India. However, products manufactured exclusively for export are exempt from these requirements.

BIS will oversee licensing, compliance, and market surveillance, ensuring adherence to the revised standards. Existing licenses issued under the 2017 order will remain valid, though the updated 2025 framework will govern future renewals and new registrations.

Strengthening India’s Renewable Energy Ambitions

The updated QCO is a significant step toward supporting India’s ambitious renewable energy targets. With the nation aiming to install 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, policymakers view robust quality control measures as essential to sustaining investor confidence and ensuring consumer safety.

Non-compliance with the new order will result in penalties under the BIS Act 2016, reinforcing the government’s stance on quality enforcement.

By incorporating global best practices and stringent efficiency measures, the MNRE’s revised framework positions India’s solar sector for sustained growth and innovation.