The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued revised guidelines for the series approval of solar photovoltaic (SPV) modules to streamline testing and certification under the Solar Systems, Devices and Components Goods Order, 2025 (QCO 2025).
Issued by MNRE’s Standards and Quality Control Division, the updated framework is aimed at bringing greater clarity and efficiency to the testing process carried out by laboratories for certification and registration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The revised norms are intended to help manufacturers and testing agencies more effectively manage variations in design, materials, and component configurations within a module series, while ensuring compliance with Indian Standards.
Under the revised guidelines, MNRE has formally defined the concept of a “product family.” According to MNRE, “a product family can be defined as a group of SPV modules sharing common design, construction, and essential components.” To cover the full wattage range of a product family, test laboratories are now required to test at least two modules each from the lowest, median, and highest power classes. Testing charges will apply only to these representative samples, and the resulting test report may be extended to cover all other wattages within the same family.
MNRE clarified that where a median power class does not exist, the next higher power class will be considered. In cases where lower-class extensions fall within the limits specified under IEC TS 62915, only label verification will be required. Modules with fewer cells will not need retesting provided there are no changes in design, materials, or manufacturing processes.
The revised framework also tightens efficiency requirements. Both the lowest and highest wattage modules in a product family must meet the minimum efficiency criteria prescribed under QCO 2025 for the entire family to qualify for BIS licensing. Efficiency testing for median power modules may be waived if they belong to the same family and have identical module areas.
For solar luminaire applications, MNRE has temporarily excluded SPV modules with capacities ranging from 0.2 W to 20 W from the series approval guidelines. Modules up to 5 W used in solar lanterns will continue to be tested under IS 16476 (Part 1), while BIS is in the process of developing an appropriate standard for the 5 W to 20 W category. MNRE stated that these provisions will be incorporated into a revised Quality Control Order.
The guidelines further mandate stricter marking requirements. Test laboratories have been directed not to accept samples unless clear and indelible information is laminated inside the module glass, including manufacturer details, model and serial numbers, nominal wattage, year and country of origin, and module efficiency at standard test conditions.
MNRE has stated that any changes in the bill of materials or manufacturing processes will require mandatory retesting in line with IS/IEC 62915:2023 to maintain certification. The revised guidelines will supersede the earlier series approval norms issued on August 13, 2025, and will be implemented alongside the latest BIS-notified Indian Standards, with transition periods to be determined by BIS.
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