What Is Peculiar in MNRE’s Revised Solar Module Testing Norms

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued revised guidelines for series approval of solar modules for conducting testing in test laboratories. The revised norms lay down new modalities for testing solar modules in accordance with Indian Standards (IS) and requirements of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

The MNRE had originally formulated the Solar Systems, Devices, and Components Goods Order, 2025 (often referred to as QCO 2025) as a regulatory quality control measure to enhance the quality, reliability, efficiency, safety, and performance of solar products in the Indian market. Solar products include solar modules, solar inverters, and batteries.

Revised Norms

The latest norms introduce several new measures aimed at bringing greater clarity to quality control requirements. The revised order has been issued specifically to address the performance testing of solar modules in test laboratories for certification and registration with BIS under the Quality Control Order, 2025.

The following are some of the key peculiar takeaways from the revised norms.

1. Different Mandate for Lower-Power Modules

The revised norms from MNRE state that modules with capacities ranging from 0.2 W to 20 W are commonly used in solar luminaires such as solar lanterns and solar streetlights. The guidelines clarify that solar modules with capacities in the range of 0.2 W to 5 W will be tested as per Indian Standard IS 16476 (Part I).

For solar modules used in applications ranging from 5 W to 20 W, a separate appropriate standard will be introduced by BIS in due course.

“Till such time SPV Modules of capacities ranging from 0.2 to 20 W used in solar luminaries are excluded in the series guidelines for BIS registration,” the norms said.

2. Definition of Product Family

The revised norms on solar module quality control also define the concept of a product family to provide better clarity. It states,

“A product family can be defined by the maximum configuration of components/sub- assemblies plus a description of how the models are constructed from the maximum configuration using these component and sub-assemblies. All models which are included in the family typically have common design, construction, parts or assemblies essential to ensure conformity with applicable requirements.”

3. Representative Sample Testing

MNRE’s revised norms specify that from the entire range of modules, at least two modules each from the lower end, middle-range, and higher-end power classes will be tested to cover the entire product family.

4. Charges for Testing

According to the MNRE norms, testing charges will be levied only for the selected representative modules, and the test report will be applicable to all other wattages covered under the same product family.

“The lab will be required to charge the cost of testing only for these modules and test report can be issued to all such sets of other wattage covered under the family. Product label of each series model shall be placed in the test report. If there is a change in BOM in the family then the retesting guidelines will be followed for submitting samples to test Labs, and for which appropriate testing charges will be made by test lab.,” it said.

5. Alignment with Latest BIS Standards

The norms mandate that the latest versions and amendments of Indian Standards (IS) notified by BIS will apply for testing, and any transition period for older standards will be decided by BIS.