The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has introduced sweeping revisions to India’s solar photovoltaic (PV) regulations, reinforcing its commitment to high-performance and safe solar energy solutions.

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

Stronger Quality Standards for Solar PV Components

The updated Quality Control Order (QCO) mandates strict compliance with Indian standards for solar PV modules, inverters, and storage batteries, aligning with the government’s push for greater reliability and efficiency in the renewable energy sector.

Developed over two years of consultations with manufacturers, testing laboratories, regulatory bodies, and WTO member countries, the revised QCO establishes minimum performance thresholds:

• 18% efficiency for mono-crystalline silicon and thin-film PV modules

• 17% efficiency for poly-crystalline silicon PV modules

The order applies to all manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers of solar PV components in India, though products exclusively for export are exempt.

Enforcement and Compliance

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will oversee licensing, compliance, and market surveillance under the new framework. While existing licenses issued under the 2017 order remain valid, the 2025 QCO will govern future renewals and new registrations.

Non-compliance will attract penalties under the BIS Act, 2016, reinforcing the government’s strict quality enforcement measures.

Boosting India’s Renewable Energy Goals

The revised QCO is a critical step toward achieving India’s target of 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. By incorporating global best practices and rigorous efficiency benchmarks, the updated framework strengthens investor confidence, consumer protection, and long-term industry growth.

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