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MNRE Releases Revised Framework for Series Approval of Solar PV Module Families

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued revised guidelines for the series approval of Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) modules, aimed at streamlining testing, certification, and compliance under the Solar Systems, Devices and Components Goods Order, 2025.

Issued through MNRE’s Standards and Quality Control Division, the updated framework is intended to simplify the process for manufacturers and testing laboratories by formally defining SPV module “product families” for the purpose of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) registration, particularly where variations exist in design, materials, or component configurations within a module series.

Under the revised norms, a product family is defined as a group of SPV modules that share common design features, construction parameters, and essential components. To represent the full wattage range of a product family, testing laboratories will be required to test a minimum of two samples each from the lowest, median, and highest power classes. Testing fees will apply only to these selected samples, while the resulting test report may be extended to cover all other wattages within the same family.

MNRE clarified that where a median power class is not available, the next higher power class will be considered for testing. In cases where power-class extensions fall within the limits specified under IEC TS 62915, only label verification will be required. Modules with a reduced number of cells will not require retesting, provided there are no changes in design, materials, or manufacturing processes.

The guidelines also lay down conditions related to efficiency compliance. Both the lowest and highest wattage modules within a product family must meet the minimum efficiency thresholds prescribed under the Quality Control Order (QCO), 2025 for the entire family to qualify for licensing. Efficiency testing of median 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 framework. Modules up to 5 W, commonly used in solar lanterns, will continue to be tested under IS 16476 (Part 1). The Bureau of Indian Standards is currently working on a suitable standard for modules in the 5–20 W range, which will be incorporated into a revised Quality Control Order.

The revised guidelines also introduce stricter marking requirements. Manufacturers must ensure that key information—including manufacturer name, model number, serial number, rated wattage, year of manufacture, country of origin, and module efficiency at standard test conditions—is clearly and permanently laminated inside the module glass. Testing laboratories have been instructed not to accept samples that do not comply with these marking requirements.

In cases where changes are made to the bill of materials or manufacturing processes, retesting will be mandatory in line with IS/IEC 62915:2023 to maintain certification validity.

MNRE stated that the updated guidelines will supersede the earlier series approval norms issued on August 13, 2025, and will be implemented alongside the latest BIS-notified Indian Standards. Transition timelines will be notified separately by the Bureau of Indian Standards.