India's renewable energy sector is expanding rapidly, increasing the demand for reliable solar panels and photovoltaic products. Manufacturers, importers, and suppliers must understand the applicable quality and safety regulations before entering the Indian solar market. BIS Certification for Solar PV Modules plays an important role in ensuring that notified solar products meet the required Indian Standards.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regulates product quality through applicable certification schemes. BIS Solar Panel Certification helps verify that solar photovoltaic modules meet specified technical, safety, and performance requirements. Businesses must identify the applicable standards and certification scheme before manufacturing, importing, or selling regulated products in India.

What Is BIS Certification for Solar PV Modules?

BIS Certification for Solar PV Modules is a conformity assessment requirement that ensures solar modules meet the applicable Indian Standards. It involves product testing, technical documentation, and registration or licensing under the relevant BIS scheme.

Solar panels operate under different environmental conditions, including sunlight, humidity, rain, and temperature variations. Therefore, proper testing is necessary to evaluate their durability, electrical safety, and performance.

Under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), notified solar photovoltaic modules must complete the applicable BIS registration requirements. This process helps manufacturers demonstrate product compliance and establish credibility in the Indian market.

Important BIS Standards for Solar PV Modules

Selecting the correct Indian Standard is an essential part of Solar PV Module Certification. Applicable standards depend on the technology and product category.

Some important standards include:

• IS 14286: Covers design qualification and type approval requirements for crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic modules.

• IS/IEC 61730-1: Specifies construction requirements for photovoltaic module safety.

• IS/IEC 61730-2: Covers safety testing requirements for photovoltaic modules.

• IS 16077: Covers relevant design qualification requirements for thin-film terrestrial photovoltaic modules.

Manufacturers should verify the latest applicable standards and amendments before submitting samples for testing.

Which BIS Scheme Applies to Solar PV Modules?

BIS Certification for Solar Panels depends on the applicable product notification and certification requirements.

The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), also called Scheme II, covers notified products that require BIS registration. Manufacturers must submit samples for testing at a recognised laboratory and complete the prescribed registration process.

Foreign manufacturers applying under CRS generally need an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR).

FMCS, on the other hand, is a separate certification scheme for foreign manufacturers seeking an ISI licence under Scheme I. Businesses should not confuse FMCS certification with CRS registration.

BIS Registration for Solar Modules: Step-by-Step Process

The BIS Registration for Solar Modules process generally involves the following steps:

1. Identify Applicable Standards: Determine the correct Indian Standards according to the solar module's technology and specifications.

2. Product Testing: Submit samples to a BIS-recognised laboratory for the required testing.

3. Prepare Documentation: Arrange technical specifications, manufacturing details, product photographs, and other supporting documents.

4. Online Application: Submit the application through the official BIS portal under the applicable scheme.

5. Verification: BIS reviews the application, documents, and test reports.

6. Registration Approval: After successful verification, BIS grants registration according to the applicable requirements.

Proper documentation and accurate product information can help reduce application errors and unnecessary delays.

Documents Required for BIS Solar Panel Certification

Applicants generally need the following documents for BIS CRS Registration:

• Business registration certificate

• Manufacturing unit address and details

• Product technical specifications

• Product photographs and labels

• Bill of Materials (BOM)

• Laboratory test reports

• Trademark authorization, where applicable

• Manufacturer authorization documents

• Authorized signatory details

• AIR nomination documents for foreign manufacturers

Additional documents may be required depending on the product category and application.

BIS Certification and MNRE Compliance for Solar Modules

Apart from BIS Certification for Solar PV Modules, manufacturers should understand the relevant Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) requirements.

The Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) is an important requirement for solar modules used in specified government-supported projects and other notified applications.

BIS certification and ALMM listing serve different purposes. BIS focuses on product conformity with applicable standards, whereas ALMM relates to the eligibility of listed models and manufacturers for relevant projects.

Therefore, manufacturers should review the latest MNRE notifications and project-specific requirements before supplying solar modules.

Benefits of BIS Certification for Solar PV Modules

Obtaining BIS Solar Panel Certification offers several advantages:

• Regulatory Compliance: Helps businesses meet applicable Indian product regulations.

• Product Quality: Supports compliance with specified technical and safety standards.

• Market Opportunities: Enables businesses to supply products subject to mandatory BIS requirements.

• Customer Confidence: Builds trust among distributors, buyers, and project developers.

• Product Reliability: Ensures products undergo prescribed testing.

• Business Growth: Supports manufacturers entering India's growing solar energy market.

How Eikomp Can Help with BIS Certification

Obtaining BIS Registration for Solar PV Modules involves several technical and regulatory steps. Eikomp provides professional compliance assistance to manufacturers, importers, and businesses seeking BIS certification in India.

Our team can help identify applicable standards, coordinate product testing, prepare documentation, and guide applicants through the BIS registration process. We also assist businesses in understanding relevant CRS requirements and other applicable regulatory obligations.

With proper guidance, businesses can manage their BIS Solar Panel Certification requirements more efficiently and avoid common documentation mistakes.