MNRE releases Draft Guidelines under 2025 Standards for Series Approval and Solar PV Module Testing

Introduction

India’s renewable energy sector—especially solar power—is pillar of the country’s will to reach 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has replaced the 2017 rules with the Solar Systems, Devices, and Component Goods Order, 2025, so ensuring the dependability, safety, and efficiency of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules.[1] Complementing this sequence, on May 27, 2025 the MNRE published draft guidelines on Series Approval and Solar PV Module Testing. These rules seek to solve design variances, simplify the certification process for product families, and enforce strict testing standards in line with international standards. Requiring adherence to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the approach aims to eradicate inferior goods from the market and promote solar technology innovation by so removing subpar products.

Explanation: Important Draft Guideline Points

Definitions of Product Families and Series Approval

A product family is a group of solar PV modules with a common design, construction, and basic components guaranteeing conformity with performance and safety criteria. This lets producers request approval for several module variations under one series, so cutting needless testing. For instance, although their power output bins—e.g., 400W, 410W, 420W—may vary—that is, they follow the same core design concepts. The standards state that any variation in materials, dimensions, or design calls for retesting to confirm compliance; a product family must be derived from a maximum configuration of components and sub-assemblies.

2. Examining Needs for Power Class Extensions

Manufacturers must submit modules from the lower end, median, and higher end of the power range to qualify many power classes under the IEC TS 62915 framework. As follows:

• Reduced end: 400W modules.
• Median: 410W modules; should not be available, the next higher class is chosen.
• Lower end: 420W modules.

From every category, at least two modules have to go through testing. Modules from the extreme ends—e.g., 400W and 420W—are tested for label verification if extending a single power class to nearby bins.

3. IV Measurement and Limits of Hysteresis Loss

Strict limits on hysteresis loss during current-voltage (IV) measurements are imposed by the guidelines, which mandate a maximum of 0.5% as per IEC 60904-1:20 201. High capacitance modules above this threshold must report extra parameters including:

• Rate of change of voltage (dV/dtdV/dt) and current (dI/dtdI/dt) at maximum power points.
• Transient response assessed by capacitive error (errcaperrcap).

4. Design Change Retesting Procedures

Retesting needs arise from any change to the Bill of Materials (BOM), design, or manufacturing technique. For instance, retesting under worst-case conditions calls for a 10% reduction in glass thickness or a modification in encapsulant material.

• Manufacturers have to report all changes and offer supporting information to reduce retesting scope.

5. Documenting and Sample Selection

The guidelines offer numerical standards for choosing samples:

• IS 14286:2023: Twelve modules chosen at random from a production batch with manufacturer name, model number, serial number, wattage tolerance ±3%, and date/place of manufacture indelible marks.

Ten framed modules and two unframed modules for safety testing, with further samples needed for pollution degree or cemented joint evaluations, IS/IEC 61730-1/2:2023

6. BIS’s function in certification and enforcement

Compliance, market surveillance, and penalties for non-conforming products are under control by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Among key duties are reviewing component-level certifications and pre-certified BOMs.

• Random visits of installed systems and manufacturing sites.

Conclusion

The draft policies of the MNRE show a turning point towards standardising the solar PV module market for India. Clearly defined standards for series approval, hysteresis control, and retesting guarantees manufacturers give quality top priority without sacrificing innovation. The focus on IS/IEC standards and BIS certification helps India’s solar industry to match world best practices, so improving export competitiveness and safeguarding of domestic consumers.

Stakeholders were invited to provide comments by June 11, 2025. The guidelines shall now be developed in alignment with the Solar Systems Order, 2025. As the July 27, 2025, implementation date approaches, manufacturers must adapt to these stringent standards to support India’s renewable energy goals.