India introduces new regulations for solar equipment to ensure quality and efficiency

The ‘Solar Systems, Devices and Components Goods Order, 2025’ mandates compliance with Indian Standards and sets minimum efficiency criteria for solar products coming into effect from July 26, 2025.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has issued the ‘Solar Systems, Devices and Components Goods Order 2025,’ which mandates compliance with stringent Indian Standards and efficiency criteria for solar products in the country. Set to come into force on July 26, 2025, this order covers a wide range of solar products, including photovoltaic modules, storage batteries, and power inverters.

The order stipulates that solar PV modules must meet minimum efficiency requirements i.e 18 percent for Mono Crystalline Silicon and Thin-Film technologies, and 17 percent for Poly Crystalline Silicon technology. Additionally, all specified solar products must bear the ‘Standard Mark’ issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under a valid license.

The new regulations aim to elevate the quality and performance of solar energy systems across India, ensuring that only high-quality and efficient equipment is used in installations, protecting consumers from substandard products, and boosting investor confidence. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will collaborate with BIS to monitor compliance and enforce the regulations.

The order replaces the previous ‘Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017.’ Existing licenses under the old order remain valid until their expiry, after which renewals will fall under the new provisions. Non-compliance with the order will result in penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.