As India pushes ahead chasing the big number of 100 GW of grid connected solar power by 2022, the country is seeking to ensure the quality of solar equipment used in the projects under the program is reliable. For the purpose, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is working on a technical regulation for solar PV equipment (read devices, systems and components goods).
The MNRE has issued a draft regulation under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, which is titled Solar Photovoltaics/Systems/Devices/Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2016. Under this policy, all manufacturers of solar PV equipment will be required to apply for registration at the Bureau of Indian Standards to be able to use the certification mark of BIS, 'Standard Mark'. All these manufacturers will be given a unique registration number from the bureau.
Once the policy is implemented, manufacturers will have to allow concerned officials to randomly inspect their goods, relevant documents and also draw product samples at least once in every two years.
The products that are covered under this order include Si-wafer based crystalline silicon terrestrial PV modules, thin-film terrestrial PV modules based on a-Si, CiGS and CdTe technology, power converters for PV systems, storage batteries, among others.
The ministry is also working on a Lab Policy for testing, standardization and certification for the renewable energy sector.
Stakeholders have time until September 6, 2016 to provide their feedback and comments on the draft regulation, which can be accessed here. It will come into force 180 days after it is published in the official gazette.
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