Revised Guidelines for IS 61730- (Part 1 & 2): 2016

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a new rule called the “Solar System, Devices and Components Goods Order, 2025, which will come into force on July 27, 2025. This new order replaces the earlier 2017 compulsory registration order for solar photovoltaic (PV) products. Under this updated Quality Control Order (QCO), solar PV modules must meet safety requirements as per IS/IEC 61730-1 (for construction) and IS/IEC 61730-2 (for testing). The standard has now been updated to IS/IEC 61730-1 and IS/IEC 61730-2. Both the old (2016) and new (2023) standards will be accepted until 15 February 2027. The key differences between the two versions are listed in Annex A.

If a solar module has been tested under the 2016 standards, it does not need to undergo complete re-testing. Instead, only partial testing is required to meet the 2023 standards, as outlined in the guidelines.

Major Updates under the Module 

To transition from IS/IEC 61730-1 to IS/IEC 61730-1, manufacturers must adhere to the verification and test requirements outlined in Annex A. Finally, MNRE has issued specific implementation guidelines that must be followed while adopting the revised 2023 standards. The testing requirements differ based on the type of module:

• Bifacial modules generally require more test sequences.
• Monofacial modules and some bifacial modules with lower declared irradiance can skip certain test sequences.

Existing Solar PV Module Models Tested as per 2016 Standards

This applies to solar PV module models already approved under IS 14286 (Part 1/Sec X), IS/IEC 61730-1, and IS/IEC 61730-2.

a. Product families

• Single BOM (Bill of Materials): To shift to the new standards, the representative model (the fully tested model) must undergo the required tests mentioned earlier (points 4 and 5).
• Multiple BOMs: The representative model must be tested as above. Any additional BOMs must be tested separately as per IS/IEC TS 62915:2023, but only for the tests required during the changeover.

b. Application process: Manufacturers must apply online through the BIS portal using the Standard Revision / Amendment / Essential Requirement module and submit test reports from a BIS-recognized third-party lab.

c. BIS confirmation: Once BIS verifies compliance, it will issue a confirmation letter listing all models that meet the revised standards.

d. Important note on model additions: New series models or BOM additions will not be allowed unless the revised standards are first implemented for the representative model. However, manufacturers who want to upgrade existing models and add new series or BOMs at the same time can do so by:

• Submitting separate test requests (one for upgrading existing models and another for adding new models/BOMs)
• Completing testing in parallel

BIS will process these requests step by step—first updating existing models to the 2023 standards, and then approving the new series or BOM additions.

Check the complete Process of BIS CRS Registration in India 

Existing Solar PV Module Models Tested as per Older (2004/2010/2013) Standards

This applies to modules approved under IS 14286 (Part 1): 2010, IS 16077: 2013, and IS/IEC 61730-1 & 2: 2004. If the BIS licence is valid until 15 February 2027, manufacturers are strongly advised to move directly to the latest 2023 standards by completing full testing as per:

• IS 14286 (Part 1/Sec X): 2023
• IS/IEC 61730-1: 2023
• IS/IEC 61730-2: 2023

As per BIS guidelines dated 27 March 2025, manufacturers may first upgrade to the 2016 standards and later shift to the 2023 standards, but this must be completed before the transition period ends. Once the upgrade to the revised standards is completed, BIS will issue a letter confirming compliance for all approved models.

New Solar PV Module Models

New solar PV module models should be designed and tested as per the latest standards, namely:

• IS 14286 (Part 1/Sec X): 2023
• IS/IEC 61730-1: 2023
• IS/IEC 61730-2: 2023

Manufacturers may also apply using the 2016 standard test reports at first. However, they must upgrade to the 2023 standards before the transition period ends, following the procedure explained earlier (Point 7). Once the upgrade is completed, BIS will issue a confirmation letter listing all compliant models.

Mandatory compliance deadline

All existing BIS licence holders must take timely action to switch to the latest 2023 standards. After 15 February 2027, BIS will not issue:

• New licences
• Changes in licence scope
• Standard revisions for solar PV modules unless they comply with IS/IEC 61730-1: 2023 and IS/IEC 61730-2: 2023.

Consequences of non-compliance

After the deadline, any models that still follow the 2016 standards will be removed from the BIS licence. If a licence holder does not complete the required upgrade within the given time, BIS will take action as per its existing rules and guidelines.

Conclusion

The transition to the revised IS/IEC 61730-1 and IS/IEC 61730-2 marks an important step toward strengthening the safety and quality framework for solar PV modules in India. With the introduction of the Solar System, Devices and Components Goods Order, 2025, MNRE has aligned Indian regulations with updated international standards while also providing a clear and practical transition window until 15 February 2027.

By allowing partial testing for modules already certified under the 2016 standards, the guidelines significantly reduce the compliance burden on manufacturers and importers. However, timely planning and early implementation of the revised standards are crucial to avoid last-minute disruptions, licence limitations, or removal of non-compliant models.