BEE Registration for
Solar Water Heater

Registration of BEE for solar water heaters is voluntary under Schedule 23 of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Standard and Labelling Scheme. It facilitates the promotion of renewable energy sources through efficient solar water heaters for domestic, commercial, and industrial applications. The schedule applies to thermosyphon-based solar water heater systems with a storage capacity not exceeding 500 litres, which are either imported or marketed in India for water heating and similar purposes. BEE star rating is decided on the basis of the average efficiency of the system during the day-test period.

For conformity with Schedule 23 of BEE, the primary test procedure applicable is IS 16368 - Test Procedure for Thermosyphon Type Domestic Solar Hot Water Heating Systems. Schedule 23 of BEE is also applicable to standards like the IS 12933 series for solar flat-plate collectors, IS 16544:2015 for All Glass Evacuated Solar Water Heating System, and IS 16543:2016

Key Highlights of BEE Registration for Solar Water Heater

BEE Schedule 23 states that the testing method for covered thermosyphon solar water heaters must follow IS 16368:2015, and that only test reports from BIS-recognized, NABL-, ILAC- or APAC-accredited laboratories are acceptable. 

Testing & NABL Lab Requirements under IS 16544

The IS 16544 standard specifies the requirements and tests for evacuated-tube solar water heaters. Tests conducted according to this standard include:

• Pre-conditioning test: Conducts a pre-test on the system under specific conditions before the actual performance test.
• External test: Tests the system's construction and condition from the outside.
• Leakage test: Tests the system for leakage under the defined test conditions.
• Stagnation test: Tests the system under stagnation conditions.
• External thermal shock test: Tests the system's resistance to sudden changes in external temperature.
• Internal thermal shock test: Tests the system's resistance to sudden internal temperature changes.
• Thermal performance test: Evaluates the thermal performance of the solar water heating system.

Documents Required for BEE Registration of Solar Water Heater

The list of documents required to get Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) registration for a solar water heater:

• Manufacturing address.
• Copy of factory license for the relevant product scope.
• Copy of BIS License with validity date and indicating the list of all models.
• Covering letter in the prescribed format.
• Brand registration form.
• Brand / Trade Mark Certificate.
• MSME certificate (for Indian OEM only).
• ISO 9001 Quality Management certificate.
• Authorised signatory letter.
• BIS License showing applied models.
• Documents/technical details required by BEE for model registration.
• Covering letter in the prescribed format.
• Model registration payment receipt (each model).
• Print out the mandatory form and its Annexure form.
• Test report and specimen of BEE label.

Step-by-Step BEE Registration Process for Solar Water Heater

The step-by-step BEE Registration Process for a Solar Water Heater is as follows:

• Verify Applicability of the Product: The manufacturer/applicant shall confirm that the product is applicable under BEE Schedule 23.
• List relevant standards: Test and energy performance evaluations shall be conducted in accordance with the following standards: IS 16368- Test Procedure for Thermosyphon Type Domestic Solar Hot Water Heating Systems, IS 12933 series for solar flat-plate collectors and IS 16544 for all-glass evacuated-tube solar water-heating systems, as applicable
• Product Testing: The model shall be tested to determine its parameters, including the solar water heater.
• Get the Test Report: Upon successful completion of the testing process, the applicant will receive the test report from an NABL-certified lab or another authorised lab, as required.
• Preparation of the Application and Relevant Documents: The application document and other relevant documents related to BEE S&L will be prepared by the applicant.
• BEE Application Process: BEE application shall be made through the respective BEE Standards & Labelling registration process along with other relevant documents and applicable charges.
• Scrutiny and Verification by BEE: The BEE shall undertake scrutiny and verification of the application along with other relevant test documents. Any discrepancies must be resolved before approval.
• BEE Approval and Star Rating: Upon acceptance of the application, BEE shall grant the product approval/registration and assign an energy-efficiency rating. The BEE S&L program rates the products on a 1-to-5-star scale; the higher the star rating, the higher the energy efficiency.

Validity, Renewal & Timeline of BEE Registration for Solar Water Heater

The BEE registration process for Testing and approval generally takes 4 to 8 weeks, including roughly 20 to 25 working days for BEE's review once the application and test report are submitted. 
Renewal of BEE Registration

• When to apply: Apply well ahead of expiry, per BEE's renewal notice 
• Product Testing: Fresh product testing is required whenever product specifications or BEE standards change.
• Re-Registration Application: Complete the re-registration application form and submit it with the test report.
• Fees for Re-Registration: Re-registration fees and other fees.
• Approval of Registration: Re-approval of registration by BEE.

How ERCS Private Limited Helps with BEE Registration for Solar Water Heater

Choosing ERCS Private Limited for Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) registration of a solar water heater ensures end-to-end regulatory support, precise coordination of lab testing, and fast-tracked approval. They help manufacturers navigate compliance with Indian standards and protocols seamlessly.

• Comprehensive BEE Registration Services: Assisting you in the entire process of BEE registration.
• Testing Services: Helping you coordinate testing and get the necessary test reports.
• Document Preparation: Assistance with technical and registration document preparation.
• BEE Star Rating: BEE Label Qualification: Guidance on meeting MEPS requirements for BEE registration.
• Observations Resolution: Help in answering the BEE queries.
• Variants & Models: Guidance on registering multiple variants of solar water heaters.
• Compliance Assistance: Help from start to successful BEE registration.

FAQs for Solar Water Heater BEE Certification

1. Is BEE registration compulsory for solar water heaters in India?
Ans: No. Solar water heaters fall under Schedule 23 of the BEE Standards & Labelling programme, which is currently a voluntary category.

2. What is BEE Schedule 23 for Solar Water Heaters?
Ans: BEE Schedule 23 sets out the Standards & Labelling requirements for applicable solar water heating systems, including testing, energy performance, star rating, and labelling.

3. Which IS standard is applicable for BEE registration for solar water heaters?
Ans: The applicable testing standards for BEE Schedule 23 include IS 16368:2015 - Testing Procedure for Thermosyphon Type Domestic Solar Hot Water Heating Systems. IS 16544:2016 can also be applied to the relevant evacuated system.

4. Which tests are required for a Solar Water Heater?
Ans: Depending on the relevant product type and standards, the testing can include leakage, stagnation, thermal shock, preconditioning, exterior examination, and thermal performance testing.

5. Is NABL accreditation required for Solar Water Heater testing?
Ans: The applicable test report must be obtained from an appropriate laboratory in accordance with the requirements set out in BEE Schedule 23.