MNRE notifies revised QCO for solar photovoltaic products

The government notified the Solar Systems, Devices, and Components Goods Order, 2025, which revises and supersedes the existing Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices, and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017.

The revised order, notified in the Gazette of India on January 27 under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016, will come into effect 180 days from the date of publication. This order covers solar PV modules, inverters for solar PV applications, and storage batteries, an official press release said.

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) notified the revised QCO 2025 after due consultations for over 24 months with all the stakeholders concerned, i.e., solar PV module, inverter and storage battery manufacturers, testing laboratories for the products, the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), and the BIS.

Comments from World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries were also sought online.

The revised QCO aligns with the government’s commitment to promoting high-quality and efficient solar photovoltaic (PV) products for sustainable energy development. The revision aims to enhance product reliability, ensure safety, and support India’s ambitious renewable energy targets.

Solar PV modules, inverters, and storage batteries must mandatorily conform to the latest Indian standards (as notified by the BIS) and bear the standard mark under a license from the BIS. The order applies to manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, sellers, and lessor of solar PV systems and components.

Products meant exclusively for export are exempted.

The BIS will oversee the grant of licence and enforcement of the order. Market surveillance will be done by the BIS or the agency notified by the BIS in consultation with the MNRE.

Existing licenses under the QCO 2017 remain valid, with renewals and new registrations governed by the QCO 2025.

Any violation of the provisions of this order will attract penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

The revised QCO 2025 introduces detailed testing and efficiency requirements for solar PV technologies, including crystalline silicon and thin-film photovoltaic modules. It also specifies rigorous safety measures for inverters and storage batteries to meet global standards, the release said.