Solar Equipment Certification

Solar Equipment Certification Services - Complete Compliance & Certification Support

Certification services for solar equipment are no longer merely a way of ensuring quality for manufacturers who are entering the Indian renewable energy market; for solar products that have been notified, certification is closely linked to product safety, performance, market access and regulatory compliance.

Although a solar module might appear flawless on paper, its wattage could be impressive, the brand might be internationally known, and the price might be competitive, it can still encounter serious compliance obstacles if the relevant Indian conformity requirements have not been met.

That is the reason why any business that is seeking Solar Equipment Certification in India should understand not only the BIS certification but also the relevant MNRE requirements, the Indian Standards, the requirements concerning laboratory testing, the requirements relating to the manufacturing site, and, where applicable, the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) framework.

At UMSPCS, we offer end-to-end Solar Equipment Certification Consultancy so that manufacturers can understand the relevant requirements, prepare their technical documentation, arrange for testing, and move through the certification process with greater clarity.

Solar Certification in India: Why the Fine Print Matters

While India's solar industry is expanding quickly, a solar product should not be regarded as a typical electrical commodity.

The government has set up conformity requirements so that solar products that have been notified should comply with the relevant Indian Standards before they are introduced into the regulated Indian market. According to BIS, products that have been notified under the scheme of compulsory registration may not be manufactured, stored for sale, imported, sold or distributed unless they conform to the applicable Indian Standard and have the required Standard Mark together with the appropriate registration number.

For solar businesses, this creates several compliance layers:

Applicable BIS Solar Certification
Relevant Indian Standards
Product testing through recognised laboratories
Manufacturing-location compliance
Model and brand scope
Bill of Materials (BOM) control
MNRE requirements
ALMM Registration, wherever applicable
Labelling and Standard Mark requirements
Ongoing compliance and renewal

Solar Equipment Compliance Services ought to start before product testing rather than after the product has been prepared for shipment.

🎉 Special Offer

~~₹499~~ FREE

Get Your Free Expert Consultation

What is Solar Equipment Certification?

The certification of solar equipment involves the conformity assessment and regulatory approvals that apply to solar products that have been notified within the Indian regulatory system.

The BIS runs the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) as provided for in Scheme-II of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. In this system, manufacturers send their products for testing via laboratories that are recognised by BIS, and on completion of the assessment, they are granted registration or licensing so as to be able to use the relevant Standard Mark together with a unique R-number.

The requirements applicable to solar products have changed considerably. The 2025 order from the MNRE replaced the 2017 order and sets out specifications for solar PV modules, storage batteries and photovoltaic inverters in relation to the relevant Indian Standards. It stipulates that the goods in question must comply with the applicable standards and be marked with the Standard Mark under a licence from BIS.

Solar Equipment Certification in India therefore involves assessing each product individually. Just because a product is called a 'solar panel' or a 'solar inverter' does not mean that the relevant standard can be chosen.

What Solar Products Are Included?

The present MNRE framework specifies that certain solar products must comply with the required standards.

The 2025 Solar Compliance Update Every Manufacturer Should Know

A major change for companies seeking BIS Certification for Solar Equipment is the move from the previous 2017 framework to the Solar Systems, Devices and Components Goods Order of 2025.

The new framework included updated standards for PV modules and set a minimum efficiency requirement as a condition for granting a licence.

For specified technologies, the minimum efficiency at Standard Test Conditions (STC) is:

18% for monocrystalline silicon terrestrial PV modules
18% for specified thin-film terrestrial PV modules
17% for poly-crystalline silicon terrestrial PV modules

The efficiency is determined by using the module's maximum PV output, its front-surface area, and the STC reference value of 1000 W/m².

The new framework also included some significant alterations with regard to module qualification, sampling, BOM changes, stabilization, potential-induced degradation, flexible modules, and other testing requirements.

The guidance issued by BIS regarding new applications specifies that applications based on the earlier standards were allowed only until 27 July 2025; after that date, new licences for PV modules will require adherence to the amended QCO.

That is exactly why depending on outdated certification information can lead to entirely avoidable compliance issues.

What Do You Need Solar Equipment Certification For?

The certification framework mainly concerns manufacturers of products which are the subject of the relevant compulsory order.

The guidance provided by the BIS CRS says that manufacturers who are based in India or abroad may apply for registration for products which have been notified. Manufacturers have to get individual registration numbers for products manufactured at different locations and also have to obtain separate registration numbers for each brand manufactured at the same location.

That distinction matters. The certificate is not merely a general approval for a trading company; it is linked to the manufacturer, the place where the products are manufactured, the product, and the relevant brand or model range.

Foreign manufacturers who do not have a liaison office or branch in India must have an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) when using the CRS procedure.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Before starting the Solar Equipment Certification Process, manufacturers should ensure that the following fundamentals are in place:

What Tests Are Applicable?

The testing required varies according to the particular solar product and the relevant standard; in the case of PV modules, it may include electrical performance, design qualification, and safety together with environmental durability.

The revised PV module framework introduced or updated areas such as:

Visual inspection and marking
Electrical measurements
Insulation testing
Hot-spot endurance
Mechanical load testing
Thermal cycling
Moisture and UV exposure
Fire-related requirements
Junction-box and cable-related evaluation
Potential-induced degradation
Stabilization procedures
Flexible-module bending tests, where applicable
Robustness of terminations
Module breakage and mechanical safety

The specific implementation guidance for 2025 mentions the additions or amendments relating to hot-spot endurance, insulation, cyclic mechanical load, potential-induced degradation and flexible-module bending tests.

The testing programme for inverters and storage batteries conforms to the relevant Indian Standards.

Since the test programme that applies can differ depending on the technology and model family, Solar Product Testing and Certification Support should start with an accurate product-to-standard mapping.

Solar Equipment Certification Process: From Product to Compliance

Step 1: Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

Foreign manufacturers who do not have an eligible Indian office must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in order to communicate with and co-ordinate with BIS on their behalf.

Step 2: File the BIS Application

The manufacturer, via its AIR, makes the necessary application online through the BIS portal together with the required information and details.

Step 3: Conduct Product Testing

Product samples that are required are subject to testing at a laboratory that is recognized by BIS in accordance with the relevant Indian Standard; for solar PV modules, the standard currently in force should be determined according to the type of product and the most recent regulatory requirements.

Step 4: Submit the Test Report and Documents

The applicant, having completed the testing successfully, submits the test report and the relevant documents with the BIS application as required by the applicable procedure.

Step 5: BIS Application Review

The BIS examines the application, the technical documents, the manufacturing details, and the test report in order to check that the requirements in question have been met.

Step 6: Grant of BIS Registration

When the application and the results of the test have been found to be satisfactory, BIS issues the relevant registration or licence, which then enables the manufacturer to use the prescribed Standard Mark together with the appropriate registration number.

Step 7: Follow-Up & Regulatory Monitoring

The fact that comments have been submitted does not mean that policy matters come to an end.We can support continued monitoring of:

Revised drafts

Notifications

Circulars

Clarifications

Implementation dates

Amendments

Extension notices

Consultation outcomes

The aim is to help companies stay informed as the regulatory position evolves.

Documents Required for Solar Equipment Certification

The exact checklist for documents may differ depending on the product category, the applicant's location, and the type of application. Typical documents might include:

Manufacturer's legal/company details
Manufacturing-unit name and address proof
Manufacturing activity proof
Product technical specification
Product datasheet
Model list
Brand details
Bill of Materials (BOM)
Critical component details
Product photographs
Label artwork
Test reports from the applicable BIS-recognised laboratory
Declaration as applicable
Authorization documents
AIR documents for eligible foreign applicants
Factory information
Existing BIS registration details, where applicable
ALMM-related documents, wherever applicable

The BIS also stipulates that the test report included with a CRS application must satisfy the validity conditions prescribed by it; according to its present online instructions, the report should generally not be older than 90 days when it is submitted online.

Call Today!

WhatsApp Now!

Why BOM Control Is Critical for Solar Modules

An item's model number is not the only factor that defines a solar module. Changes in:

Solar cells
Encapsulant
Glass
Backsheet
Junction box
Cables
Connectors
Frame

The manufacturing process can have an effect on whether or not the product is qualified.

The guidance provided by the BIS regarding the implementation of solar technology specifically covers the aspect of series formation and any changes to the BOM, and in cases where applicable, the requirements for retesting are tied to IS/IEC TS 62915.

The BIS has also established an online procedure for updating the Critical Component List for solar PV modules, so that licensees can submit test reports in the case of changes to the BOM even if there is no change to the model number, provided that the relevant scrutiny and conformity requirements are met.

Solar PV Module Compliance Services are especially valuable to manufacturers who are dealing with a number of different models

Benefits of Solar Equipment Certification

Obtaining the applicable certification can help businesses:

Build Market Confidence
Support Market Access
Reduce Regulatory Risk
Support Institutional Projects
Improve Product Credibility
Strengthen Long-Term Compliance

What Will Occur if Compliance Is Ignored?

Failure to comply can result in more than just a technical issue.

Potential consequences can include:

Shipment or market-access delays
Rejection of non-compliant products
Additional testing costs
Project delays
Difficulty participating in applicable projects
Regulatory action
Reputational damage
Costs associated with correcting or replacing non-compliant products

According to the 2025 MNRE order, any breach is subject to punishment under the BIS Act, and the relevant authority has the power to give directions to people who are engaged in manufacturing, importing, distributing, selling, storing, and other related activities.

That is why certification should be planned ahead of commercial dispatch rather than being regarded as an after-sales formality.

Solar Equipment Certification Cost in India

The total cost of Solar Equipment Certification Services is not fixed and may vary depending on the product and certification scope. In general, the certification cost may range from ₹5 lakh to ₹15 lakh per product line, depending on factors such as:

Product category
Applicable Indian Standard
Number of models
Product technology
Number of samples
Laboratory testing requirements
Number of manufacturing locations
Brand scope
Testing duration
Additional requirements
BIS government fees

Laboratory charges and government fees should therefore be based on the actual scope of the product and its application.

A consultant must not state a general figure for certification unless it has first looked at the product.

How Long Does it Take to Obtain Solar Certification?

The timeline is very much based on testing and on the readiness of the application. According to BIS CRS guidance, the usual period taken to grant registration is 2 to 3 months; however, this should not be misunderstood as covering the whole certification process since laboratory testing, document preparation and query resolution take place before or together with application processing.

For planning purposes, the overall timeline may be influenced by:

Product readiness
Laboratory availability
Testing duration
Test-report preparation
Documentation accuracy
BIS scrutiny
Query resolution
Additional testing, if required

A realistic project schedule should therefore be drawn up item by item rather than offering a single universal timeline.

Common Challenges Manufacturers Face

Choosing the Wrong Standard
Old Test Reports
BOM Mismatch
Model Confusion
Manufacturing Address Issues
Foreign Manufacturer Compliance
ALMM Confusion
Regulatory Changes

What Makes UMSPCS the Choice for Solar Equipment Certification?

Solar certification is not just a matter of completing an online form; it also demands coordination among technical specifications, laboratories, manufacturers, and regulatory requirements.

UMSPCS assists companies in treating certification as a structured compliance project, drawing on its experience of 6+ years and support relating to more than 600 product compliance requirements.

Our support includes:

Product applicability assessment
IS code identification
Regulatory requirement mapping
Technical document review
BOM review
Laboratory coordination
Sample-testing support
Test report review
BIS application preparation
Application submission support
Query-response assistance
Model/brand scope guidance
Inclusion and renewal support
ALMM-related compliance guidance where applicable

Post-certification compliance support

Conclusion

The renewable energy sector in India is offering vast opportunities to solar manufacturers, importers, EPC companies and technology firms. At the same time, such opportunities come with a corresponding regulatory responsibility.

It is especially important at the present time to understand the differences between the old and the amended standards, the BIS conformity requirements, product testing, BOM control and MNRE's ALMM framework.

The Goods Order for the Solar Systems, Devices and Components for 2025 has greatly altered the compliance landscape, with revised standards for PV modules and minimum efficiency requirements.

For manufacturers, the aim should not be merely to get the certificate. Rather, it should be to set up a compliance pathway which stays in line with the product, the manufacturing process and the relevant Indian requirements.

What about certifying solar equipment in India?

Connect with UMSPCS today to enrol for Solar Equipment Certification Services and take the next step in gaining access to the solar products market in India. Also get to know more information about Gulf Certification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

It affirms that solar products that are covered comply with the relevant Indian Standards and regulatory requirements.

Certainly, for solar products that are subject to the relevant compulsory certification requirements.

The products covered include PV modules, solar storage batteries, and photovoltaic inverters.

Yes, foreign manufacturers can apply via the prescribed BIS process and may need an AIR.

The standards that apply are determined by the module technology and the existing regulatory requirements.

No, BIS certification and MNRE ALMM are separate rules you need to follow.

The extent of testing will vary depending on the product and the relevant standard and may include aspects relating to safety, performance, and durability.

Ready to get your electronics BIS-registered?

+91 7011067811