SOLAR PANEL BIS REGISTRATION

INTRODUCTION

Solar panels are energy-generating devices that capture sunlight and convert it into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. A solar (photovoltaic) panel is made up of multiple solar cells arranged in a grid-like structure, working together to produce clean and renewable power for residential, commercial, and industrial use.

To strengthen quality control and promote domestic manufacturing, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) introduced the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for solar modules and photovoltaic devices. This initiative was aligned with the Approved List of Models & Manufacturers (ALMM) framework to reduce dependence on imports and support India’s self-reliance in the renewable energy sector.

On August 30, 2017, MNRE officially notified mandatory certification requirements for solar photovoltaic products. Under this framework, BIS certification became essential to ensure that solar panels meet Indian Standards related to electrical safety, performance, and long-term durability.

MNRE has also advised financial institutions and funding agencies to prefer BIS-certified solar products while approving or financing solar projects. As a result, BIS certification is no longer just a regulatory formality but a key requirement for manufacturers aiming to build trust, secure funding, and access large-scale solar projects.

Is It Compulsory to Obtain BIS Certification for Solar Panels?

Yes, obtaining BIS certification for solar panels is compulsory in India. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) operates the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) under Scheme II of Schedule II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Under this scheme, notified electronic and electrical products must comply with applicable Indian Standards before being manufactured, imported, sold, or distributed in India.

BIS acts as the national standards body responsible for ensuring product quality, safety, and reliability. Through BIS certification, it is verified that a product meets the prescribed Indian Standards and is safe for end users. Although BIS certification is voluntary for many products, the Central Government has made compliance mandatory for selected categories in the interest of public safety, energy efficiency, and quality assurance.

Solar panels, solar modules, and solar inverters fall under this mandatory compliance framework. In 2019, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) made BIS certification compulsory for manufacturers and importers of solar photovoltaic products. This requirement was introduced to ensure long-term performance, electrical safety, and durability of solar systems installed across residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects in India.

Without a valid BIS CRS registration, solar panels and related products cannot be legally sold, imported, or used in government-approved solar projects. While limited exemptions may apply in specific research or testing scenarios, most commercial manufacturers and importers must obtain BIS certification to remain compliant with Indian regulations.

Documents Required for BIS Certification for Solar Panels in India

To obtain BIS certification for solar panels under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), manufacturers and importers are required to submit a complete set of legal, technical, and compliance-related documents. These documents enable BIS to verify the authenticity of the applicant, manufacturing location, and product conformity with the applicable Indian Standards.

Certificate of Incorporation or valid business registration proof
Copy of existing BIS license or registration, if already obtained for any product
Authorization letter appointing the authorized signatory for BIS application and compliance matters
Product test reports issued by BIS-recognized laboratories confirming compliance with applicable Indian Standards
Affidavit and Indemnity Bond in the prescribed BIS format, duly signed by the authorized signatory and notarized
Factory address proof, manufacturing details, and brand authorization documents (where applicable)
Any additional documents or clarifications requested by BIS during application scrutiny

Procedure to Obtain BIS Certification for Solar Panels

The procedure for obtaining BIS certification for solar panels is designed to ensure that photovoltaic products meet safety, performance, and reliability requirements. The BIS CRS registration process follows a structured and transparent approach, as outlined below:

Step 1: The solar panel is tested at a BIS-recognized laboratory to verify conformity with the applicable Indian Standard.
Step 2: All required documents are prepared, reviewed, and aligned with BIS guidelines to avoid errors or delays.
Step 3: The BIS CRS application is submitted online through the Manak Online portal along with the prescribed government registration fee.
Step 4: BIS reviews the application, documents, and test reports. Upon successful verification, the BIS CRS registration certificate is issued.

After registration, manufacturers and importers are authorized to use the BIS Standard Mark on solar panels. Continuous compliance must be maintained through regular quality control checks and adherence to BIS surveillance requirements.

Benefits of BIS Registration for Solar Panels

BIS registration for solar panels under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) offers multiple legal, commercial, and quality-related benefits. Apart from being a mandatory compliance requirement in India, BIS certification helps manufacturers and importers establish trust, ensure product safety, and expand market opportunities.

Legal Market Access: BIS registration allows solar panels to be legally manufactured, imported, sold, and distributed in the Indian market.
Eligibility for Government Projects: BIS-certified solar panels are mandatory for participation in MNRE-approved and government-backed solar projects.
Quality & Safety Assurance: Certification ensures that solar panels meet Indian Standards for electrical safety, durability, and long-term performance.
Higher Customer Trust: The BIS Standard Mark builds confidence among buyers, EPC contractors, and project developers.
Protection from Product Rejection: BIS-certified products face fewer rejections at customs, inspections, and audits.
Competitive Market Advantage: Certified manufacturers gain an edge over non-compliant competitors and low-quality imports.
Long-Term Business Growth: Compliance with BIS standards supports consistent quality, fewer complaints, and improved brand reputation.

Overall, BIS registration not only fulfills regulatory requirements but also strengthens product reliability, market acceptance, and business sustainability in India’s rapidly growing solar energy sector.

Consequences of Not Obtaining BIS CRS Certification

As per the BIS CRS regulations and Quality Control Orders issued by the Government of India, any product that does not conform to the applicable Indian Standards is strictly prohibited from being manufactured, stored, sold, distributed, or imported in the Indian market. Solar panels and related photovoltaic products fall under mandatory BIS CRS compliance.

Manufacturers and importers who fail to obtain BIS CRS certification may face serious consequences, including rejection of goods at Indian customs, seizure of non-compliant products, monetary penalties, and cancellation of business operations related to the non-certified products. Non-compliance can also lead to legal action under the BIS Act.

Therefore, it is mandatory to complete BIS registration, documentation, product testing through BIS-recognized laboratories, and approval before selling or importing solar panels in India. Obtaining BIS CRS certification ensures uninterrupted business operations and regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

India’s rapid growth in renewable energy has significantly increased the demand for solar panels and photovoltaic systems. With the country achieving major milestones in installed solar capacity ahead of planned targets, quality and safety compliance has become more important than ever.

BIS CRS certification plays a vital role in ensuring that solar panels installed across residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects are safe, durable, and reliable. Certified products help protect consumers, improve system performance, and maintain long-term trust in solar energy solutions.

For manufacturers and importers, obtaining BIS certification is not only a legal requirement but also a strategic step to build credibility, access government and private projects, and contribute to India’s clean energy goals in a compliant and sustainable manner.