The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has introduced updated guidelines for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules in India. These revised regulations were published on December 19, 2025.

The objective of the changes is to streamline and standardize the series approval process. Manufacturers and testing labs can now clearly delineate product families for performance evaluations. This testing is essential for obtaining BIS registration under the Quality Control Order (QCO) 2025. 

A product family is defined as a collection of solar modules that possess the same design, construction, and key components. Laboratories are no longer obliged to test every module rating; instead, only representative samples from each family need to be evaluated. 

Each series must incorporate at least two modules from the lower-end, median, and higher-end power classes. If a median class is not available, the next higher power class will serve as the median. This approach minimizes time and costs while ensuring the entire wattage range of the family is addressed.

Efficiency and Marking Rules

The guidelines also outline requirements for module efficiency. Both the lowest and highest power modules tested are required to meet basic efficiency benchmarks. The median module may be exempt if it shares the same area as the tested modules. 

Modules with fewer cells can have their efficiency self-declared on the laminate, however, laboratories must still compute and report efficiency on the basis of the module's area and rated power. 

Marking regulations have become more stringent. All modules must include permanent markings laminated within the glass. The necessary information entails: manufacturer name, model number, serial number, wattage, year of manufacture, country of origin, and module efficiency. Thin-film modules are also required to display this information clearly, even if not laminated.

Treatment of Small Modules and Post-Approval Changes

Modules ranging from 0.2 W to 20 W are mostly exempted from these guidelines. Solar lantern modules up to 5 W will still adhere to IS 16476 Part I. BIS is in the process of developing standards for modules between 5-20 W. Any alterations in the Bill of Materials or manufacturing methods post-approval will necessitate retesting in accordance with IS/IEC 62915:2023. The new regulations apply to crystalline, thin-film, and bifacial modules and replace the prior August 2025 guidelines.

The revised MNRE guidelines facilitate the testing and registration process for solar PV modules. Manufacturers and laboratories must adhere fully to guarantee quality, efficiency, and BIS approval.