Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules – Design Qualification and Type Approval
Strategic Recommendations for Thin-Film Terrestrial PV Modules – IS 16077 & IS/IEC 61730
- Apply for BIS CRS Registration
All thin-film PV modules must be BIS-certified under IS 16077 and IS/IEC 61730 before import, manufacture, or sale in India. - Collaborate with Compliance Experts
Engage ERA Global experts for BIS application filing, design qualification testing, type approval documentation, and assistance in managing export/R&D exemptions. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp – For CRS application, test lab coordination, and regulatory guidance. - Track Notifications & Amendments
Stay updated via ERA Regulatory Newsletter on CRS amendments, BIS standard revisions, and MNRE circulars affecting thin-film PV modules. - Conduct Gap Assessment
Audit PV modules for IS 16077 and IS/IEC 61730 compliance—covering design qualification, construction and type-approval testing, electrical safety, mechanical endurance, and BIS marking readiness.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules (a-Si, CiGs, and CdTe) |
| IS Standard | IS 16077, IS/IEC 61730 (Part 1 & Part 2) |
| Title of IS | Design Qualification and Type Approval; Photovoltaic (PV) Module Safety Qualification Part 1 Requirements for Construction and Part 2 Requirements for Testing |
| Regulation / QCO | Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017 under the BIS Act, 1986 |
| Notified Vide | S.O. 2920(E), dated 5th September 2017 |
| Final Enforcement Date | CRS 2017 → 5th September 2018 (one year after notification) |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure design integrity, electrical safety, and type-approval compliance of thin-film PV modules for reliable solar energy generation in India. The regulation prevents non-compliant or unsafe PV modules from entering the domestic market. |
| Products Covered | Thin-film PV modules of types a-Si, CiGs, and CdTe used in terrestrial solar applications; includes modules of various wattages, sizes, and series. |
| Exemptions | - Products exclusively manufactured for export - Units imported for R&D, testing, or demonstration purposes (to be scrapped/exported later) |
| Industries Impacted | - Thin-film PV module manufacturers and importers - Solar EPC and project developers - Grid-connected/off-grid solar system integrators - Renewable energy distributors and retailers |
| Mandatory Compliance | - Must conform to IS 16077 and IS/IEC 61730 (Part 1 & 2) - BIS CRS registration mandatory prior to manufacture, sale, or import - Each module must bear the BIS Standard Mark and registration number |
| Testing Parameters | - Design qualification testing (thermal cycling, humidity-freeze, mechanical load) - Construction safety assessment (Part 1) - Module testing and type approval (Part 2) - Electrical safety, insulation, and leakage current tests |
| Certification & Enforcement Authority | Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) – certification authority; enforcement assisted by MNRE and local authorities |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Non-compliance may result in registration cancellation, seizure of non-conforming modules, monetary fines, and legal action under the BIS Act, 1986 |
| Conclusion | All thin-film PV modules sold, imported, or manufactured in India must comply with IS 16077 and IS/IEC 61730 (Part 1 & 2) under BIS CRS, ensuring safe, reliable, and standard-compliant solar modules in India. |
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Notification
Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules (a-Si, CiGs, CdTe) were included under the Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017 via S.O. 2920(E), dated 5th September 2017, with enforcement effective from 5th September 2018.
Overview
Thin-film PV modules are solar power generation devices using advanced materials such as amorphous silicon (a-Si), Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CiGs), and Cadmium Telluride (CdTe). IS 16077 ensures these modules meet stringent design qualification and type approval standards, while IS/IEC 61730 (Part 1 & 2) certifies module safety for construction and testing. This prevents substandard or unsafe modules from being installed in Indian solar projects.
Objective & Scope
The BIS CRS framework ensures all thin-film PV modules entering India are tested for design qualification, type approval, and electrical safety, protecting developers, system integrators, and end-users from low-quality or unsafe solar modules, in alignment with MNRE’s renewable energy quality objectives.
Products Covered
- Thin-film PV modules (a-Si, CiGs, CdTe)
- Modules of varying wattages, sizes, and series
- Modules used in grid-connected and off-grid solar applications
Exemptions Provided
- Modules manufactured exclusively for export
- Units imported for demonstration, testing, or R&D (non-commercial use)
Industries Impacted
- Thin-film PV module manufacturers and importers
- Solar EPC companies and project developers
- System integrators for grid-connected/off-grid installations
- Renewable energy distributors and retailers
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
All thin-film PV modules marketed in India must:
- Comply with IS 16077 and IS/IEC 61730 (Part 1 & 2)
- Be tested and certified under BIS CRS
- Carry the prescribed BIS Standard Mark and registration number
Enforcement Timeline
- CRS 2017: Effective 5th September 2018
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
Enforced under the BIS Act, 1986, with field-level monitoring by BIS and MNRE. Violations attract penalties including registration cancellation, seizure of non-conforming modules, fines, and legal action.
Conclusion
Since September 2018, all thin-film PV modules manufactured, imported, or sold in India must comply with IS 16077 and IS/IEC 61730 (Part 1 & 2) under BIS CRS, ensuring design reliability, electrical safety, and type-approved performance for all thin-film solar installations in India.