MNRE Issues Revised Guidelines For Series Approval of SPV Modules

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued revised guidelines for series approval of solar PV modules for conducting testing in test labs for implementation of Solar Photovoltaics Systems, Devices and Component Goods Order 2017.

The guidelines are issued to facilitate labs/manufacturers in the formation of series of products for approval of product family including change in design, materials, etc. for performance testing of SPV Modules in test labs for compulsory registration with BIS for implementation of the Order.

The revised guidelines will now be followed for conducting tests on SPV Modules (crystalline and thin film, including bifacial type) by test labs.

All models which are included in the family typically have common design, construction, parts or assemblies essential to ensure conformity with applicable requirements. Out of the entire range of models intended to be covered under registration, the highest rated model shall be tested to cover the entire range of family. The lab will be required to charge the cost of testing only for the highest rated module and test report can be issued to all such sets of lower wattage and higher wattage modules.

Guidelines for Quantitative Selection of Samples:

A. Design qualification and type approval of crystalline silicon (including bifacial) and Thin Film terrestrial PV modules;

A total of eight modules shall be taken at random from a production batch or batches, in accordance with the procedure given in IEC 60410. All the modules should contain the following clear and indelible marking laminated inside the glass as per IS/IEC 61730-1, clause 11. i. Name, monogram or symbol of the manufacturer, ii. Model number, iii. Unique serial number, iv. Nominal wattage ± 2%, v. Year and country of origin, vi. Brand name if applicable.

B. PV module safety qualification and; requirement for testing;

A total of 7 PV modules (6 normal modules and one laminate) shall be taken for testing. All these modules should fulfil the requirement as stated above.

C. PV module safety qualification and; requirement for construction;

The client should submit all the details of Bill of materials & fabrication etc. in accordance with the related standard. The necessary IS/IEC compliance certificates where available and applicable for the pre-certified bill of material should also be submitted to the laboratory for review.

D. Product or process modifications requiring limited retesting to maintain the certification;

In case of a change in cell technology, modification to encapsulation system, modification to the substrate, modification to frame higher or lower power output (by 10%) in the identical package without a change in size and cell process and modules without a frame the requirement of limited testing for extending the certification to the module family.

E. Fire Test;

For conducting fire test, the requirement of the number of fire tests samples will depend on the size of the PV panel and fire safety class declared by the manufacturer and for this additional 3 nos. modules are required to be submitted to the test lab.

F. Brands;

Different brands are required to be registered separately. However, it is feasible to do so based on a common test report, if the product and the manufacturing location are the same.

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