BIS Notifies Transition to ISIEC 617302023 Standards for Solar PV Modules

BIS Notifies Transition to IS/IEC 61730:2023 for Solar PV

Anonymous
4 min read

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), along with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), under the Solar Systems, Devices and Components Goods Order, 2025, hereby notifies the implementation of the revised standards IS/IEC 61730-1:2023 and IS/IEC 61730-2:2023, superseding IS/IEC 61730-1:2016 and IS/IEC 61730-2:2016 for Solar PV modules.  These standards specify the construction and testing requirements for safety

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), along with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), under the Solar Systems, Devices and Components Goods Order, 2025, hereby notifies the implementation of the revised standards IS/IEC 61730-1:2023 and IS/IEC 61730-2:2023, superseding IS/IEC 61730-1:2016 and IS/IEC 61730-2:2016 for Solar PV modules. 

These standards specify the construction and testing requirements for safety qualification of Solar PV modules. 

Highlight points 

  • Both IS/IEC 61730-1:2016 and IS/IEC 61730-2:2016 shall remain in concurrent operation with IS/IEC 61730-1:2023 and IS/IEC 61730-2:2023 up to 15 February 2027.  
  • After this date, only IS/IEC 61730-1:2023 and IS/IEC 61730-2:2023 shall remain valid, and the 2016 editions will be withdrawn. 

Key Changes 

  • Revision of IS/IEC 61730-1:2016 and IS/IEC 61730-2:2016 to the 2023 editions. 
  • Introduction of updated construction verification requirements under IS/IEC 61730-1:2023. 
  • Revision of test sequences and test requirements under IS/IEC 61730-2:2023. 
  • Classification and test applicability defined for mono facial and bifacial PV modules based on declared BSI values. 
  • Provision for partial testing for models previously tested as per the 2016 editions, subject to prescribed conditions. 
  • Differences between the 2016 and 2023 editions specified in Annex A. 
  • Implementation Guidelines to revise standard from 2016 to 2023.  

Important points for existing licensees 

  • All existing licensees shall implement IS/IEC 61730-1:2023 and IS/IEC 61730-2:2023 till 15th February 2027.  
  • Models tested as per IS/IEC 61730-1:2016 and IS/IEC 61730-2:2016 may be transitioned through partial testing as specified in the BIS guidelines. 
  • For product families with: 

1. Single BOM – transition testing shall be carried out on the representative model only. All tests must be carried out as per 2023 except a few. 

2. Multiple BOMs – Representative model shall be tested as per the condition defined. Additional BOMs shall be addressed through re-testing as per IS/IEC TS 62915:2023, as per the specified condition.      

  • If the OEM wishes to include series model/BOM as per the 2023 standard, it can be done via parallel testing in addition to the transition of main representative model.
  • Applications for implementation of the revised standards shall be submitted online through the Standard Revision/ Amendment/ Essential Requirement module, along with valid test reports issued by BIS-recognized laboratories.
  • Upon successful compliance, BIS will issue confirmation for the applicable model(s).
  • Failure to implement the revised standards within the prescribed timeline will result in action as per the applicable BIS regulations. 

Important points for licensees with approvals as per earlier editions 2016, 

  • Licensees holding approvals as per IS/IEC 61730-1:2004 / IS/IEC 61730-2:2004 or corresponding performance standards are advised to implement the 2023 editions through complete testing.
  • Alternatively, such licensees may first transition to the 2016 editions and subsequently implement the 2023 editions within the concurrent period ending 15 February 2027. 

Important points for new applicants 

  • New models of Solar PV modules shall preferably comply with IS 14286 (Part 1/Sec x), IS/IEC 61730-1:2023 and IS/IEC 61730-2:2023. 
  • Applications under process during the concurrent period may continue as per the 2016 editions. 
  • Fresh applications during the concurrent period may be submitted as per either the 2016 or 2023 editions. 
  • Applicants opting for the 2016 editions shall submit an undertaking confirming implementation of the 2023 editions within the stipulated timeline. 
  • With effect from 16 February 2027, all new license shall be granted only as per the 2023 editions. 

Change in Scope of Licence 

  • Requests for change in scope of licence, including series model inclusion or BOM addition, shall be permitted only after successful implementation of the 2023 standards for the representative model. 
  • During transition, testing for scope expansion may be carried out in parallel; however, BIS shall process approvals sequentially, i.e.: 
  1. Transition to 2023 standards 
  2. Inclusion of series models / BOMs as per 2023 standards 
  • After 15 February 2027, no change in scope shall be permitted without compliance to the revised standards. 

Manufacturers are requested to apply to revision within the timeline defined as per 15th Feb, 2027, all License as per the old scope will be deleted by BIS. 

You can access the official notification issued by the ministry from here: Guidelines for transition to Revised IS/IEC 61730-1 : 2023 and IS/IEC 61730-2:  2023 from IS/IEC 61730-1 : 2016 and IS/IEC 61730-2: 2016  

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