MNRE seeks comments to standardise norms for solar equipment

In a bid to standardise norms for solar equipment, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has sought comments from various stakeholders on technical regulation for the sector by September 6, 2016.
Toughening its stand on dumping of poor quality solar equipment, the government had earlier decided to regulate imports of such products under the Bureau of India Standards (BIS) Act.
"In view of enhanced target of 100 GW Solar Power by 2022, the ministry has decided to bring out technical regulation for Solar Photovoltaic Systems/Devices/Components Goods," a senior ministry official told PTI.
This exercise is part of the process of bringing out a Lab Policy for Renewable Energy Sector for Testing, Standardisation and Certification, he said adding that the comments can be provided by September 6, 2016.

Once the standards are inserted in the rules of BIS Act, the importers would have to seek certified test reports of the products under the order. The products would have to meet the standards already in place which will ensure quality imports.
As per the norms of Department of Commerce (Commerce and Industry Ministry), standardisation of all goods and adopting technical regulation is mandatory to maintain quality to protect human health and safety.

The official further said: "These standards will also ensure preventing poor quality of imported goods from entering into Indian market. There has been instances of dumping poor quality solar equipments in the country."

The draft technical regulation for SPV Systems/Devices/Components Goods has been prepared as per relevant BIS Act in consultation with Bureau of Indian Standards.
"Performance, testing and standardisation are essential to ensure quality and reliability of products. Indian Standards (BIS) are available for most of the renewable energy systems. Test facilities have been set up for carrying out performance testing of various renewable energy," the official said.