What this document is
MNRE’s Solar Systems, Devices and Components Goods Order, 2025 took effect on 27 July 2025. It made IS/IEC 61730-1:2016 and IS/IEC 61730-2:2016 the safety standards for PV modules. Both have since been revised as the 2023 editions.
On 30 December 2025 the BIS Registration Department issued this seven-page guideline (reference Reg/Solar PV Modules) on moving to the 2023 editions. Annex A tabulates the changes and says which ones need testing.
Solar goods come under MNRE’s order, not MeitY’s. MeitY’s CRS FAQs and its series guidelines do not apply to them.
Key dates
- Concurrent running of the 2016 and 2023 editions until 15 February 2027.
- After 15 February 2027: no new licence, change in scope or standard revision for PV modules without IS/IEC 61730-1 and -2:2023. Models still on the 2016 editions are deleted from the licence.
Partial testing
Models already tested to the 2016 editions move over by partial testing, not a full repeat.
| Module type | Tests under IS/IEC 61730-2:2023 |
|---|---|
| Bifacial, declared aBSI above 300 W/m² | Sequences B, B1, C, D, E, F and G with all preceding tests, plus MST 02, MST 24 and MST 04 (if applicable) |
| Monofacial, or bifacial declared at 300 W/m² | Sequences D, F (MST 25 and MST 22 may be omitted) and G with all preceding tests, plus MST 02, MST 24 and MST 04 (if applicable) |
For IS/IEC 61730-1:2023, Annex A lists the checks. They include junction boxes, connectors and frontsheets or backsheets qualified to their own standards, new marking (design load rating, operating temperature, connector details, bifacial and flexible modules) and revised insulation coordination. The laboratory verifies these and records them in the test report.
Existing licensees
Models on IS 14286 (Part 1/Sec x):2023 and IS/IEC 61730:2016
- Test the representative (fully tested) model under the partial testing rules above. Extra BOMs are retested under IS/IEC TS 62915:2023 for the same tests.
- Apply through the Standard Revision/Amendment/Essential Requirement module with the third-party reports.
- BIS issues a letter listing the compliant models.
- New series models or BOMs under the 2023 editions are not allowed until the representative model has moved over. Testing can run in parallel on separate test requests, as the FAQs above explain.
Models still on IS 14286:2010 or IS 16077:2013 and IS/IEC 61730:2004
For licences valid up to 15 February 2027, BIS says it is desirable to go straight to complete testing to IS 14286 (Part 1/Sec x):2023 and the 2023 editions of IS/IEC 61730. Licensees may instead apply with 2016 reports and then make the 2023 transition before concurrent running ends. See the March 2025 module guideline.
New models
BIS prefers new models to meet IS 14286 (Part 1/Sec x):2023 and IS/IEC 61730-1 and -2:2023. A maker may still apply with 2016 reports and move to 2023 before 15 February 2027.
Status
In force for crystalline silicon and thin-film modules. With the deadline about three months away, test requests for the transition should be raised now. Talk to us if you are unsure which sequences your module needs.