SolarISI MarkQCO

BIS Certification for Solar Panels in India: ISI Mark Requirements for 2026

15 December 2025·7 min read

India's solar energy sector is one of the fastest growing in the world, and with that growth has come tightening BIS certification requirements for solar equipment. Solar PV modules and solar inverters (PCUs) are now subject to mandatory QCOs, meaning they cannot be manufactured, imported, or sold in India without valid BIS ISI Mark certification. This guide covers what is required, which IS standards apply, and how to get certified.

Which Solar Products Require BIS Certification?

The following solar energy products are covered under mandatory QCOs:

›Crystalline silicon terrestrial PV modules — IS 14286 : 2022 (QCO in force)
›Thin film PV modules — IS 16077 (relevant parts)
›Solar photovoltaic energy systems — IS 16221 Part 1 and Part 2
›Solar inverters / Power Conditioning Units (PCU) — IS 16221 Part 2 and IS 15959 Part 2
›Solar charge controllers — covered under IS 16221 or relevant part standards
›Solar street light systems — IS 16077 and IS 10322 Part 5 (LED luminaire) in conjunction

Note: The applicable IS and QCO depends on your exact product type, wattage range, and application (grid-tied, off-grid, residential, commercial). Always verify against the current QCO gazette notification before commencing certification.

IS 14286 : 2022 — Solar PV Module Standard

IS 14286 is the primary Indian Standard for crystalline silicon terrestrial PV modules. The 2022 edition aligns with IEC 61215:2021 and IEC 61730:2023 — the international PV module qualification and safety standards. Testing under IS 14286:2022 includes:

›Visual inspection and marking verification
›Maximum power determination (STC and NOCT)
›Temperature coefficients measurement
›Nominal operating cell temperature (NOCT) test
›Thermal cycling test (200 cycles)
›Humidity freeze test (10 cycles)
›Damp heat test (1,000 hours at 85°C/85% RH)
›UV preconditioning test
›Mechanical load test (static and dynamic)
›Hail resistance test
›Bypass diode thermal test
›Dielectric voltage withstand test and wet leakage current test
›Module degradation at STC (max 5% after all stress tests)

Note: PV module testing under IS 14286 is one of the most time-consuming BIS certification processes. The damp heat test alone takes 1,000 hours (approximately 6 weeks). Plan for 6–9 months of lab testing lead time for new modules.

The Certification Process for Solar Manufacturers

For domestic solar panel manufacturers, ISI Mark under Scheme I applies. For overseas manufacturers (primarily China, Malaysia, Vietnam), FMCS is required.

›1. Identify your product category and the applicable IS number(s)
›2. Select a BIS-recognised test laboratory — verify the lab is accredited for IS 14286 or IS 16221 (solar-specific accreditation is required, not just general electrical)
›3. Submit representative samples — typically 6 modules from one production batch for IS 14286 qualification testing
›4. Laboratory conducts full IS 14286 test sequence — typically 4–6 months for module qualification
›5. Submit BIS application with test reports, factory QMS documentation, and technical file
›6. BIS factory inspection (Scheme I: in India; FMCS: overseas at applicant's cost)
›7. BIS issues CM/L licence; manufacturer affixes ISI Mark on all certified modules
›Timeline: 8–14 months for FMCS applicants including lab testing; 6–12 months for Scheme I

ALMM and BIS — Understanding the Two Lists

Many solar manufacturers in India are aware of the ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) maintained by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for government solar procurement. It is important to understand that BIS certification and ALMM listing are separate requirements:

›BIS ISI Mark — mandatory under QCO for all solar PV modules sold or imported in India, regardless of application (government or private)
›ALMM listing — required for government-funded solar projects (DISCOMS, SECI, state tenders); not required for private rooftop and commercial installations
›Both certifications are typically pursued simultaneously; BIS test reports can be used to support ALMM applications
›ALMM listing is administered by MNRE — Complyr does not handle ALMM applications, only BIS certification

Foreign Manufacturers Exporting Solar Panels to India

China is the dominant source of solar panels imported into India. Chinese manufacturers and other overseas producers must obtain FMCS certification. Given the laboratory testing timeline for IS 14286 (4–6 months for damp heat and thermal cycling), Chinese manufacturers who have not yet begun the process face a significant runway.

Complyr supports foreign solar PV manufacturers through the entire FMCS process, including AIR appointment, lab selection, application filing, and BIS inspection logistics.

›Typical FMCS timeline for solar PV modules: 10–16 months end-to-end
›Typical total cost: ₹4,00,000–₹9,00,000 (lab testing is the largest variable cost)
›Lab testing can be done in India or at mutually recognised overseas labs in some cases — verify with BIS before sending samples abroad

What Happens If You Import Solar Panels Without BIS Certification?

Solar panels imported without a valid BIS ISI Mark will be detained at Indian ports. Customs authorities are actively checking BIS compliance for solar products, particularly following several enforcement actions in 2024 and 2025.

›Customs holds at port of entry
›Products may be re-exported or destroyed at importer's cost
›Fine up to ₹5 lakh under BIS Act, 2016
›Repeat violations result in enhanced scrutiny on future shipments
›SECI and DISCOM tenders will reject bids if panels are not ISI Mark certified

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