Govt announces historic quality control standards for solar water heaters

The order covers both flat plate collectors and evacuated tube solar water heaters, which dominate more than 90 percent of the Indian market. Under the new regulation, all solar water heaters must conform to the relevant Indian standards and bear the BIS standard mark, certifying their quality.

In a groundbreaking move, the Central Government has issued a new Quality Control Order for solar thermal systems, devices, and components under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016. Known as the Solar Thermal Systems, Devices, and Components (Quality Control) Order, 2024, this regulation will take effect 180 days after its publication in the Official Gazette. This initiative is part of the government’s ongoing effort to ensure quality standards in the renewable energy sector, particularly in solar thermal technologies, which are essential for achieving India’s renewable energy goals.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, in consultation with the Solar Thermal Federation of India, drafted standards specifically for evacuated tube solar water heaters, which currently dominate more than 90 percent of the market. The Quality Control Order applies to a wide range of solar thermal products, including solar water heating systems and their related components, except for those manufactured exclusively for export. Manufacturers are required to ensure that their products comply with the Indian Standards outlined in the order. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the designated certifying and enforcing authority responsible for verifying compliance, issuing certifications, and granting licenses under the Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018. Products meeting the prescribed standards will bear the BIS Standard Mark, signifying their conformity to the required quality specifications.

BIS, in collaboration with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), will also conduct market surveillance to ensure compliance. In case of non-compliance, manufacturers or entities may face penalties under Section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016. The government has made it clear that enforcing these standards is critical to improving the overall reliability and performance of solar thermal products in the Indian market.

The schedule attached to the order details specific standards that manufacturers must follow. For instance, solar flat plate collectors must conform to IS 12933 (Part 1 and 2), while glass evacuated tube solar water heating systems must comply with IS 16544: 2016. Storage water tanks associated with these systems are required to meet IS 16542: 2016. The latest versions of these standards, as published by BIS, will automatically apply when updated.

This quality control initiative is a significant step towards enhancing the safety and reliability of solar thermal products in India, a key part of the country’s push towards renewable energy adoption. It aims to boost consumer confidence in solar technologies, which in turn is expected to encourage broader adoption of solar water heaters and other solar thermal devices. The order aligns with India’s commitment to sustainable energy and climate goals.

India is one of the top five markets globally for solar water heaters, with an established sector and an average annual market of around 1 million square meters. However, due to the cost-sensitive nature of the Indian market, many substandard systems were being imported, particularly from neighboring countries. These inferior systems were sold at significantly lower prices than domestically manufactured solar water heaters, leading to a decline in the domestic market and job losses.

The poor quality of these imported systems resulted in short lifespans, often leaving consumers with unreliable products and discouraging future investments in solar water heating technology. As a result, the Solar Thermal Federation of India (STFI) has been advocating since 2019 for the strict enforcement of BIS standards for solar water heaters to protect consumers and restore confidence in the market.

Flat plate collectors already had an existing BIS number, and the addition of standards for evacuated tube systems completes the regulatory framework for solar water heaters. With this new Quality Control Order, India joins a select group of countries with stringent quality standards for solar thermal products. This move is expected to revive consumer trust and drive growth in the market. It also supports the government’s goal of boosting domestic production, creating jobs, and contributing to India’s decarbonisation efforts. The Indian solar water heater market, currently pegged at 140 million square meters, represents a massive potential for reducing carbon emissions by utilising solar energy for heating.

Jaideep N. Malaviya, Secretary General of the Solar Thermal Federation of India, hailed the order as a historic moment for the industry, crediting the government for its proactive stance in boosting domestic production and job creation. “With a market potential of 140 million m², India has a massive opportunity to decarbonise heating using solar energy,” he stated.

The new quality control order marks a pivotal step in promoting sustainability and ensuring that India’s renewable energy goals are met with high-quality, long-lasting solar thermal solutions.