India launches “star label” for photovoltaic module quality, targeting non-local content

According to the latest announcement issued by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), the Indian government will launch a photovoltaic module quality “star label” program and affix different “star” labels on photovoltaic modules to clearly indicate the quality of the modules. and efficiency registration.

India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy emphasized that this move is within the scope permitted by the WTO framework and is an action taken against companies that do not meet the requirements for “local content of photovoltaic cells and modules.”

According to the relevant scheme, Indian photovoltaic module manufacturers must apply to the Indian Energy Efficiency Bureau to obtain the corresponding label. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency will designate relevant agencies to randomly select samples from the market and send them to laboratories accredited by the Bureau of Indian Standards or the National Accreditation Council for Testing and Calibration Laboratories for testing.

If the initial sample does not meet the requirements, two more samples will be randomly selected from the market for secondary testing; if one sample does not meet the standard after retesting, the product will be deemed not to comply with the BEE standard, and the manufacturer must submit a new application, and components that fail the test are considered unqualified.

Products that pass the test will be divided into grades 1-5 based on different quality and efficiency, corresponding to five specific grade labels. Before registering the applied model, in addition to paying an application fee of 2,000 rupees (approximately US$24), the manufacturer must also pay a deposit of 100,000 rupees (approximately US$1,203) for each model. Small businesses can hold other valid quality certificates. Application for certification certificate is reduced to 25,000 rupees (approximately US$300).

According to analysis, the “star label” policy will increase the overall cost of each module in the Indian market by approximately US$0.0024/watt. However, according to relevant regulations, the Indian government will provide free labels for four-star or five-star registration before December 31, 2025.

The Indian government believes that this move will effectively improve the quality and efficiency of Indian photovoltaic modules. By improving quality and efficiency, Indian photovoltaic power stations will achieve cost reduction and additional issuance, and reduce emissions more. However, India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy MNRE emphasized that this move is within the scope allowed by the WTO framework and is an action taken against companies that do not meet the requirements for “local content of photovoltaic cells and modules.”