Summary:
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## **1. Context**
* Issued by: **Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), Standards & Quality Control Division**.
* Linked to the **Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices, and Component Goods Order 2025**.
* Objective: To define permissible **Nominal Capacity Variation (NCV)** for **solar PV cells and modules** tested in labs under the mandatory BIS certification framework.
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## **2. Applicability**
* Applies to **all manufacturers** of **solar PV cells and modules** seeking BIS registration.
* Based on relevant Indian Standards:
* **IS 14286** (Crystalline silicon terrestrial PV modules – Design qualification)
* **IS/IEC 61215** (Design qualification and type approval)
* **IS/IEC 61730** (PV module safety qualification)
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## **3. Nominal Capacity Variation (NCV) Tolerance**
### (a) **Solar PV Cells**
* Declared **nominal power output (Watt-peak)** by the manufacturer must be within:
* **±2.5% of the rated value** OR
* **±0.15 Wp**, whichever is greater.
### (b) **Solar PV Modules**
* Declared **nominal capacity** must be within:
* **–0% to +5% of the rated value** (i.e., no negative deviation allowed).
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## **4. Testing & Certification**
* Testing agencies must verify that sample results fall within the **NCV tolerance limits**.
* BIS certification and MNRE ALMM listing will consider this NCV compliance mandatory.
* Manufacturers are required to:
* Clearly declare nominal capacity in datasheets & labels.
* Maintain consistency across production batches.
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## **5. Implementation**
* Effective immediately from **29th September 2025**.
* Applies to **new applications for BIS certification** and **renewals**.
* Laboratories must strictly adhere to these NCV limits while issuing test reports.
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## **6. Significance**
* Ensures **transparency** and **consumer protection** by avoiding misleading nominal ratings.
* Aligns Indian certification practice with **international IEC standards**.
* Provides manufacturers with clear benchmarks, reducing ambiguity in testing and certification.
* Supports MNRE’s broader quality assurance framework under the **ALMM & BIS certification regime**.
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