Schedule a Call Back
India launches Solar Star rating program to boost energy efficiency
Industry News- Oct 23,23
Developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), this initiative will be effective from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025.
The Indian government has launched a Standards and Labelling Program for solar modules, designed to assess their quality and energy efficiency. Developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), this initiative will be effective from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025.
Initially, the program will operate on a voluntary basis for the first two years, with mandatory compliance becoming a requirement afterward. Manufacturers seeking registration are obligated to pay a security fee of Rs 100,000 (~$1,203) for each model. However, small-scale industries can secure registration with a valid certificate and a reduced security fee of Rs 25,000 (~$300). Additionally, an application fee of Rs 2,000 (~$24) must be paid to obtain the label for a specific model. Renewal applications do not incur extra charges.
Solar modules will be rated on a scale from 1 to 5 stars, and manufacturers will pay a labelling fee of Rs 0.02(~$0.00024)/watt to display these stars on each unit. Notably, the government plans to incentivise high-quality modules by waiving labelling fees for 4 and 5-star-rated solar modules until December 31, 2025.
This program holds immense potential for positive environmental impact. By enhancing solar module efficiency by an estimated 2% from current levels, an additional 33 GWh of electricity generation is anticipated annually, according to government estimates. Union Power Minister RK Singh stated that star labelling of solar modules could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30 million tons annually by 2030.
Consumers upgrading from lower-rated modules to higher-rated ones can expect significant benefits. For example, transitioning from a 1-Star to a 2-Star solar module on a typical 10-square-meter roof area is projected to yield approximately 12% additional electricity generation. The gains become even more substantial, ranging from 29% to 35%, when upgrading from a 1-Star module to a 4-Star or 5-Star module, as per government statements.
Under the program, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency or its designated agency will randomly select samples from the market to assess various module batches and models. If samples fail to meet the required standards during the initial assessment, a second check testing will be conducted. If any sample in the second check testing fails to meet the standards, the module will be deemed non-compliant. In such cases, the manufacturer must submit a fresh application with derated effective efficiency for the failed module. Testing will be conducted in laboratories accredited by the Bureau of Indian Standards or the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories.
The government's vision is to promote solar modules that are both high-quality and entirely "Made in India." This comprehensive plan includes policies encouraging domestic manufacturing of solar cells and wafers. The ultimate goal is to achieve solar modules that are 100% domestically produced and of the highest quality. India aims to achieve excellence in solar module manufacturing by gradually eliminating less efficient modules and outdated models from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has emphasised that action will be taken against companies violating domestic content requirement provisions prescribing domestically manufactured solar cells and modules, within the limits permitted by the World Trade Organisation.
Source: Mercom India
Solar Star Rating Program
Energy Efficiency
Solar Modules
Bureau of Energy Efficiency
Quality Standards
Renewable Energy
Environmental Impact
Carbon Emissions
Solar Module Efficiency
Related Stories
Electrical & Electronics
Saatvik Green begins construction for new solar manufacturing plant in Odisha
The facility is being developed on land sub-leased from Tata Steel Special Economic Zone Limited (TSSEZL)
Read moreGears, Motors & Drives
ABB motor achieves 99.13% energy efficiency at steel plant, sets a new record
ABB has achieved a new world record in motor energy efficiency with its 99.13 per cent efficient synchronous motor for an Indian steel plant, cutting energy use and CO? emissions while offering a 3-..
Read moreMachine Tools & Accessories
Sterlite Electric secures orders worth Rs 75 billion in FY25
The secured orders span high-performance conductors, power cables, Optical Ground Wire (OPGW), and specialised EPC services.
Read moreRelated Products
Power Conversion Systems
POWER GENERATION & ENERGY CONSERVATION PRODUCTS
POM Systems & Services Pvt Ltd offers a wide range of
PCS power conversion systems energy storage.
Hot Water Generators
POWER GENERATION & ENERGY CONSERVATION PRODUCTS
Transparent Energy Systems Private Limited offers a wide range of Hot water generators - Aquawarm Superplus.
Scrap Baling Press
POWER GENERATION & ENERGY CONSERVATION PRODUCTS
Fluid Power Machines offers hydraulic scrap baling press. Read more
latest News
Subscribe to iNoW
For Industry News on WhatsApp, Give a Miss Call on: +91 84228 74016
