Overview of BIS Registration for Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules (a-Si, CiGs and CdTe)

BIS Registration for Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules (a-Si, CiGs and CdTe), as earth-based thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules, are made up of extremely thin layers of semiconductor material on substrates like plastic, glass, or metal. They are flexible and lightweight, and are applied mostly in building-integrated photovoltaics and semi-transparent solar glass. For ensuring product performance and safety, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has required BIS Registration of Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic modules for manufacturers under IS 16077:2013 under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).

Requirement for BIS Registration for Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic

Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic panel manufacturers must meet four obligatory requirements in order to be able to apply for a BIS Registration for Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules (a-Si, CiGs and CdTe). Otherwise, they are invalid.

• Manufacturer – A BIS license is always granted to the original manufacturer and never to the trader or importer. Importers can, however, be appointed as an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) on behalf of foreign manufacturers but not in their own name.
• Manufacturing Address – A proper and verifiable factory address is to be provided. Production at many places involves different licences for different plants.
• Product – Various products require different licences. Yet certain models from the same class can be put on the same licence.
• Brand/Trademark – For each brand name or trademark seen on the product, a separate BIS licence is required.

Procedure for Obtaining BIS Registration for Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic 

The BIS Registration for Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules (a-Si, CiGs and CdTe) – IS 16077:2013 differs based on whether the applicant is an Indian manufacturer or a foreign manufacturer. Both procedures involve testing, documentation, and a BIS license sanction.

A) Foreign Manufacturer Procedure

Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) and do the following:

• Appoint an AIR in India.
• Online application on the BIS portal.
• Submit product samples to test in a BIS-accepted testing laboratory.
• Application of the file along with the test report (online/offline).
• Documents are attested and verified by BIS officials.
• A BIS Licence is issued on successful attestation.

Instructions for nomination of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

Foreign firms should appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India for BIS Registration of Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic modules. The AIR will handle communication, documentation, and compliance.

• Clause 1: If the manufacturer has a branch office or liaison office in India, then it is appointed per se as AIR.
• Clause 2: Where there is no office but the proprietor of the mark is present in India for a temporary period, then the proprietor of the trademark is appointed as AIR.
• Clause 3: Where none of these exist, then some other legal entity in India can be designated as AIR.

B) Domestic Manufacturer Process

Indian manufacturers need to go through a relatively simpler process of BIS Registration of Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic modules:

• The online application is submitted on the BIS portal.
• Product samples are tested at a BIS-empanelled testing laboratory.
• The application, along with the test report, is submitted.
• Documents are scrutinized and confirmed by BIS officers.
• A license is issued based on authorization.

Documents Required for BIS Registration for Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic

For BIS Registration for Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules (a-Si, CiGs and CdTe) (IS 16077:2013), the following documents are required:

• Filled BIS application form and CDF/CCL forms.
• Manufacturing unit business licence (in local language + English translation).
• Scope of business of the licence.
• Manufacturer's ISO certificate.
• Marking label and product specification.
• Authorization letter (if the signatory person is not the manufacturing head).
• Trademark certificate and authorization letter (if required).
• Documentary evidence of registration of the company of the Indian Representative (if foreign manufacturers).
• Photo identification of AIR or signatory.
• Product technical specifications or user manual.

Issues for the BIS Registration for Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic

The manufacturer needs to keep the following issues in mind before applying:

• Select only the BIS-approved laboratories with existing accreditation.
• Verify the license of the testing laboratory is active and not suspended.
• Get things ready in the proper way for sending the sample to the laboratory for testing.
• All the documents are to be signed, stamped, and notarized.
• The CDF (Construction Data Form) and CCL (Critical Component List) should be completed correctly.
• Test reports have a validity of 90 days; send the same within 90 days.
• Make all the documents ready in advance before sample testing.
• The BIS approval process will likely take 15–30 days, while sometimes it may take 60 days.

How the Bureau Works for BIS Registration for Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India's national standards organization that ensures the quality, safety, and performance of products. For Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic modules, BIS scrutinizes the application form and all documents attached to it. Bureau verifies the product test reports conducted by BIS-approved testing laboratories and, where necessary, inspects to confirm conformity. Only after it is satisfied that the product meets IS 16077:2013 standards in every way does it grant the registration licence. 

Validity and Renewal for BIS Registration for Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic

A BIS Registration Certificate for Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic panels will be valid for two years from the issuing date. It is advised that the manufacturers renew beforehand to provide any lacuna of legal conformity and market access. Renewal may be obtained for another two years by submitting new documents, such as any change in manufacturing information, product details, or quality certificates, along with renewal charges. Re-registration is necessary since procrastination results in suspension of the licence, and selling or distributing the product in India is prohibited until re-registration. Re-registration of the BIS registration not only keeps a company compliant with the requirements of IS 16077:2013 but also builds consumer confidence, provides ease of doing business, and prevents the brand from possible legal retribution or market restriction. The manufacturers need to plan the renovation process well in advance so as not to be delayed unnecessarily because BIS processing could take a few weeks, depending on the documents provided in completeness. 

Benefits of BIS Registration for Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic

BIS Registration of Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic modules guarantees the following benefits:

• Compliance with Indian performance and safety standards.
• Legally approved sales of the product in the Indian market.
• Better brand image and consumer confidence.
• Facile access to the domestic and international markets.
• Cover from penalty, fine, product recall, or prohibition on the market.
• Better credibility with the government authorities as well as business partners.
• Market superiority over other non-certified manufacturers.
• Assurance of the dependability, safety, and quality of the product to the end-use consumers.
• Better exportability and global recognition.
• Customer loyalty and the reliability of the enterprise in the long term.

BIS Registration for Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules (a-Si, CiGs and CdTe)- (IS 16077:2013) ensures that all the solar modules are at the appropriate levels of safety, performance, and reliability as specified. Both local and foreign companies are expected to adhere to the BIS process, submit necessary documents, and carry out testing. Since India has been witnessing a growing market for renewable energy, BIS certification, apart from ensuring regulatory compliance, also ensures confidence and long-term business for manufacturers.