India Tightens Quality Standards for Solar Water Heaters
India: The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a new directive aimed at improving the quality of solar water heaters in India. In an order dated October 14, 2024, MNRE designated the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as the regulatory authority responsible for certifying and enforcing standards in the manufacturing and sale of solar water heaters. This move is intended to prevent the import of substandard materials used in the production of these systems. Violations by manufacturers or companies will be penalised under the BIS Act of 2016.
The directive, titled "Solar Thermal Systems, Devices and Components (Quality Control) Order 2024," aligns India with other regions such as the European Union and Australia that have similar quality regulations. Karnataka, which accounts for over 42% of the country's solar water heater sales, is expected to be particularly impacted, given the state's mandatory installation of these heaters in urban residential areas. The Indian solar water heater market, valued at nearly INR 700 crore (USD 83 million), is one of the top five globally, driven by growth in both the domestic housing and hospitality sectors. This order covers various types of solar water heaters, including solar flat plate collectors and all-glass evacuated tube systems.
Source: Times of India