Government Mandates BIS Certification for Solar Water Heaters

Government Mandates BIS Certification for Solar Water Heaters. To enhance product quality and consumer safety, the Government of India has made it mandatory for all solar water heaters, whether manufactured locally or imported, to obtain BIS Certification starting from April 12, 2025. This regulation falls under the Solar Thermal Systems, Devices and Components (Quality Control) Order, 2024. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to promoting clean energy technologies, safeguarding consumer interests, and fostering domestic manufacturing. Let’s understand what this mandate means, why it matters, and how it will impact various stakeholders.
What is BIS Certification?
BIS Certification, granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), is a mark of conformity to specific Indian standards that ensure a product’s quality, safety, and performance. BIS functions under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and is responsible for standardization and quality certification across various sectors in India.
By enforcing BIS Certification for Solar Water Heaters, the government aims to ensure that only high-quality and reliable systems reach consumers. The BIS mark signifies that the product has undergone rigorous testing in approved laboratories and meets the necessary benchmarks for durability, safety, and efficiency.
Government Mandates BIS for Solar Water Heaters: What Does It Mean?
Under the new Quality Control Order (QCO), 2024, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), along with the Solar Thermal Federation of India and BIS, has made it compulsory for every manufacturer, importer, and distributor to ensure that their solar water heaters are BIS certified. This includes:

Flat Plate Collectors (FPC)

Evacuated Tube Collectors (ETC)

Associated Components like storage tanks, glass covers, and piping systems

The Government mandates BIS for Solar Water Heaters to eliminate the influx of cheap, low-quality systems that pose safety risks and deliver poor performance.
Why is BIS Certification for Solar Water Heaters Important?
The solar thermal industry in India has witnessed rapid growth, but this expansion also brought in inconsistent quality across products. Many systems failed to perform adequately or posed safety concerns due to the absence of standard compliance. This move solves several key issues:

Protects Consumer Interests: Certified products are tested for durability, safety, and efficiency. Consumers can be assured of consistent performance.

Standardizes the Market: Uniform quality standards help eliminate substandard and duplicate products, creating a level playing field.

Promotes Energy Efficiency: Efficient solar water heaters reduce reliance on electricity and LPG for heating water, lowering energy bills.

Supports India's Climate Goals: The mandate aligns with India’s renewable energy targets and carbon reduction commitments under the Paris Climate Accord.

Legal Backing and Enforcement Under BIS Act, 2016
The BIS Certification for Solar Water Heaters has been made compulsory under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. Section 29 of the Act clearly outlines penalties for manufacturers or sellers who fail to comply with the standards. These penalties may include fines, cancellation of licenses, and even legal action.
The regulatory framework will be enforced through inspections, testing, and market surveillance conducted by BIS. Only those products with BIS approval will be allowed to be sold, stored, or distributed.
Products Covered Under the Regulation
The mandate covers a wide range of solar water heating systems, including both Flat Plate Collectors (IS 12933 Parts 1-5) and Evacuated Tube Collectors (IS 16544:2016). The latter includes all-glass evacuated tubes, which are popular in domestic applications.
Each product must undergo standard testing, including:

Thermal performance

Mechanical strength

Corrosion resistance

Tank insulation quality

Glass and piping material standards

It’s also important to note that the IS 16543 standard, which covers All Glass Evacuated Solar Collector Tubes, is currently exempted.
Impact on Manufacturers and Importers
The BIS Certification for Solar Water Heaters has significant implications for manufacturers and importers. They must ensure that:

Their production units adhere to Indian standards

Each product batch is tested in BIS-accredited labs

Proper documentation and marking are followed

Smaller manufacturers may find the cost of compliance a hurdle initially. However, the long-term benefits of higher customer trust, improved market positioning, and eligibility for government schemes make it a worthwhile investment.
For foreign manufacturers, the certification acts as a filter to prevent substandard imports, protecting the Indian market and encouraging domestic production.
Impact on Consumers
For end-users, this mandate ensures access to safe, reliable, and efficient solar water heaters. They can now purchase products with more confidence, knowing the systems are tested for quality and performance.
Benefits to consumers include:

Reduced electricity or gas bills

Lower maintenance and repair costs

Improved product life and safety

Availability of performance guarantees

This is especially useful in regions with hard water, high usage, or frequent power cuts, where a dependable solar water heating system is crucial.
Role of Solar Thermal Federation of India and MNRE
The Solar Thermal Federation of India (STFI) played an instrumental role in pushing for this mandate. Their survey revealed that India consistently ranks among the top 10 countries in terms of installed solar thermal capacity, averaging 1.5 million m² of collector area annually.
MNRE, working in collaboration with STFI, finalized the standards and coordinated with BIS to issue the QCO. Their goal is to promote solar thermal technologies in both residential and commercial sectors.
According to STFI, each m² of installed collector area saves approximately 3 kWh of electricity per day for heating water. This reduces strain on the grid and helps utilities meet their Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs).
Challenges in Implementation
While the regulation is promising, it’s not without challenges:

Compliance Costs: Testing and certification can be costly for small-scale units

Awareness: Many regional manufacturers and retailers may not be fully aware of the QCO

Timeframe: Meeting the April 12, 2025 deadline might be tight for some stakeholders

Government bodies are expected to provide hand-holding support, workshops, and digital infrastructure to smooth the transition.
Karnataka’s Leadership and State-Level Insights
Karnataka leads India in solar water heater installations, contributing over 70% of the country’s total capacity. The success is largely due to state policies that made solar water heating mandatory for building approvals.
This BIS mandate can help replicate Karnataka’s success across other states. Incentives and subsidies linked to BIS-certified products can boost adoption in semi-urban and rural areas.
Boost to Make in India and Export Potential
The Government mandates BIS for Solar Water Heaters not just for domestic use but also to enhance India’s global manufacturing position. Certified products can now comply with international standards like ISO 9459, opening the door for exports.
This strengthens the Make in India campaign and supports India’s aspiration to be a global manufacturing hub in renewable energy technologies.
Future and Industry Growth
India’s potential for solar water heating remains underutilized. Experts estimate that India has a market potential of 150 million m² of solar collector area. This mandate will bring in:

More formalized market practices

Higher consumer engagement

Better investor confidence in the sector

With a market already worth around Rs.700 crore, growing at 10–15% annually, regulatory support will likely propel growth even further.
Conclusion
The BIS Certification for Solar Water Heaters, mandated by the Government of India through the Quality Control Order, 2024, marks a transformative moment for the solar thermal sector. It assures consumers of product quality, protects against inferior imports, and paves the way for India's clean energy leadership.
By setting minimum quality benchmarks, the government has strengthened the foundation for a more robust, reliable, and standardized solar energy market. As the deadline of April 12, 2025, approaches, all eyes are on how effectively the industry adapts to this change and contributes to India’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
If you have any queries regarding BIS Certification for any products, then you can connect with Compliance Calendar LLP experts through email info@ccoffice.in or Call/Whatsapp at +91 9988424211.
FAQs
Q1. What is BIS Certification for Solar Water Heaters?
Ans. BIS Certification for Solar Water Heaters is a mandatory quality assurance mark issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), ensuring that the solar water heating system meets Indian standards for safety, performance, and durability. It includes tests for thermal efficiency, material safety, corrosion resistance, and insulation.
Q2. Why has the government mandated BIS Certification for Solar Water Heaters?
Ans. The government has mandated BIS certification to eliminate substandard and unsafe solar water heating systems from the market. This move aims to protect consumer interests, promote energy efficiency, ensure consistent product quality, and support India’s clean energy and climate goals.
Q3. From when is BIS Certification mandatory for Solar Water Heaters in India?
Ans. BIS Certification becomes mandatory for all solar water heaters—whether manufactured domestically or imported—starting from April 12, 2025, under the Solar Thermal Systems, Devices and Components (Quality Control) Order, 2024.
Q4. Which types of solar water heaters are covered under this mandate?
Ans. The mandate covers all major types of solar water heaters including:

Flat Plate Collectors (FPC) covered under IS 12933 (Parts 1 to 5)

Evacuated Tube Collectors (ETC) under IS 16544:2016
 Associated components such as inner storage tanks, piping, and outer casing materials are also included. However, IS 16543: All Glass Evacuated Collector Tubes is currently exempted.

Q5. Who needs to comply with this BIS Certification mandate? 
Ans. All manufacturers, importers, distributors, and sellers of solar water heating systems in India are required to comply with this regulation. No solar water heater will be allowed to enter or remain in the Indian market without a valid BIS certification from April 2025 onwards.
Q6. What are the penalties for selling non-BIS certified solar water heaters? 
Ans. Any individual or entity violating the BIS certification mandate may face penalties under Section 29(3) of the BIS Act, 2016. This includes fines, ban on sales, cancellation of license, and even legal action, depending on the severity of non-compliance.
Q7. How will BIS Certification benefit the consumers? 
Ans.  For consumers, BIS Certification ensures:

Access to high-quality and safe solar water heaters

Better system performance and longer life

Reduced electricity or LPG bills

Lower maintenance and higher efficiency

Assurance that the product meets national standards

Q8. Will the cost of BIS Certified Solar Water Heaters increase for buyers? 
Ans. Initially, there may be a slight increase in cost due to testing and compliance requirements. However, in the long run, the standardized production process and increased competition are expected to stabilize or reduce prices while improving product reliability and value for money.

To enhance product quality and consumer safety, the Government of India has made it mandatory for all solar water heaters, whether manufactured locally or imported, to obtain BIS Certification starting from April 12, 2025. This regulation falls under the Solar Thermal Systems, Devices and Components (Quality Control) Order, 2024. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to promoting clean energy technologies, safeguarding consumer interests, and fostering domestic manufacturing. Let’s understand what this mandate means, why it matters, and how it will impact various stakeholders.

What is BIS Certification?

BIS Certification, granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), is a mark of conformity to specific Indian standards that ensure a product’s quality, safety, and performance. BIS functions under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and is responsible for standardization and quality certification across various sectors in India.

By enforcing BIS Certification for Solar Water Heaters, the government aims to ensure that only high-quality and reliable systems reach consumers. The BIS mark signifies that the product has undergone rigorous testing in approved laboratories and meets the necessary benchmarks for durability, safety, and efficiency.

Government Mandates BIS for Solar Water Heaters: What Does It Mean?

Under the new Quality Control Order (QCO), 2024, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), along with the Solar Thermal Federation of India and BIS, has made it compulsory for every manufacturer, importer, and distributor to ensure that their solar water heaters are BIS certified. This includes:

Flat Plate Collectors (FPC)
Evacuated Tube Collectors (ETC)
Associated Components like storage tanks, glass covers, and piping systems

The Government mandates BIS for Solar Water Heaters to eliminate the influx of cheap, low-quality systems that pose safety risks and deliver poor performance.

Why is BIS Certification for Solar Water Heaters Important?

The solar thermal industry in India has witnessed rapid growth, but this expansion also brought in inconsistent quality across products. Many systems failed to perform adequately or posed safety concerns due to the absence of standard compliance. This move solves several key issues:

Protects Consumer Interests: Certified products are tested for durability, safety, and efficiency. Consumers can be assured of consistent performance.
Standardizes the Market: Uniform quality standards help eliminate substandard and duplicate products, creating a level playing field.
Promotes Energy Efficiency: Efficient solar water heaters reduce reliance on electricity and LPG for heating water, lowering energy bills.
Supports India's Climate Goals: The mandate aligns with India’s renewable energy targets and carbon reduction commitments under the Paris Climate Accord.

Legal Backing and Enforcement Under BIS Act, 2016

The BIS Certification for Solar Water Heaters has been made compulsory under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. Section 29 of the Act clearly outlines penalties for manufacturers or sellers who fail to comply with the standards. These penalties may include fines, cancellation of licenses, and even legal action.

The regulatory framework will be enforced through inspections, testing, and market surveillance conducted by BIS. Only those products with BIS approval will be allowed to be sold, stored, or distributed.

Products Covered Under the Regulation

The mandate covers a wide range of solar water heating systems, including both Flat Plate Collectors (IS 12933 Parts 1-5) and Evacuated Tube Collectors (IS 16544:2016). The latter includes all-glass evacuated tubes, which are popular in domestic applications.

Each product must undergo standard testing, including:

Thermal performance
Mechanical strength
Corrosion resistance
Tank insulation quality
Glass and piping material standards

It’s also important to note that the IS 16543 standard, which covers All Glass Evacuated Solar Collector Tubes, is currently exempted.

Impact on Manufacturers and Importers

The BIS Certification for Solar Water Heaters has significant implications for manufacturers and importers. They must ensure that:

Their production units adhere to Indian standards
Each product batch is tested in BIS-accredited labs
Proper documentation and marking are followed

For foreign manufacturers, the certification acts as a filter to prevent substandard imports, protecting the Indian market and encouraging domestic production.

Impact on Consumers

For end-users, this mandate ensures access to safe, reliable, and efficient solar water heaters. They can now purchase products with more confidence, knowing the systems are tested for quality and performance.

Benefits to consumers include:

Reduced electricity or gas bills
Lower maintenance and repair costs
Improved product life and safety
Availability of performance guarantees

This is especially useful in regions with hard water, high usage, or frequent power cuts, where a dependable solar water heating system is crucial.

Role of Solar Thermal Federation of India and MNRE

The Solar Thermal Federation of India (STFI) played an instrumental role in pushing for this mandate. Their survey revealed that India consistently ranks among the top 10 countries in terms of installed solar thermal capacity, averaging 1.5 million m² of collector area annually.

MNRE, working in collaboration with STFI, finalized the standards and coordinated with BIS to issue the QCO. Their goal is to promote solar thermal technologies in both residential and commercial sectors.

According to STFI, each m² of installed collector area saves approximately 3 kWh of electricity per day for heating water. This reduces strain on the grid and helps utilities meet their Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs).

Challenges in Implementation

While the regulation is promising, it’s not without challenges:

Compliance Costs: Testing and certification can be costly for small-scale units
Awareness: Many regional manufacturers and retailers may not be fully aware of the QCO
Timeframe: Meeting the April 12, 2025 deadline might be tight for some stakeholders

Government bodies are expected to provide hand-holding support, workshops, and digital infrastructure to smooth the transition.

Karnataka’s Leadership and State-Level Insights

Karnataka leads India in solar water heater installations, contributing over 70% of the country’s total capacity. The success is largely due to state policies that made solar water heating mandatory for building approvals.

This BIS mandate can help replicate Karnataka’s success across other states. Incentives and subsidies linked to BIS-certified products can boost adoption in semi-urban and rural areas.

Boost to Make in India and Export Potential

The Government mandates BIS for Solar Water Heaters not just for domestic use but also to enhance India’s global manufacturing position. Certified products can now comply with international standards like ISO 9459, opening the door for exports.

This strengthens the Make in India campaign and supports India’s aspiration to be a global manufacturing hub in renewable energy technologies.

Future and Industry Growth

India’s potential for solar water heating remains underutilized. Experts estimate that India has a market potential of 150 million m² of solar collector area. This mandate will bring in:

More formalized market practices
Higher consumer engagement
Better investor confidence in the sector

With a market already worth around Rs.700 crore, growing at 10–15% annually, regulatory support will likely propel growth even further.

Conclusion

The BIS Certification for Solar Water Heaters, mandated by the Government of India through the Quality Control Order, 2024, marks a transformative moment for the solar thermal sector. It assures consumers of product quality, protects against inferior imports, and paves the way for India's clean energy leadership.

By setting minimum quality benchmarks, the government has strengthened the foundation for a more robust, reliable, and standardized solar energy market. As the deadline of April 12, 2025, approaches, all eyes are on how effectively the industry adapts to this change and contributes to India’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

If you have any queries regarding BIS Certification for any products, then you can connect with Compliance Calendar LLP experts through email info@ccoffice.in or Call/Whatsapp at +91 9988424211.

FAQs

Q1. What is BIS Certification for Solar Water Heaters?

Ans. BIS Certification for Solar Water Heaters is a mandatory quality assurance mark issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), ensuring that the solar water heating system meets Indian standards for safety, performance, and durability. It includes tests for thermal efficiency, material safety, corrosion resistance, and insulation.

Q2. Why has the government mandated BIS Certification for Solar Water Heaters?

Ans. The government has mandated BIS certification to eliminate substandard and unsafe solar water heating systems from the market. This move aims to protect consumer interests, promote energy efficiency, ensure consistent product quality, and support India’s clean energy and climate goals.

Q3. From when is BIS Certification mandatory for Solar Water Heaters in India?

Ans. BIS Certification becomes mandatory for all solar water heaters—whether manufactured domestically or imported—starting from April 12, 2025, under the Solar Thermal Systems, Devices and Components (Quality Control) Order, 2024.

Q4. Which types of solar water heaters are covered under this mandate?

Ans. The mandate covers all major types of solar water heaters including:

Flat Plate Collectors (FPC) covered under IS 12933 (Parts 1 to 5)
Evacuated Tube Collectors (ETC) under IS 16544:2016

Associated components such as inner storage tanks, piping, and outer casing materials are also included. However, IS 16543: All Glass Evacuated Collector Tubes is currently exempted.

Q5. Who needs to comply with this BIS Certification mandate?

Ans. All manufacturers, importers, distributors, and sellers of solar water heating systems in India are required to comply with this regulation. No solar water heater will be allowed to enter or remain in the Indian market without a valid BIS certification from April 2025 onwards.

Q6. What are the penalties for selling non-BIS certified solar water heaters?

Ans. Any individual or entity violating the BIS certification mandate may face penalties under Section 29(3) of the BIS Act, 2016. This includes fines, ban on sales, cancellation of license, and even legal action, depending on the severity of non-compliance.

Q7. How will BIS Certification benefit the consumers?

Ans. For consumers, BIS Certification ensures:

Access to high-quality and safe solar water heaters
Better system performance and longer life
Reduced electricity or LPG bills
Lower maintenance and higher efficiency
Assurance that the product meets national standards

Q8. Will the cost of BIS Certified Solar Water Heaters increase for buyers?

Ans. Initially, there may be a slight increase in cost due to testing and compliance requirements. However, in the long run, the standardized production process and increased competition are expected to stabilize or reduce prices while improving product reliability and value for money.