MNRE SOP: country-coded model numbers for solar PV modules registered with BIS

MNRE now requires solar module model numbers registered with BIS to carry a four-letter suffix showing where the module and its cells were made. Existing registrations must be updated within 180 days.

What changes

1. Model numbers take the form 'Model Number – MMCC': MM is the country where the module is made and CC the country where its cells are made, using ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 codes.
2. One model number cannot cover cells from more than one country; each sourcing configuration needs its own model number.
3. Cells from several makers in the same country can share a model number if they are listed in the approved bill of materials.
4. No fresh testing where the change only separates existing approved cell sources; labs issue supplementary reports on documents.
5. Existing manufacturers have 180 days to update registrations, after which BIS will not process applications without the country code.

Who is affected

Module manufacturers · Cell manufacturers · Importers · Test labs · RE developers

Official MNRE copy not yet found. The issue date (1 Oct 2026) is as reported by SolarQuarter; the 180-day window would end around 30 March 2027.

Sources

• SolarQuarter, 6 Oct 2026

Last checked 22 October 2026. Summary for information; rely on the official gazette text.