BIS Registration (CRS) for
Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic (Pv) Modules (A-Si, Cigs and Cdte) – IS 16077 IS/IEC 61730 -1 IS/IEC 61730 -2 in India

THIN-FILM TERRESTRIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULES (A-SI, CIGS AND CDTE)  – IS 16077 IS/IEC 61730 -1 IS/IEC 61730 -2

Thin-film terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules are a type of solar panel that converts sunlight into electricity by using thin layers of semiconducting materials. Amorphous silicon (a-Si), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), and cadmium telluride are the three main types of thin-film PV modules (CdTe).

Amorphous silicon (a-Si) is a non-crystalline form of silicon that can be deposited in thin layers on many different substrates, including glass, plastic, and metal. A-Si PV modules are relatively cheap to produce and have good low-light performance, but they are less efficient than other PV technologies.

Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) is a thin-film PV technology that converts sunlight into electricity by using layers of copper, indium, gallium, and selenium. CIGS PV modules outperform a-Si in terms of efficiency and can be deposited on flexible substrates, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

Cadmium telluride (CdTe) is a thin-film PV technology that converts sunlight into electricity via a layer of cadmium telluride. CdTe PV modules have lower manufacturing costs than other PV technologies and can achieve high efficiency, but they must be handled and disposed of with caution due to the toxic nature of cadmium.

Thin-film photovoltaic modules have several advantages over traditional silicon photovoltaic modules, including lower manufacturing costs, lighter weight, and the ability to be deposited on a variety of substrates. However, they are typically less efficient than silicon PV modules and may degrade faster over time.

Despite these obstacles, thin-film PV modules have grown in popularity in recent years due to their lower costs and flexibility, and they are increasingly being used in a wide range of applications, including rooftop solar installations, building-integrated PV systems, and utility-scale solar power plants.

In July 2013, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) added several products under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules (a-Si, CiGs and CdTe) was one of them. Under Scheme II of Schedule II, Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules (a-Si, CiGs and CdTe) gets BIS registered and assures that the product is of good quality and safe.

PREREQUISITES FOR OBTAINING BIS REGISTRATION -

Manufacturers - BIS license is issued to the manufacturer. importer or Trader are not eligible to get BIS license. An importer can be an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) of a foreign manufacturer license will be issued to the Manufacturer.

Manufacturing Address – Manufacturer has to mention same address in the application as mentioned in Business License. If a manufacturer has more than one manufacturing location then separate BIS license/Registration is required for each location.

Products - Each product Category/ Indian Standard require BIS Registration number. But if the same product category includes several models or series model, one License / Registration Number can cover all Series models of the same product category or lead model.

Brands / Trademarks – For Every/Each Brand or Trademark require separate BIS Registration Number.

PROCEDURE TO OBTAIN BIS CERTIFICATION OF THIN-FILM TERRESTRIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULES (A-SI, CIGS AND CDTE)  AS PER IS 16077 IS/IEC 61730 -1 IS/IEC 61730 -2

1. Procedure for Domestic Manufacturer :

The BIS registration process generally includes a licensing process and a surveillance process. The steps involved in the licencing procedure are as follows:

1. Manufacturers submit online application in BIS Portal.
2. Product samples will be tested from BIS approved laboratory.
3. Submit an online/offline hardcopy of your application, together with a sample test results.
4. Verification of the report by BIS officials.
5. Issuance of Licence.

1. Procedure for Foreign Manufacturer :

Under the FMCS programme, a foreign manufacturer is given a BIS licence in accordance with the BIS Act of 2016 and the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Rules of 2018.

1. Name an Indian representative who can speak on behalf of an international manufacturer.
2. Submit online application.
3. Get sample tested from BIS approved laboratory.
4. Submit hardcopy of application and the sample test report.
5. Verification of the application by BIS Official.
6. Issuance of Licence.

DIRECTIONS FOR NOMINATION OF AUTHORIZED INDIAN REPRESENTATIVE (AIR) :

It is obligatory for foreign applicants to nominate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for their operations in India to obtain a BIS Bureau of Indian Standards Certificate. Unless they have a local office in India. AIR, as the local representative, is responsible for submitting and managing the certification application and is available to answer query.

Following are the rules to be followed by foreign manufacturers while nominating an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) :

• Case 1 : Foreign Manufacturer have liaison office or branch office in India :
  • That liaison officer will be designated as AIR officer.

• Case 2 : Foreign Manufacturer does not have liaison office or branch office in India :

1. Proprietor or registered user of the brand/trademark appearing on the article is located in India :

• The AIR will be the brand's or trademark's owner.

1. No proprietor /registered user of the brand/trademark appearing on the article, located in India :

• Other entity/Company will become the AIR.

EXPENSES INVOLVED IN OBTAINING BIS CERTIFICATE FOR THIN-FILM TERRESTRIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULES (A-SI, CIGS AND CDTE)  AS PER IS 16077 IS/IEC 61730 -1 IS/IEC 61730 -2 UNDER THE PRODUCT CERTIFICATION (SCHEME-II) OF BIS :

• In the certification process, product testing is the most important stage as it determines whether the quality of the product meets Indian standards.
• For the same purpose, investments in testing facilities are required to install test equipment for internal factory test laboratories.
• Apart from charges mentioned above in the table, we may ask you to pay/reimbursement for a Pre-Visit at your Factory Premises to ensure the conformity of your product as per the relevant Indian Standard & BIS guidelines for its BIS certification.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR BIS REGISTRATION OF THIN-FILM TERRESTRIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULES (A-SI, CIGS AND CDTE)  AS PER IS 16077 IS/IEC 61730 -1 IS/IEC 61730 -2

The list of documents that BIS requires is as follows:

• BIS application form filled by proper procedure.
• Name and address documentation for the factory and the applicant.
• Third-party lab test report in accordance with Indian Standards
• If the Application is signed by an authorised signatory, an authorization letter from the CEO in that person's name is necessary.
• The Indian Agent and Nomination Form information is applicable to overseas or international manufacturers.
• Technical information on the items, including the PCB layout, the schematic diagrams, the user guide, and the critical component list
• Recognition receipt
• Undertaking and Affidavit certified with ID Proof and authorised Native Representative's signature" (in case of the foreign or overseas manufacturer)
• Official Test Results from the BIS Laboratory

• Choose a BIS recognized testing lab and an experienced Service provider.
• When you choose a lab for sample testing, keep in mind that the lab's license should be valid and not suspended.
• All documents must be signed by the manufacturer, brand owner and the Authorized Indian representative.
• In the Design Data Form (CDF) the product detail must be filled in accurately and in the Critical Components List (CCL) the product component information should be correctly.
• The test report is valid for 3 months/90 days. Before that you have to submit to BIS.
• All documents must be prepared before the sample is tested in lab.

ROLE OF ERCS PRIVATE LIMITED IN GETTING YOUR PRODUCT REGISTERED:

• For BIS registration and produce a standard quality product, the manufacturer must ensure that their product must follow the specified Indian Standard Specifications (ISS) which we directly interpret to you from the BIS officials as per the Indian Standards.
• ECRS Private Limited will be your friend, philosopher and guide in the whole process of getting your product certified by the concerned authorities/ departments.

• Scope of work by ECRS Private Limited:

1. Ensuring the conformity of your product as per IS 16077 IS/IEC 61730 -1 IS/IEC 61730 -2:

ERCS Pvt. Ltd. has developed a vast network within the Electronic Industry & various BIS departments to assist for ensuring conformity of the product Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules (a-Si, CiGs and CdTe) according to IS 16077 IS/IEC 61730 -1 IS/IEC 61730 -2.

1. Effective documentation with the awareness of the BIS guidelines:

In order to facilitate the manufacturing industry in obtaining BIS certifications, guidelines have been developed. Our team has the experience of completing over 500 projects and technically competent acquaintances in various Industries.

We are familiar with the Indian Standard Specifications & BIS guidelines and deliver the most suitable interpretation to the Quality Control Personnel so we can do a reliable and effective documentation of your product in accordance with the BIS guidelines.