- The star labelling scheme will empower customers to choose the right solar panels.
- Policies will be introduced for 100% Indian-made panels.
- Less efficient panels will be removed from the approved list.
The Indian Government has recently launched the Standards & Labelling Programme for solar panels, announced by the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R.K. Singh. The programme aims to provide consumers with clear information to make informed decisions when purchasing solar photovoltaic (PV) modules.
The star labelling scheme, prepared by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), will allow consumers to compare the efficiency of different solar panel brands, empowering them to make more informed choices. It is expected to guide consumers in selecting the right solar panels, differentiating products in a market where options currently appear similar.
The initiative seeks to boost consumer awareness of the cost and energy savings associated with solar panels, contributing to the government’s broader objective of increasing renewable energy use and reducing the emission intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030. By 2030, an additional 200 GW of solar panels is anticipated to be installed, both ground-mounted and on rooftops.
The program is set to run from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025. During this period, there will be no labelling fee. It is voluntary for the first two years, with a review after one year to assess industry participation. If necessary, labelling could become compulsory to protect public interest.
Minister Singh also said that policies will be introduced in two years to ensure the domestic manufacturing of PV cells and wafers, eventually aiming for 100% Indian-made panels that meet the highest standards. Less efficient panels will be removed from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM).
Director General of BEE, Abhay Bakre, stated that the Solar PV module efficiency is expected to increase by 2% above current levels, leading to a 33GWh/year increase in electricity generation and offsetting about 27,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually. A progression from 1-Star to 2-Star solar panels on a 10 square-metre roof area could result in a 12% increase in electricity generation, with 4-Star and 5-Star panels potentially offering a 29% – 35% increase compared to 1-Star panels.
Currently, 15 appliances are under a mandatory regime, requiring a label for sale, while 19 appliances are in a voluntary regime, where the market is still developing.
