Thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules are an important category of solar technology used for electricity generation in utility-scale, commercial, industrial and other photovoltaic applications. Unlike conventional crystalline-silicon modules, thin-film modules use semiconductor layers deposited onto a substrate, with technologies including amorphous silicon (a-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe), and CIGS<\/strong>.<\/p>\n For manufacturers and importers supplying these products in India, compliance with applicable Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) requirements is an important part of market entry.<\/p>\n The BIS framework for thin-film terrestrial photovoltaic modules is based on the IS 14286 series:2023 \u2013 Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules \u2013 Design Qualification and Type Approval<\/strong>. BIS’s official test-report format identifies separate special-requirement sections for crystalline silicon, thin-film CdTe, thin-film amorphous silicon and thin-film CIGS technologies.<\/p>\n The current BIS Scheme-II page identifies Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules (a-Si, CIGS and CdTe)<\/strong> as a product category under the compulsory-registration framework.<\/p>\n BIS CRS certification\/registration provides the applicable conformity route for notified products covered under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme.<\/p>\n For thin-film terrestrial PV modules, the applicable technical requirements are addressed through the IS 14286 series and the relevant technology-specific section.<\/p>\n The current 2023 series includes:<\/p>\n Therefore, the exact section applicable to a thin-film PV module depends on its photovoltaic technology.<\/p>\n It is important to distinguish the individual sections of the IS 14286 series.<\/p>\n For CdTe-based thin-film modules, the applicable technology-specific standard is:<\/p>\n IS 14286 (Part 1\/Sec 2):2023<\/strong><\/p>\n This is the standard specifically named for thin-film Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) based photovoltaic modules<\/strong>.<\/p>\n For amorphous-silicon thin-film modules, the applicable technology-specific section is:<\/p>\n IS 14286 (Part 1\/Sec 3):2023<\/strong><\/p>\n BIS laboratory listings specifically identify this section as the standard for thin-film amorphous silicon based photovoltaic modules.<\/p>\n For CIGS-based thin-film modules, the applicable section is:<\/p>\n IS 14286 (Part 1\/Sec 4):2023<\/strong><\/p>\n BIS identifies this as the section for thin-film Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)\u2082 based photovoltaic modules.<\/p>\n This distinction is important when selecting a laboratory and preparing a BIS certification application.<\/p>\n Thin-film PV modules are solar modules in which photovoltaic semiconductor material is deposited in thin layers over a suitable substrate.<\/p>\n Common thin-film technologies include:<\/p>\n Amorphous silicon uses a non-crystalline form of silicon as the photovoltaic semiconductor.<\/p>\n CdTe modules use cadmium telluride as the semiconductor material and are widely used in certain utility-scale and commercial PV applications.<\/p>\n CIGS refers to copper indium gallium diselenide\/sulfide-related thin-film photovoltaic technology. BIS’s current standard terminology identifies the technology under Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)\u2082<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The certification requirements should be determined according to the actual technology used in the module.<\/p>\n Thin-film PV modules are electrical products intended for long-term outdoor energy-generation applications. Their performance and safety can be affected by:<\/p>\n BIS testing under the applicable IS 14286 series helps assess the module against the prescribed design-qualification and type-approval requirements.<\/p>\n The BIS framework covers thin-film terrestrial photovoltaic modules using technologies including:<\/p>\n The relevant technology-specific sections are included in the BIS 2023 test-report framework.<\/p>\n The exact testing programme depends on the module technology, construction and applicable standard requirements.<\/p>\n Testing is a major part of demonstrating compliance.<\/p>\n Current BIS LIMS listings show testing facilities for IS 14286 (Part 1\/Sec 2):2023<\/strong>, including laboratories offering testing specifically for thin-film CdTe PV modules.<\/p>\n Testing areas can include:<\/p>\n The exact tests and applicability depend on the relevant section and module technology. Current BIS laboratory listings show many of these tests under the CdTe section.<\/p>\n The module is visually inspected for defects that could affect its safety, construction or performance.<\/p>\n The evaluation can include aspects such as:<\/p>\n The applicable test procedure should be followed for the specific module technology.<\/p>\n Maximum power determination is an important performance evaluation for photovoltaic modules.<\/p>\n The module’s electrical output characteristics are measured under the applicable test conditions to determine the relevant power parameters.<\/p>\n This provides important information regarding the declared performance of the module.<\/p>\n Electrical insulation is evaluated to verify the module’s ability to provide the required electrical separation.<\/p>\n This is particularly important because PV modules operate outdoors and may be exposed to moisture and other environmental conditions.<\/p>\n Photovoltaic module output can vary with temperature.<\/p>\n The applicable testing therefore includes measurement of temperature coefficients so that the module’s electrical characteristics can be evaluated under temperature variations.<\/p>\n Testing can include evaluation of module performance at:<\/p>\n These evaluations help characterize the electrical output of the module under defined conditions.<\/p>\n Solar modules can experience conditions where the available solar irradiance is lower than standard test conditions.<\/p>\n The applicable test evaluates the module’s performance under low-irradiance conditions.<\/p>\n Outdoor exposure testing evaluates the ability of the module to withstand specified environmental exposure.<\/p>\n This can be important for modules intended for long-term outdoor installation.<\/p>\n Hot-spot conditions can occur when part of a photovoltaic module operates differently from the rest of the module.<\/p>\n The applicable test evaluates the module’s ability to withstand specified hot-spot conditions without creating unacceptable safety or performance problems.<\/p>\n Thin-film PV modules are exposed to sunlight for long periods.<\/p>\n UV preconditioning evaluates the module under specified ultraviolet exposure before subsequent testing.<\/p>\n PV modules experience repeated heating and cooling during normal outdoor operation.<\/p>\n Thermal cycling testing evaluates the module’s ability to withstand repeated temperature changes.<\/p>\n Modules installed outdoors can experience both moisture and low-temperature conditions.<\/p>\n Humidity-freeze testing evaluates the module under specified humidity and freezing cycles.<\/p>\n Damp heat testing evaluates module durability under elevated temperature and humidity conditions.<\/p>\n This is an important environmental test for products designed for long-term outdoor operation.<\/p>\n PV modules can experience wind, snow and other mechanical loads depending on the installation environment.<\/p>\n Applicable mechanical testing can include:<\/p>\n Current BIS LIMS listings specifically show static mechanical load and cyclic\/dynamic mechanical load testing under the applicable thin-film module standards.<\/p>\n PV modules installed outdoors may be exposed to hail impact.<\/p>\n The applicable hail test evaluates resistance to specified impact conditions.<\/p>\n Where applicable, bypass-diode performance and thermal behaviour are evaluated as part of the module test programme.<\/p>\n Stabilization testing is included in the applicable IS 14286 testing programme for relevant thin-film PV modules. Current BIS laboratory listings show stabilization as a separately priced test item.<\/p>\n Potential-induced degradation (PID) can affect photovoltaic module performance under certain operating conditions.<\/p>\n Current BIS laboratory listings identify MQT 21 \u2013 Potential Induced Degradation Test<\/strong> as a testing item under IS 14286 (Part 1\/Sec 2):2023.<\/p>\n There is no single fixed laboratory testing cost for every thin-film PV module.<\/p>\n The cost can vary according to:<\/p>\n Current BIS LIMS listings provide examples for IS 14286 (Part 1\/Sec 2):2023<\/strong>. For example, listings currently show complete testing charges of approximately:<\/p>\n These are laboratory charges excluding applicable taxes and should be treated as current examples rather than a fixed BIS fee.<\/p>\n The actual quotation should be obtained from the selected laboratory based on the exact module technology and testing scope.<\/p>\n The laboratory charges for a-Si and CIGS modules can differ from CdTe because they are covered under different technology-specific sections.<\/p>\n Current BIS LIMS records show:<\/p>\n For example, current listings show testing charges around \u20b915.025 lakh<\/strong> for certain a-Si\/CIGS laboratory scopes, although the exact charge depends on the laboratory and test programme.<\/p>\n Therefore, manufacturers should request a technology-specific quotation rather than assuming the same testing charge for all thin-film PV technologies.<\/p>\n The exact documents depend on the applicant and product, but manufacturers\/importers should generally prepare:<\/p>\n Before sending a thin-film PV module for laboratory testing, the following information should be reviewed carefully:<\/p>\n Correct technical information is particularly important because the applicable IS 14286 section depends on the photovoltaic technology.<\/p>\n First, determine whether the module uses:<\/p>\n This determines the relevant technology-specific section of IS 14286:2023.<\/p>\n The appropriate standard section is identified:<\/p>\n The common IS 14286 framework and applicable test procedures are then considered.<\/p>\n The module datasheet, construction, electrical ratings, drawings, components and manufacturing details are reviewed.<\/p>\n A suitable BIS-recognized laboratory with the required scope is selected.<\/p>\n Representative module samples are submitted according to the laboratory’s requirements.<\/p>\n The laboratory conducts the applicable design qualification and type-approval tests.<\/p>\n The laboratory prepares the relevant test report using the applicable BIS test-report format.<\/p>\n The required documents and test report are submitted through the applicable BIS certification\/registration process.<\/p>\n BIS examines the application and supporting documentation.<\/p>\n If BIS requires clarification or additional information, the applicant responds with the necessary documents or explanations.<\/p>\n After successful completion of the applicable requirements, the relevant BIS registration\/certification is granted.<\/p>\n BIS has published an official IS 14286 Series:2023<\/strong> test-report format.<\/p>\n The format provides options for:<\/p>\n This confirms that the 2023 BIS framework provides separate technology-specific testing requirements for crystalline silicon and the different thin-film technologies.<\/p>\n Foreign manufacturers supplying thin-film solar modules to India should also evaluate the applicable BIS requirements.<\/p>\n The certification process can involve coordination among:<\/p>\n The following details should remain consistent:<\/p>\n Any significant mismatch can result in clarification or delay.<\/p>\n Thin-film manufacturers may produce multiple modules with different:<\/p>\n Before testing, the manufacturer should determine which models can be represented together under the applicable BIS requirements and which may require separate consideration.<\/p>\n A proper model-family assessment can help prevent unnecessary testing and documentation problems.<\/p>\n The product label should contain the applicable identification and technical information required under the relevant BIS requirements.<\/p>\n Depending on the applicable requirements, product information can include:<\/p>\n The exact marking requirements should be confirmed before final production labeling.<\/p>\n Manufacturers can face delays because of issues such as:<\/p>\n A technical review before sample submission can help identify these issues.<\/p>\n A professional BIS consultant can assist with:<\/p>\n This can be particularly useful for manufacturers dealing with multiple PV technologies or several module variants.<\/p>\n Qualitance India<\/strong> provides BIS certification consultancy services for manufacturers and importers of solar, electrical, electronic and other regulated products.<\/p>\n For thin-film photovoltaic modules, our support can include:<\/p>\n Our team can help manufacturers organize the certification process according to their specific PV technology and product configuration.<\/p>\n It is the technology-specific section of IS 14286:2023 covering special requirements for testing of thin-film Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) based photovoltaic modules<\/strong>.<\/p>\n No. Section 2 specifically covers CdTe. BIS separately identifies Section 3 for thin-film amorphous silicon and Section 4 for thin-film CIGS.<\/p>\n Thin-film amorphous silicon PV modules are covered by IS 14286 (Part 1\/Sec 3):2023<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Thin-film CIGS modules are covered by IS 14286 (Part 1\/Sec 4):2023<\/strong>.<\/p>\n CdTe-based thin-film modules are covered by IS 14286 (Part 1\/Sec 2):2023<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Yes. BIS’s Scheme-II page identifies Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules covering a-Si, CIGS and CdTe under the applicable compulsory-registration framework.<\/p>\n Testing is an essential part of demonstrating conformity with the applicable requirements.<\/p>\n The cost varies by technology, laboratory and test scope. Current BIS LIMS examples for the CdTe section range from approximately \u20b915 lakh to over \u20b923 lakh excluding taxes.<\/p>\n Not necessarily. Each technology has its own technology-specific section and laboratory scope, so the applicable testing quotation can differ.<\/p>\n Module electrical characteristics and construction form part of the technical assessment. The exact impact depends on the applicable requirements and model configuration.<\/p>\n Testing can include visual inspection, maximum power, insulation, temperature coefficients, STC\/NMOT performance, low irradiance, outdoor exposure, thermal cycling, damp heat, humidity-freeze, mechanical load, hail, stabilization and other applicable tests.<\/p>\n Current BIS LIMS listings include Potential Induced Degradation Test (MQT 21)<\/strong> for the applicable thin-film module testing scope.<\/p>\n Hail testing is included among the tests listed for applicable IS 14286 thin-film PV module testing.<\/p>\n Thermal cycling is included in the applicable test programme for the relevant thin-film PV module standard.<\/p>\n This depends on the technical similarity of the models and the applicable BIS grouping requirements. The model family should be reviewed before testing.<\/p>\n Yes, subject to the applicable BIS requirements and documentation for the foreign manufacturer\/importer structure.<\/p>\n Common documents include manufacturer details, product datasheets, electrical specifications, construction details, drawings, photographs, component information, test reports and application documents.<\/p>\n The manufacturing unit and its address should be correctly identified in the application and supporting documentation.<\/p>\n Yes. Qualitance India provides BIS certification consultancy and testing\/application support for manufacturers and importers of photovoltaic products.<\/p>\n You can start by providing the module datasheet, technology type, model numbers, electrical ratings, construction details, manufacturer information and product photographs. These details can be reviewed to identify the appropriate IS 14286 section and testing route.<\/p>\n If you manufacture or import a-Si, CIGS or CdTe thin-film terrestrial photovoltaic modules<\/strong> for the Indian market, Qualitance India can assist with the applicable BIS certification process.<\/p>\n Our consultancy support includes product classification, applicable-standard verification, technical documentation, laboratory coordination, testing support, BIS application assistance and registration follow-up.<\/p>\n Qualitance India \u2013 BIS Certification Consultancy<\/strong><\/p>\n Phone:<\/strong> +91-9310-615-170 Contact Qualitance India to discuss your thin-film PV module, applicable IS 14286 section, testing requirements and BIS certification process.<\/p>\n BIS compliance is an important requirement for manufacturers and importers of thin-film terrestrial photovoltaic modules supplied in India. The current IS 14286:2023 framework provides technology-specific requirements for different PV technologies.<\/p>\n For CdTe<\/strong>, the applicable section is IS 14286 (Part 1\/Sec 2):2023<\/strong>; for thin-film amorphous silicon<\/strong>, it is IS 14286 (Part 1\/Sec 3):2023<\/strong>; and for CIGS<\/strong>, it is IS 14286 (Part 1\/Sec 4):2023<\/strong>. BIS’s official test-report format and current laboratory listings confirm these separate technology-specific requirements.<\/p>\n Manufacturers can prepare for the BIS process by correctly identifying their PV technology, selecting the applicable standard section, preparing technical documentation, completing laboratory testing and submitting the required application and compliance documents.<\/p>\n With appropriate technical and certification support, manufacturers and importers can organize the BIS certification process for their thin-film photovoltaic modules and address the applicable Indian conformity requirements.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Introduction Thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules are an important category of solar technology used for electricity generation in utility-scale, commercial, industrial and other photovoltaic applications. Unlike conventional crystalline-silicon modules, thin-film modules use semiconductor layers deposited onto a substrate, with technologies including amorphous silicon (a-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe), and CIGS. For manufacturers and importers supplying these products […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3867,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"inline_featured_image":false,"slim_seo":{"title":"BIS CRS Certification for Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules (a-Si, CIGS & CdTe) | IS 14286 Series:2023 | BIS Consultancy - Qualitance India","description":"Introduction Thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules are an important category of solar technology used for electricity generation in utility-scale, commercial, ind"},"_slim_seo_primary_term_category":0,"_slim_seo_primary_term_post_tag":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3866","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3866","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3866"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3866\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3868,"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3866\/revisions\/3868"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3867"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3866"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3866"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3866"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}What Is BIS CRS Certification for Thin-Film PV Modules?<\/h2>\n
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Important Standard Clarification: a-Si, CIGS and CdTe<\/h2>\n
Thin-Film Cadmium Telluride (CdTe)<\/h3>\n
Thin-Film Amorphous Silicon (a-Si)<\/h3>\n
Thin-Film CIGS<\/h3>\n
What Are Thin-Film Photovoltaic Modules?<\/h2>\n
Amorphous Silicon (a-Si)<\/h3>\n
Cadmium Telluride (CdTe)<\/h3>\n
CIGS<\/h3>\n
Why Is BIS Certification Important for Thin-Film Solar Modules?<\/h2>\n
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Scope of BIS Requirements for Thin-Film PV Modules<\/h2>\n
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Testing Requirements for Thin-Film PV Modules<\/h2>\n
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Major Visual Defects and Visual Inspection<\/h2>\n
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Maximum Power Determination<\/h2>\n
Insulation Test<\/h2>\n
Temperature Coefficients<\/h2>\n
Performance at STC and NMOT<\/h2>\n
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Performance at Low Irradiance<\/h2>\n
Outdoor Exposure Testing<\/h2>\n
Hot-Spot Endurance Test<\/h2>\n
UV Preconditioning<\/h2>\n
Thermal Cycling<\/h2>\n
Humidity-Freeze Testing<\/h2>\n
Damp Heat Testing<\/h2>\n
Mechanical Load Testing<\/h2>\n
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Hail Testing<\/h2>\n
Bypass Diode Testing<\/h2>\n
Stabilization Testing<\/h2>\n
Potential-Induced Degradation Testing<\/h2>\n
BIS Testing Cost for Thin-Film PV Modules<\/h2>\n
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Testing Cost for a-Si and CIGS Modules<\/h2>\n
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Documents Required for BIS Certification<\/h2>\n
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Technical Information Needed Before Testing<\/h2>\n
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BIS Certification Process for Thin-Film PV Modules<\/h2>\n
Step 1: Identify the PV Technology<\/h3>\n
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Step 2: Determine the Applicable Standard<\/h3>\n
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Step 3: Technical Document Review<\/h3>\n
Step 4: Laboratory Selection<\/h3>\n
Step 5: Sample Submission<\/h3>\n
Step 6: Testing<\/h3>\n
Step 7: Test Report<\/h3>\n
Step 8: BIS Application<\/h3>\n
Step 9: BIS Scrutiny<\/h3>\n
Step 10: Clarification and Compliance<\/h3>\n
Step 11: Registration\/Approval<\/h3>\n
BIS Test Report Format for IS 14286 Series:2023<\/h2>\n
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BIS Certification for Imported Thin-Film PV Modules<\/h2>\n
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Model and Variant Assessment<\/h2>\n
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Product Marking and Label Requirements<\/h2>\n
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Common Reasons for Delay in Thin-Film PV Certification<\/h2>\n
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Role of a BIS Certification Consultant for Thin-Film PV Modules<\/h2>\n
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Why Choose Qualitance India for BIS Consultancy?<\/h2>\n
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Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
1. What is IS 14286 (Part 1\/Sec 2):2023?<\/h3>\n
2. Does IS 14286 Part 1 Section 2 cover all thin-film PV technologies?<\/h3>\n
3. Which standard applies to a-Si PV modules?<\/h3>\n
4. Which standard applies to CIGS PV modules?<\/h3>\n
5. Which standard applies to CdTe PV modules?<\/h3>\n
6. Are thin-film PV modules covered under BIS compulsory certification?<\/h3>\n
7. Is testing required for BIS certification?<\/h3>\n
8. How much does thin-film PV module testing cost?<\/h3>\n
9. Is the testing cost the same for a-Si, CIGS and CdTe?<\/h3>\n
10. Does module power affect the certification process?<\/h3>\n
11. What tests are performed on thin-film PV modules?<\/h3>\n
12. Is potential-induced degradation testing included?<\/h3>\n
13. Is hail testing required?<\/h3>\n
14. Is thermal cycling testing required?<\/h3>\n
15. Can multiple models be covered under one certification?<\/h3>\n
16. Can an imported thin-film solar module obtain BIS certification?<\/h3>\n
17. What documents are needed for BIS certification?<\/h3>\n
18. Does the manufacturing location matter?<\/h3>\n
19. Can Qualitance India help with a-Si, CIGS and CdTe modules?<\/h3>\n
20. How can I start BIS certification for a thin-film PV module?<\/h3>\n
Get BIS CRS Certification Consultancy for Thin-Film PV Modules<\/h2>\n
\nEmail:<\/strong> info@qualitanceindia.com<\/a>
\nWebsite:<\/strong> https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/<\/a><\/p>\nConclusion<\/h2>\n