IS 14286 is the Indian standard a crystalline silicon solar module must meet before it can be sold in India. This guide is for EPC engineers and procurement teams who write module specifications into a BOQ or tender, and need to know which BIS standard applies to which piece of equipment.
Three numbers get mixed up constantly: IS 14286, IS 16221 and IS 16170. Only one of them is the module type-approval standard. Citing the wrong one in a BOQ is a specification error that a reviewer or DISCOM inspector can reject.
Quick answer. IS 14286 is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) standard for design qualification and type approval of crystalline silicon terrestrial PV modules, India’s adoption of IEC 61215. Under the 2017 Solar PV Compulsory Registration Order, a module also needs IS/IEC 61730 safety testing and a BIS registration number before sale in India.
TL;DR
- IS 14286 (the IEC 61215 equivalent) is the type-approval standard for crystalline silicon modules: mono, poly, PERC, TOPCon, HJT and bifacial.
- IS/IEC 61730 Parts 1 and 2 cover module safety. Thin-film modules are tested to IS 16077 (IEC 61646) instead of IS 14286.
- IS 16221 Parts 1 and 2 are not module standards. They cover the safety of PV power converters (inverters), adopted from IEC 62109.
- IS 16170 Part 1 is the IEC 61853-1 equivalent: module performance and energy rating measurements, not a type-approval test.
- A BIS registration number is model-specific and time-limited, so check it against the BIS portal and ALMM before procurement.
This guide decodes the three standards, maps each to its IEC equivalent, and gives BOQ language you can paste into a specification.
The Regulatory Context: Why BIS Standards Matter
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) runs the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). The Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017, issued by MeitY, brings PV modules, inverters and storage batteries under it.
Definition. BIS registration for solar modules means the model has passed IS 14286 (or IS 16077 for thin film) and IS/IEC 61730 at a BIS-recognised laboratory and holds a registration number (R-number). A module without one cannot legally be manufactured, imported or sold in India. The R-number appears on the label and the manufacturer's certificate.
The same order covers inverters, which is where IS 16221 belongs. BIS Solar Inverter Certification walks through that process, and QBits Energy’s inverter compliance guide covers the 2026 BIS/IEC requirements.
BIS registration has three direct effects on EPC procurement:
- Import clearance: customs asks for BIS registration proof before releasing module shipments.
- ALMM listing: BIS registration is a prerequisite for ALMM List-I. No BIS means no ALMM, and no government-scheme procurement.
- Legal liability: installing unregistered modules exposes the EPC to regulatory penalty.
What is IS 14286? The Module Type-Approval Standard
IS 14286 is India’s adoption of IEC 61215, the design qualification and type approval standard for crystalline silicon terrestrial PV modules. The 2010 edition was the long-standing reference, and BIS has since issued IS 14286 (Part 1/Sec 1):2023 to follow the split IEC 61215-1/-1-1 structure. Check the BIS catalogue for the edition your test report cites.
IS 14286 is a reliability test sequence. It does not cover electrical safety, which is why registration pairs it with IS/IEC 61730.
What IS 14286 Tests
| Test Group | Typical tests (IEC 61215 sequence) | What it evaluates |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | STC power, insulation, wet leakage current | Rated power and insulation integrity |
| Thermal | Thermal cycling (−40°C to +85°C), damp heat (85°C / 85% RH, 1,000 h) | Solder fatigue, delamination, moisture ingress |
| Mechanical | Static mechanical load, hail impact | Structural integrity under wind, snow and hail |
| UV | UV preconditioning | Encapsulant and backsheet stability |
| Diode | Bypass diode thermal test | Hot-spot and diode failure risk |
Field tip. On a datasheet, look for the BIS R-number and the standards it was granted against (IS 14286 and IS/IEC 61730). An IEC 61215 certificate from a foreign lab without an R-number is not enough for Indian procurement.
IS 14286 vs IEC 61215
IS 14286 is harmonised with IEC 61215, so the test sequence is the same. The practical difference is the route: the tests must be run or accepted by a BIS-recognised laboratory, and the result is a BIS registration rather than a private certificate.
What is IS 16221? (It Covers Inverters, Not Modules)
IS 16221 Parts 1 and 2 cover the safety of power converters used in PV power systems, adopted from IEC 62109-1 and IEC 62109-2. Grid-tied inverters are registered against IS 16221 (Part 2) together with IS 16169 (IEC 62116, anti-islanding).
If a module BOQ cites IS 16221, it is a specification error. Move that clause to the inverter line item.
IS 14286 vs IS 16221: When Each Applies
| Criteria | IS 14286 | IS 16221 |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | Crystalline silicon PV modules | PV inverters and power converters |
| IEC equivalent | IEC 61215 | IEC 62109-1 / 62109-2 |
| What it proves | Design qualification and type approval | Electrical safety of the converter |
| Paired with | IS/IEC 61730 (module safety) | IS 16169 (anti-islanding) for grid-tied units |
What is IS 16170? Module Performance and Energy Rating
IS 16170 (Part 1) is India’s adoption of IEC 61853-1: irradiance and temperature performance measurements and power rating for PV modules. It produces the performance matrix that energy-yield software uses, rather than a pass/fail type approval.
It is useful in a technical specification when an owner wants verified low-irradiance and temperature behaviour. It does not replace IS 14286 registration.
IS 14286
Module type approval
c-Si modules, IEC 61215
IS 16221
Inverter safety
Power converters, IEC 62109
IS 16170
Module energy rating
Performance matrix, IEC 61853-1
The BIS Module Certification Decode Framework
The BIS Module Certification Decode Framework is a structured process for verifying that a module specification in a BOQ or procurement document is BIS-compliant and ALMM-eligible. Apply this to every module selection before finalising the BOQ.
Identify Module Technology
Confirm the cell technology: mono c-Si, poly c-Si, PERC, [TOPCon](/blog/abc-solar-modules-explained/), HJT (all require IS 14286 plus IS/IEC 61730). Thin-film (CdTe, CIGS) requires IS 16077. IS 16221 applies to the inverter, not the module. This determines which BIS certificate to verify, see Heaven Green Energy's solar module range for currently available BIS-compliant options across these technologies.
Verify BRN on Module Label
The BIS Registration Number (BRN) must appear on the module label and in the manufacturer's documentation. Cross-reference the BRN against the BIS online product registration portal to confirm validity and expiry date, see QBits Energy's primer on the BIS certification process if you need the underlying mechanics. Registrations are time-limited and must be renewed, so check the validity date.
Check Model-Level Coverage
BIS registration covers specific model numbers, not all products from a manufacturer. Verify that the exact wattage and model number in your BOQ is covered by the BIS certificate. A 540 Wp model and a 545 Wp model from the same manufacturer may have different BRNs.
Confirm ALMM Cross-Reference
Cross-check that the BRN-holding model is listed in the current ALMM Part I. BIS certification and ALMM listing are separate, a module can have BIS certification without being on the ALMM (e.g., it has not filed for ALMM or its factory audit failed).
IEC 61215 and IEC 61730: The International Roots
The Indian module standards are national adoptions of IEC 61215 and IEC 61730. For international projects or when cross-referencing test reports from foreign laboratories, understanding the IEC standards is essential:
- IEC 61215-1:2021 covers design qualification and type approval for crystalline silicon terrestrial PV modules. IS 14286 follows the same test sequence. The TÜV SÜD IEC 61215 certification guide explains the test sequence in accessible detail.
- IEC 61730-1:2016 / IEC 61730-2:2016 covers module safety qualification. IEC 61730-1 defines construction requirements; IEC 61730-2 defines the test procedures. India adopts both as IS/IEC 61730.
The relationship between BIS and IEC certification for Indian procurement:
| Certification | Sufficient for legal sale in India? | Sufficient for ALMM? | Required for international projects? |
|---|---|---|---|
| IEC 61215 + IEC 61730 (international lab) | No, must obtain BIS | No | Yes |
| IS 14286 + IS/IEC 61730 BIS registration (BIS-recognised lab) | Yes | Yes (if ALMM registration filed) | Not always recognised outside India |
| Both IEC and BIS registration | Yes | Yes | Yes (most comprehensive) |
Watch out. IEC 61215 certification from an international laboratory (TÜV Rheinland, UL, Bureau Veritas) is not automatically recognised for BIS registration. The module must be tested at a BIS-recognised laboratory, typically CPRI (Central Power Research Institute), NABL-accredited labs such as MNRE-empanelled institutions, or the manufacturer's own BIS-recognised test facility.
What to Write in a BOQ: Standard Specification Language
For a BOQ specifying Indian market crystalline silicon modules, the standard compliance clause should read:
“Solar PV modules shall be crystalline silicon type (mono-PERC/TOPCon/bifacial as specified) meeting IS 14286 (IEC 61215) and IS/IEC 61730 Parts 1 and 2, with valid BIS product registration (BRN) at the time of procurement. Modules shall additionally be listed in the current ALMM List-I at the time of procurement and dispatch. For DCR-designated projects, modules shall use cells from manufacturers listed in ALMM List-II.”
This specification language protects the EPC against three risks: supplying non-BIS modules (legal risk), supplying BIS-certified but non-ALMM modules (MNRE compliance risk), and supplying non-DCR modules to a DCR tender (contract penalty risk).
Want a BIS-compliant module specification in your BOQ?
Heaven Designs prepares fully compliant BOQs with IS 14286, ALMM, and DCR cross-references verified before submission.
Get the sample pack →For how BIS requirements line up against IEC and UL safety rules, see our comparison of solar module safety standards. If your BOQ specifies bifacial modules, also check the design points in bifacial module design for 2026.
How Heaven Designs Helps
BIS compliance verification and BOQ preparation for Indian solar projects requires tracking multiple standards, registration registers, and monthly-updated lists simultaneously. Most EPC teams miss at least one layer, typically the model-level BIS check or the ALMM cross-reference for specific wattages. Heaven Designs integrates compliance verification into every design deliverable.
- Solar Rooftop Detailed Engineering Design, BOQ with IS 14286 compliance column, BRN verification, and ALMM cross-reference.
- Engineering Documentation India, full compliance documentation pack: BIS certificates, ALMM certificates, test reports.
- Solar Ground Mount Design, utility-scale BOQ with complete module compliance chain documented.
- Electrical CEIG Drawings, CEIG-format SLD and layout drawings cross-referencing BIS-certified equipment.
- Download a sample deliverable, see a compliant BOQ with BIS and ALMM columns filled.
Contact us to get your module specification reviewed for BIS and ALMM compliance. We reply within 1 business day.
FAQ
What is IS 14286?
IS 14286 is the BIS standard for design qualification and type approval of crystalline silicon terrestrial PV modules, India’s adoption of IEC 61215. Together with IS/IEC 61730 for safety, it is the basis for BIS registration under the 2017 Solar PV Compulsory Registration Order.
What is the difference between IS 16221 and IS 14286?
IS 14286 applies to crystalline silicon PV modules and mirrors IEC 61215. IS 16221 (Parts 1 and 2) applies to PV inverters and power converters and mirrors IEC 62109. A module BOQ should cite IS 14286 and IS/IEC 61730; the inverter line item should cite IS 16221 and IS 16169.
Where can I get the IS 14286 standard PDF?
Buy or view IS 14286 through the BIS Standards portal (standardsbis.bis.gov.in), the official source. Free PDFs on third-party sites are often old editions, so check the edition year against the one named on the manufacturer’s BIS test report before relying on it.
How do I verify that a module has valid BIS registration?
Look for the BIS registration number (R-number) on the module label. Check it on the BIS CRS portal to confirm validity and the covered model numbers. Registration is model-specific, so confirm the exact wattage and model in your BOQ is listed.
Can I use a module with IEC 61215 certification but no BIS registration for an Indian project?
No. IEC 61215 certification from an international laboratory does not substitute for BIS registration in India. The module must be tested at a BIS-recognised laboratory and registered with BIS.
What is IS 16170 and when would a solar project require it?
IS 16170 (Part 1) is India’s adoption of IEC 61853-1, which measures module performance across irradiance and temperature and sets the power rating. It is not a registration requirement on its own. Owners sometimes ask for it in technical specifications to verify low-light and hot-weather behaviour.
Does BIS registration expire and what happens if it lapses?
Yes. BIS registrations are granted for a fixed term and must be renewed.
If a registration lapses, the manufacturer cannot legally sell modules under it. Check the validity date close to the procurement date, not only at bid stage.