Definition
BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) is the national standards body that certifies solar PV modules, inverters, cables, and balance-of-system equipment to Indian Standards (IS). BIS certification is required for grid-tied solar in India.
Key BIS Standards for Solar
| Standard | Coverage |
|---|---|
| IS 14286 | Crystalline PV modules (=IEC 61215) |
| IS/IEC 61730 | Module safety |
| IS 16221 | Inverter safety (=IEC 62109) |
| IS 16170 | Inverter performance |
| IS 16270 | Stationary BESS |
| IS 694 | PVC cables |
| IS 3043 | Earthing |
| IS 16942 | Lightning protection |
| IS 875 | Wind/snow loads |
| IS 800 | Steel structural |
Key Takeaways
- BIS certifies solar PV equipment to Indian Standards.
- IS 14286 (modules), IS 16221/16170 (inverters) are primary.
- BIS certification is prerequisite for ALMM listing.
- Required for grid-tied solar in India.
- Equivalent to IEC standards in most cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 commonly searched questions about BIS Solar.
What is BIS for solar?
Bureau of Indian Standards — national standards body certifying solar PV equipment per IS standards. Required for grid-tied solar.
Key BIS standards for solar?
IS 14286 (modules, equivalent to IEC 61215). IS 16170 (inverter performance). IS 16221 (inverter safety, equivalent to IEC 62109). IS 694 (PVC cables). IS 3043 (earthing). IS 16942 (lightning protection).
How is BIS different from ALMM?
BIS certifies equipment to IS standards. ALMM is MNRE's approved list (which requires BIS certification plus factory registration and additional verification).
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