Solar Panel Standards & Labelling Programme

The Indian Government has introduced a Standards & Labelling Programme for solar panels to enable citizens to make informed decisions while purchasing and deploying solar photovoltaic modules, commonly known as solar panels.

Objective

• The program aims to provide consumers with essential information to help them choose efficient solar panels.
• The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has prepared a star labelling scheme for PV (Photovoltaic) modules, which will be effective from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025.
• During this period, there will be no labelling fee.

Empowering Consumers and Promoting Renewable Energy

• The program empowers consumers by allowing them to evaluate the efficiency of different solar panel brands, promoting competition in the market.
• It aligns with the government’s broader goal of increasing the share of renewable energy and reducing the emission intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030.

Voluntary Program with Future Compulsory Implementation

• The program is voluntary for the initial two years, after which it may become compulsory.
• The government encourages module manufacturers to get themselves empanelled under the star labelling program.
• The goal is to promote 100% Made in India Solar PV modules of the highest quality.

Efficiency Improvements and Environmental Impact

• The program focuses on improving the efficiency of Solar PV modules by 2% over existing levels.
• Enhanced efficiency is expected to increase electricity generation by 33GWh/year and offset approximately 27,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
• Upgrading from a 1-Star to a 2-Star solar panel on a typical 10 square-meter roof area could result in around a 12% increase in electricity generation.

Promoting Product Differentiation

• The program seeks to bring product differentiation to a market where solar products are currently commoditized.
• It helps consumers make informed choices by distinguishing between various models of solar panels.
• The initiative aims to ensure that only high-quality, efficient panels receive government endorsement.

Building a Sustainable Solar Industry

• The government’s long-term plan includes manufacturing PV cells and wafers in India to achieve 100% Made in India solar panels.
• The program will evolve over time, removing less efficient panels from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM).
• It emphasizes that India aims for the highest quality in solar panels and product performance.

Existing Labelling Regime

• As of now, 15 appliances are under a mandatory labelling regime, meaning they cannot be sold in the market without the label.
• Additionally, 19 appliances are in the voluntary regime, where market development is ongoing.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2023

Category: India Nation & States Current Affairs