MNRE clarifies glass evacuated solar collector tubes fall outside quality control order
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has clarified that Glass Evacuated Solar Collector Tubes are not covered under the Solar Thermal Systems, Devices and Components (Quality Control) Order, 2024.
In an Office Memorandum issued on June 19, 2026, the ministry stated that the Quality Control Order (QCO), notified on October 8, 2024, applies only to specified solar thermal products and does not extend to Glass Evacuated Solar Collector Tubes.
Products covered under QCO
According to MNRE, the QCO applies exclusively to Solar Flat Plate Collectors for Solar Water Heating Systems, All Glass Evacuated Tubes Solar Water Heating Systems, and Storage Water Tanks for All Glass Evacuated Tubes Solar Water Heating Systems.
The ministry’s clarification resolves uncertainty among manufacturers and other stakeholders regarding whether individual Glass Evacuated Solar Collector Tubes fall within the scope of the order.
Industry impact
The clarification is expected to provide regulatory certainty for manufacturers and suppliers of Glass Evacuated Solar Collector Tubes, which are widely used in solar thermal applications.
By excluding the tubes from the scope of the QCO, the ministry has clarified that the mandatory quality control requirements under the order apply only to the specified systems and components notified in October 2024.
Background
MNRE had issued the Solar Thermal Systems, Devices and Components (Quality Control) Order, 2024, to establish minimum quality, performance and safety standards for selected solar thermal products under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) framework.
The ministry has directed stakeholders to take note of the clarification and instructed the National Informatics Centre (NIC) to upload the Office Memorandum on its website for wider dissemination.
Next steps
Manufacturers and industry stakeholders are expected to review the updated scope of the QCO and ensure compliance for product categories covered under the original notification.
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