BIS ISI Mark Registration for Solar Thermal Systems, Devices and Components

The sun is our best source of energy. Solar Thermal Systems use the sun's heat. They do not make electricity. They heat water or air directly. This is a great way to save money on power bills. Systems like Solar Water Heaters are very popular. Because these systems are so important for saving energy the government wants to ensure they work well. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) handles this. They enforce the ISI Mark Certification Scheme. If you make any part of these systems, like the flat plate collector or the storage tank, you must get the ISI Mark. This mark tells the customer that your product meets the necessary performance and safety rules.

Standards for Solar Thermal Products

Unlike some other products, Solar Thermal Systems are not covered by just one standard. They use a group of different standards. Each part of the system has its own rulebook. You must comply with all of them for a full system certification.

• Solar Water Heating Systems (General): This is covered by a standard that looks at the overall efficiency and design of the whole unit, it checks the full system.
• Solar Water Heaters (Flat Plate Type): Specific performance and construction requirements for the most common type of collector are detailed in its own standard.
• Solar Water Heaters (Evacuated Tube Collector Type - ETC): The rules for the newer, more efficient ETC-based systems are covered by a separate, specific standard.

Even parts sold separately must be certified. These components have standards too:

• Solar Flat Plate Collector: This is the most important part. It needs its own ISI Mark based on how much heat it can collect.
• Solar Storage Tanks: The tanks used to hold the hot water must meet standards for insulation, material quality, and pressure handling.

Read More BIS Scheme X Certificate Registration

In-House Testing Laboratory

For any BIS certification, the in-house testing laboratory is the most critical element. You cannot rely on outside labs forever. You must show the BIS you can test your product all the time. This ensures consistent quality.

Your lab for Solar Thermal Systems must be able to perform both performance tests and durability tests. The key equipment and facilities required are:

• Solar Simulator or Outdoor Test Facility: This is needed to measure the solar collector thermal performance and efficiency
• Pressure Testing Equipment: To check the strength of the storage tank and collector against high water pressure. 
• Flow Meters and Temperature Sensors: Highly accurate instruments are needed to measure water flow rate and temperature changes precisely
• Insulation Measurement Tools: To check the quality of the thermal insulation in the storage tank

The BIS Approval Process.

The BIS process is systematic. You must follow the steps correctly.

1. Application Submission: Apply to the BIS online now through their portal. You submit all your company details. You list the specific solar standard (or standards) for which you need the license.
2. Factory Inspection: This is a crucial step. A BIS officer visits your unit. They check the production facility. They inspect your quality control process. They check your in-house laboratory equipment thoroughly
3. Sample Collection: The officer takes samples of your collector, tank, or the entire system. These samples are sealed. The samples are tested independently by a BIS-recognized external laboratory.
4. Testing and Verification: The external lab tests the samples against all the requirements of the relevant Indian Standard (e.g., thermal performance, pressure resistance)
5. License Grant: If your factory passes the inspection, and the test report is okay, the BIS grants you the license. You can then legally use the ISI Mark on your solar products.

Read More BIS ISI Certificate for Room Heater: IS 302 PART 2 SEC 30

Required Documents 

Your application needs to be backed up by accurate paperwork. Prepare these documents carefully.

• Proof of Factory Location
• Company Registration Proof
• Factory License/Clearance
• In-House Test Report
• Layout and Process
• List of Machinery
• Details of Technical Personnel:

Renewal and Market Surveillance

The ISI Mark license is not given forever. It is valid for one to two years initially. You must renew it regularly. Renewal requires you to show that you have maintained the quality consistently throughout the year.

The BIS conducts Surveillance. They make surprise visits to your factory. They check your records and might take samples from your finished goods stock or from the open market. They check these samples against the relevant IS standards again. This surveillance system ensures that quality does not drop after manufacturers get the initial license. 

Final Words

Securing the BIS ISI Mark for your Solar Thermal Systems is a mandatory step. It is your only legal way to access the growing green energy market. It proves your commitment to making high-quality, reliable, and energy-efficient products.

The detailed requirements for the in-house laboratory the specific performance testing protocols and managing the BIS documentation for multiple standards can be highly complex and technical. Expert regulatory assistance is invaluable here it saves you time and resources

Contact Agile Regulatory today. We specialize in simplifying the complex BIS certification process for renewable energy products. We help you secure your ISI Mark fast, legally, and without any hassle.