The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has published Amendment 1 to the national standard IS 16270:2023, Secondary cells and batteries for solar photovoltaic applications. The standard sets new requirements for secondary cells and batteries used in solar photovoltaic systems, and the amendment must be fully implemented by 8 December 2025 at the latest.

Implementation guidance

Existing licensees:

By 8 December 2025 they must submit third-party test reports for all lead-acid battery models, and a declaration of conformity for other battery types.

New applicants:

- where samples have already been submitted to a laboratory or the test report has been issued, the application may continue under the original standard;

- applications filed between now and 8 December 2025 may be processed under either the original standard or the amendment;

- where the original standard is chosen, the applicant must declare its commitment to implementing the amendment by 8 December 2025;

- after 8 December 2025 all new applications must fully comply with the amendment.

Applications involving a change to the scope of a licence:

- the same rules apply as for new applications;

- only applications filed before the compliance deadline or before 8 December 2025 may be exempt from processing under the amendment.

The amendment is intended to further improve the safety and reliability of solar photovoltaic storage equipment and support higher quality, sustainable growth in the industry.