Government unveils star label programme for solar panels

The Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy has introduced a Standards & Labelling Programme for solar modules to simplify the process for individuals to make well-informed choices when buying and installing solar panels. The programme is developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency and will be effective from January 1, 2024 till December 31, 2025, with no labelling fees during this timeframe. The establishment of performance standards will empower customers to gain a clearer understanding of the cost-effectiveness and energy-saving benefits associated with the use of solar panels. The Director General of BEE emphasised that the government anticipates adding a minimum of an additional 200 GW of solar panels, encompassing both ground-mounted and solar rooftop installations, between now and the year 2030. Furthermore, the government stated that the programme will be voluntary for the first two years, and thereafter, it will become mandatory.