Bangkok:The Ministry of Industry has announced stricter regulations on solar panels and related equipment, mandating the use of the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TIS) mark to prevent substandard products from entering the market. This move is aimed at enhancing public safety by ensuring all solar equipment meets the required standards.
According to Thai News Agency, Minister of Industry Varawut Silpa-archa has signed a ministerial regulation that designates solar panels as a controlled product under the Thai Industrial Standard (TIS) 61730 Part 2-2567. This regulation, which is expected to be published in the Royal Gazette this week, requires all solar panels to meet specific safety tests, including heat resistance, circuit breaker functionality, leakage protection, and mechanical strength.
The new regulations mandate that manufacturers, importers, and distributors obtain a TIS license before selling their products. This requirement is part of a broader government initiative to promote solar energy use as a means to reduce electricity costs and support the transition to clean energy. Violators of these regulations face severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
Mr. Pasakorn Chairat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, confirmed that the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) is ready to issue 259 licenses to ensure a sufficient supply of standardized products. Businesses can apply for these licenses through the E-License system, and the public can verify licensed entities through the TISI website.
Furthermore, TISI is preparing to regulate additional standards for components such as DC cables, lithium batteries, and inverters, further enhancing the safety of solar energy systems.